John Buhler, founder of Buhler Industries — the manufacturer of Versatile and Farm King brands of ag equipment — passed away on Dec. 21, 2024, at the age of 91.

Buhler had suffered a stroke in recent weeks, according to media reports.

He first purchased Standard Gas Engine Works in Morden, Man., in 1969 and renamed it Farm King Ltd., reports the Winnipeg Free Press.  

According to the paper:

He built up the farm equipment business and consolidated it as Buhler Industries in 1994. The company later added tractor manufacturer Versatile to its portfolio.

In 2007, Buhler sold 80 per cent of his business to Russian corporation Combine Factory Rostselmash Ltd. after receiving a $150 million takeover bid. At the time, Buhler Industries counted 10 manufacturing and eight distribution centres across Canada and the United States. It employed more than 800 people.

Three years ago, Buhler sold the rest of his holding company’s shares to Rostselmash for $12.2 million. (Buhler Industries has since been acquired by a Turkish agricultural equipment company.)

You can read the full obituary here.