SALEM, Ohio — Founded by Enos Witmer in 1937, Witmer’s Inc. is dedicated to serving farmers, offering agricultural equipment, sales, service and parts.
Witmer’s moved to its present location, at 39821 state Route 14 in Salem, Ohio, in 1947. The company completed a major expansion and remodeling of its facilities in 1997.
Witmer’s sells and services AGCO, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Gleaner, Sunflower, Great Plains, Mustang, Pequea, Woods, Meyer and others. It also offers building construction, serving commercial, agricultural, industrial and suburban markets and featuring Butler and Lester pre-engineered buildings.
New products include Versatile tractors and sprayers and Anderson bale wrappers.
The company president is Nelson Witmer, CEO is Ralph Witmer and secretary/treasurer is Grace W. Styer. They employ 31 full time workers. New employees include Patrick Evans, service technician, and Alan Hinten, truck driver/service technician.
Growth
Nelson Witmer said the company is anticipating growth in both the farm equipment and construction divisions.
“The farm equipment industry continues to change at a rapid pace as new technologies and products are introduced. Our challenge and commitment is to train and equip our staff with the knowledge and tools to aid our customers in keeping pace with the changes ahead,” he said.
“The guidance system technology division will continue to grow as more farms are becoming dependent on guidance systems for their operations.”
The Marcellus shale development will also affect the company, said Witmer.
“Oil and gas development in the area will obviously continue to have a positive impact on the local economy,” he said. “We feel strongly that as companies compete for those dollars customers will choose to do business with the companies that provide quality products, a knowledgeable staff and outstanding service. That is the goal of Witmer’s Inc.”
Future plans
Witmer’s plans to build on its 76-year history of business built on principles of integrity, faith and excellent customer service by focusing on the products and services they have and continuing to get better at delivering them.
“As a fourth generation of family members are interested in joining the business, we will continue to look for opportunities that complement our current businesses and provide opportunity for growth,” said Witmer.
Witmer attributes the success of the company to his father and grandfather.
“As I reflect on our 76th year in business I want to honor my grandfather, Enos, who died in 1996, and my father, Ralph, who will turn 86 this year and is still active in the business. Their uncompromising work ethic and commitment to their faith in all they did is the foundation on which this company is built. The dedication they showed to their families, employees, customers and suppliers has been a great example to me.
“But one of the greatest reason for our success is Dad’s willingness to be forward thinking, embrace change, and take just the right amount of risk. This ability to see opportunity is not only reflected in Witmer’s, Inc., but also in our sister businesses, Das Dutch Haus Restaurant and Shops and the Dutch Cupboard bulk food store.”
Witmer’s Inc. is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. You can reach them by phone at 330-427-2147 or by email at nwitmer@witmersinc.com. Check out the website at www.witmersinc.com.
