History
Walter Swanston opened a Dealership in 1953, selling Gehl Farm Equipment from his home, next to the current facility. (Some of the neighbourhood farmers thought it was foolish for a young man to start up a farm equipment dealership, he'd never make it, there was too much competition!) Since then many other lines have been introduced such as "Minneapolis Moline" in 1956 and the "Nuffield" Tractor in 1958.
In 1963 "Kverneland" plows became a major line, with the Dealership selling the most plows in Ontario for a number of years. Through the years many other short lines were added.
1975-1976
Alex Lush (one of the owners) attended a Trade School in Toronto and completed a course in Electronics. After he graduated he worked in Kitchener testing stereos and organs.
In the fall of 1966, Alex began working part time for Walter Swanston, his cousin, on the farm and in the Equipment Dealership. This was supposed to be only for one year while Alex's father was Warden of their County, but he has been there ever since.
1968 saw the Dealership incorporated as "Swanston Farm Equipment Ltd." and Alex became a partner. In the winter of 1969/70 the business moved into a new building. In 1974 the "Zetor" contract was signed along with a number of other lines. In 1979 the Allis Chalmers line was added. This was the company's first agreement with a mainline manufacturer.In 1980 the Allis Chalmers brand of lawn equipment was added.
In 1984 the existing building was added on to. The new addition included the Parts department, Offices and a Showroom. The staff expanded also in 1986, with Linda Lush joining Virena Swanston in the office. 1986 also saw the addition of a "Gehl" Parts Warehouse that presently serves 69 dealers.
Alex and Linda Lush purchased the remaining shares of the business and took over ownership on February 29, 1988.
This business continued to expand with the building of the "Gehl" Warehouse, an addition added on to the existing structure. "Massey Ferguson" was acquired in 1991 and Swanston's became part of the "Farm Fleet" group in 1992 along with adding "Cub Cadet" to their "Allis" Lawn and Garden line. Also in 1992 Swanston's acquired the Massey Ferguson Franchaise. 1994 was the year "Servis-Rhino" Parts and Wholegoods were added to the Warehouse operation for Eastern Canada, serving 28 Dealers and "M&W" was added to the Warehouse in 1995.
2006 Showroom Renovation
Brent Lush, who has been working at Swanston's since 1982, became a partner in 1993. Brent currently is the Service Manager.
Steve Lush joined the business in 1995, a busy year since "Valmet" Tractors were also added. Steve became a partner in 1997. Steve currently is the Sales Manager.
In 1998 Swanston's added several new products aimed at the commercial landscape market. Two of those new products were Grasshopper mowers and MTDPro Turf equipment. At the end of September 1999 Swanstons added the "White" Tractor line to our mix. In December 1999 Swanstons have added the "Branson" compact tractor line. These are economical yet feature packed machines aimed at the weekend/hobby farmer or estate owner. For 2000 Swanstons have added "White Planters" and "New Idea Equipment" to our ag line. In the turf line we added "Derby" mowers by Ferris. Also we became a Karcher Power Washer Dealer.
In March 2001, we were excited to announce that Swanston's carried a line of Cargo ATV's called "Pug" They offer the most complete lineup of CATV's in North America.
In 2002 we added the Gehl compact excavator & track loader to our equipment offering.
In 2003 Swanston Farm Equipment Ltd. is celebrating its 50th year in business. We are also a Sunflower Equipment dealer.
In 2005 we added the Gehl All Wheel Steer product line to our light construction equipment offering and Ferris commercial mowers.
For 2007 we are pleased to add Gehl's Telescopic Handler Line and Ram Rod Skid Loaders to our product offering.
As the years go on, Swanston Farm Equipment continues to grow and change with the times but the hospitable and friendly atmosphere still remains the same.
2007
