A Central Canada dealer of John Deere equipment was recognized earlier this week for being one of the county's best operated companies, according to a published report.

Western Sales Ltd., a Rosetown, Saskatchewan firm that opened in 1957 and has opened five additional sites, was named on Tuesday as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for last year. The award was bestowed by Deloitte, CIBC, the National Post and the Kingston, Ontario Queen's school of business.

"We're a rural-based company and as far as I know, we're probably from the smallest town ever given the award," Grant McGrath, the company's president and majority owner, told the Star Phoenix. "In being from Saskatchewan in an agricultural-based company, I think it's also a sign of what's being recognized and what’s happening in Saskatchewan and with agriculture."

Criteria required to be named one of Canada's Best Managed companies includes drawing at least $10 million in revenue and achieving business excellence through what award organizers say is a "rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management abilities and practices."

Western Sales employs as many as 115 people and the president said treating employees with decency is a company hallmark.

"We just run a comfortable organization," McGrath said. "Rarely do you ever hear anyone raise their voice. We treat our employees with care."