LOCKWOOD

About Us The pioneer spirit is part of Crary Industries’ DNA. On the Northern Plains, it’s what drives people forward. Reinhold Delzer saw a need for combine attachments to harvest sunflowers and founded Delzer Machine Shop to build those headers and provide machining services to local ag businesses.

In 1979, due to health concerns, the founder sold the business to brothers Chuck and Joe Crary. They had no manufacturing background (Chuck a CPA, Joe a broker and developer) but plenty of pioneer drive. Unafraid to ask for help, they leaned on the community: NDSU mechanical engineering students assisted with design and drafting; Moorhead State students helped with marketing and advertising; SCORE mentors advised on purchasing and management. Manufacturing was set up by Bill Kohler, a retired tool‑and‑die maker whose work ethic and resourcefulness got the plant running.

Humble beginnings Two owners, two employees, a rundown metal building with little heat and no running water—but products customers needed: sunflower and edible‑bean harvesting attachments and anhydrous ammonia (NH3) applicators. Demand grew, the company turned a profit, and operations moved to our current West Fargo site, where a 6,000‑square‑foot building with full utilities was erected. The name changed to Delzer‑Crary Company, and in 1981 to Crary Company.

Growth and diversification To keep growing, we broadened our lineup and customer base: cutting attachments for combines and swathers, high‑pressure fans, plus outdoor power equipment—snowblowers, chipper‑shredders, and composters—launching the Bear Cat brand. We also took on custom jobs such as fireplaces and exercise equipment.

In 1999, after consecutive years of growth, an investment group acquired the company to accelerate M&A. Crary joined TerraMarc Industries, a group of manufacturers focused on potato planting, harvesting, and handling equipment—becoming the North American category leader. Among them was Lockwood (est. 1935). In 2001, the Lockwood product line was moved to West Fargo and Crary’s footprint doubled to 200,000 square feet. Since then, we have solidified our share as one of the two dominant U.S. manufacturers of potato equipment and expanded into new international markets.

Looking ahead In 2005, two potato companies—Mayo Mfg and Harriston Industries—were sold to their employees, paving the way for the sale of Crary to ECHO Incorporated (Lake Zurich, IL) and the creation of Crary Industries. ECHO’s focus on handheld power equipment and strong distribution channels provide a natural complement to Bear Cat. While developing sales channels for power equipment, we continue to build quality products for agriculture and manufacture potato planters and harvesters under the Lockwood brand.

Throughout our history, customer focus, flexibility, and the ability to diversify have fueled continued growth and earned recognition in our community and the markets we serve.