Behlen Mfg. Co. announces the purchase of the farm and lawn implements business of HawkLine Nevada, LLC, an affiliate of Carry-On Trailer Corporation in Mt. Orab, Ohio.

HawkLine is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality, rugged, and affordable 3-point equipment. The transaction closed on July 15, 2010.

Behlen Country, a division of Behlen Mfg. Co. in Columbus, Neb., is "excited to offer HawkLine products to their customers," the company said in a statement.

"HawkLine products are well established in the industry and offer added value to customers by combining high quality construction and innovative design at competitive prices. This acquisition will add more than 70 new items to Behlen Country’s existing 3-point product offering, bringing the total to more than 100 products (SKUs).

"These products will be offered in the United States and Canada with manufacturing occurring in Columbus, Nebraska and Huntingdon, Tennessee immediately and Baker City, Oregon coming on line in early 2011. This acquisition will help position Behlen for the rebounding economy, provide more than 40 new jobs, and help to increase market share in the growing 3-point equipment industry."

Tony Raimondo, Jr., president of Behlen Country, added, “Having more than one hundred SKUs of 3-point implements shipping right alongside our more than 3,000 items of farm and ranch equipment will provide an unparalleled product offering for our dealers. Quick shipments, along with mixing and matching this broad array will help Behlen Country dealers provide high quality, competitively priced farm and ranch equipment.”

J. Pearson, President and CEO of Carry-On Trailer Corporation, explained, “We need to put our full focus on growing our trailer, parts, and accessories programs. Behlen is the perfect partner to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and their 3-point product lines.”

Behlen's 10th Acquisition

Behlen Mfg. Co. is a locally owned company established in 1936 and consists of three diverse business units. Behlen Country is the nation’s leading manufacturer of farm & ranch equipment. Behlen Building Systems delivers pre-engineered metal buildings through a nationwide network of builders. International and Diversified Products (IDP) manufactures Grain Systems, Strip Joining Presses, and Custom Fabrication and has exported to more than 70 countries.

HawkLine was purchased in 2006 as an affiliate of Carry-On Trailer Corporation. This acquisition was made to offer Carry-On Trailer’s customers a full line of 3-point equipment. Carry-On Trailer, established in 1996, together with its affiliates operate seven (7) plants in six (6) states with over 1,000 employees.

HawkLine will be the 10th acquisition for Behlen since its return to local ownership in 1984. Prior to HawkLine, Behlen purchased Distefano Tool & Mfg. in Omaha, Nebraska in 2008 as part of the IDP business unit. Distefano fabricates more than 1,000 different metal components for various industries including commercial turf care, agricultural, construction, transportation, medical, and telecommunications.

The 850,000 sq. ft. world headquarters and manufacturing facility of Behlen Mfg. Co. is located in Columbus, Nebraska. Additional U.S. locations include: Baker City, Oregon; Huntingdon, Tennessee; and Omaha, Nebraska.

The Behlen Leadership Team includes Phil Raimondo – CEO and President of Behlen Building Systems; Tony Raimondo, Jr. – Vice Chairman and President of Behlen Country; and Lyle Burbach – President of International and Diversified Products (IDP).

To find out more visit www.behlenmfg.com.