CLAAS and long-time combine dealer, Butler Machinery Company, will be starting another chapter in a professional journey that has lasted more than 25 years. The joint transition plan laid out by the OEM and current dealer features a “long runway” to ensure that CLAAS customers will receive continuous service and parts support as new CLAAS dealerships are established in the region.
“Our number one priority for CLAAS customers is a smooth transition from one dealer to another. With the plan we have in place, Butler will continue to sell CLAAS equipment through January 31, 2025, and – most important – will continue to provide service and parts support until December 31, 2026,” explained Senior Vice President of CLAAS Americas Region, Eric Raby.
CLAAS and Butler will be jointly hosting a virtual town hall meeting for all CLAAS equipment owners in the area to gather input and answer questions regarding the transition. Time and date of this town hall will be announced in due course.
“While our future growth ambitions do not strategically align, it is great that both sides are able to work together to support customers through the transition,” said Twylah Blotsky, President and CEO of Butler Machinery Company.
“We appreciate the many years of partnership we’ve had with the Butler team and the excellent service they have shown CLAAS equipment owners throughout the Dakotas,” said Raby. “Their decision to continue to serve their CLAAS customers as we work through this transition is a testament to our long-standing relationship.”
CLAAS and Butler Machinery Company began their relationship when the OEM began manufacturing LEXION combines in Omaha branded for Caterpillar Ag in the late 1990s. The partnership helped both companies grow in the Ag market, with a focus on combine sales. Butler later added CLAAS forage harvesters, balers and haytools to their mix.
Moving Forward
CLAAS plans to add new dealers to the area who will offer the full line of CLAAS equipment – including tractors – an important area of growth for the equipment manufacturer. One such dealership is a new company owned CLAAS FARMPOINT location in North Dakota. According to Christoph Tetzlaff, Vice President Dealer & Network Development of CLAAS Americas Region, “The transition starts with CLAAS setting up shop in a temporary facility in the Jamestown area to start offering CLAAS tractor products immediately. On January 1, 2025, we are going to add the remaining product portfolio to our operation. Permanent facilities are currently being identified for the Dakotas.”
“Our sales channel in the Dakotas will look a little different than it does currently. We’ve had a tremendous demand for all our equipment in the region including a wide range of tractors. Our long-term plans will ensure the whole line of products will be available for farmers in the Dakotas.”
According to Tetzlaff, “CLAAS is here for our customers. I am confident this transition will lead to continued coverage and a great CLAAS experience in the future.”
Butler Machinery Company will continue to be strongly committed to the Ag industry and customers with existing OEMs in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana (Sidney), and Minnesota (Clay County).
