Oregon-based Papé Group will buy the business and plans to keep it in Walla Walla.

According to a February 4, 2012, report in the Walla Walla Union Buletin, the owners of Tumac Machinery plan to sell their John Deere agricultural equipment dealership, the last locally owned farm machinery operation of its kind in the community and one of a decreasing number across the country.

Owners have signed a letter of intent with the Eugene, Oregon-based Papé Group in a sale expected to close at the end of this month, said Tumac President Tim Larkin.

Larkin declined to disclose the sale price of the dealership. He said most of the 30 employees will continue under the new ownership, minus a couple of administrative positions, including his own.

Tumac operates two locations based in eastern Washington. One is in Walla Walla, Wash., and one is in Lewiston, Idaho. In addition to John Deere products, Tumac also carries Kubota, MacDon, Stihl, Honda and Husqvarna equipment.