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Date Posted:
March 23, 2007
News Title:
Issue # 9: Dealer Feature: Vahrenberg Implement
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Located just north of Interstate 70 on HWY 13 (Exit 49) in Higginsville, Missouri is an AGCO dealership that has stood the test of time. It was 1946 when the Vahrenberg family acquired a business that would soon turn into an Oliver dealership that still thrives today as one of the top volume dealerships in North America.

Dan Vahrenberg and his brother, Louis, purchased a small concrete block filling station on the main street of town that also housed a small grocery store. Since they were already selling gas, it seemed natural to open a shop at the location to work on the cars and farm equipment that passed by the busy corner. In 1946 they were open from 7AM to 9PM seven days a week.

In 1952 Dan and Louis purchased the Trigg Brothers Oliver dealership. Trigg's were located in downtown Higginsville and were considering retirement when approached by Vahrenbergs. The business was moved to the service station location. Dan's son, Mike began working at the station selling soda and candy bars to the children visiting the neighboring public swimming pool.

By 1965 Mike had served his duty with the US Army and returned to Vahrenberg Brothers with his with Ruth. Selling candy bars was a thing of the past for Mike and he began working in the shop as a mechanic for his dad and uncle.

Within a years time Dan had passed away. Mike continued at the business and when Louis decided to retire in 1968, Mike and Ruth purchased Louis' portion of the business. The other half of the business was still owned by Mike's mother, Lucille Vahrenberg. Since it was no longer a “brother” business, the name was changed to Vahrenberg Implement, Inc.

During the 70's they added Minneapolis-Moline to their equipment lineup as well as Hesston hay tools. With the introduction of the silver line of White tractors, a complete renovation of the dealership was done to keep the look updated with the new White Farm Equipment style. The look was so impressive that White Motors presented Vahrenbergs with the White'n Up award in 1975. This was an image improvement program initiated by White to get dealers to update from the outdated Keystone emblem look to the White Motors look.

Order your copy of Oliver Heritage Issue # 9 today, and be sure to subscribe so that you won't miss any other exciting stories!!!



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