AriensCo. has purchased Thomas Equipment from A-L Parts, allowing AriensCo. to offer a new four-season product line, including mini skid loaders, under the Gravely brand to reach into the rental and construction markets.
Thomas Equipment has been a manufacturer of outdoor equipment for 79 years based in Beechwood, New Brunswick, Canada. Started in 1943 by the Thomas Brothers as an agricultural repair business, Thomas Equipment quickly expanded into manufacturing equipment for agricultural purposes, namely potato harvesting and handling.Thomas Equipment was purchased by A-L Parts in 2013.
AriensCo is partnering with Al Downy and Leon Butterfield, owners of A-L Parts Inc. to launch the production of the Gravely branded Mini Skid Steer line in their Canadian facility.
“We think this is a perfect extension of our Gravely product line,” said Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of AriensCo. “This multitool piece of equipment is great for hardscape work with accessories like a tree auger, stump grinder, pallet forks, etc. It’s a big tool but is small and compact so it can fit through a gate and can be hauled on a trailer with other mowers. We think it will be a great offering for commercial landscapers.”
AriensCo is providing management support for the production ramp.
Five Gravely branded mini skid loaders (three diesel and two gas-powered models) are planned for this fall.
