Baumler expansion
By Rich Holm
Union News Writer
It was two years ago this month that Baumler Implements of West Union celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala open house.
Now brothers Don and Mark Baumler and their families have announced that the business founded in 1961 by their father and uncle, Melvin and Reynold Baumler, has run out of room.
As soon as weather permits in March, a ground- breaking ceremony will be held to begin a $1.6 million expansion project that will greet travelers entering West Union on Hwy. 150 South.
“The community is excited, our customers are excited, our employees are excited, and so are we,” said Mark. “Business is good, and we have run out of room.”
Don Baumler added, “We will be expanding our building to the east toward the highway. We are proud to say all the work is being done locally.”
Presently the New Holland dealership has 16,900 sq. ft. The expansion will more than double that total to 39,000 sq. ft.
The most noticeable change will see a 90’x200’ addition that will move parts and office areas to the front of the building.
Mark said, “We’ve been contemplating this move since December, since the harvest was over. Farming is getting bigger, and so is the machinery.”
The Baumler brothers cited a couple of examples, saying haybines have gone from 9 ft. in size to 15 ft. Field cultivators they sell have gone from 21 ft. to 32 ft.
Don explained, “At the present, we can bring one combine at a time into the shop. When the expansion project is complete, we will be able to fit eight combines into the shop.
“Farmers have a lot of money invested in equipment and are anxious to have them serviced in the fall and put away before winter gets here. Our expansion will allow our service people to get the equipment back faster,” he added.
