Progressive Turf Equipment Inc - Past, Present and Future.
Thirty-two years ago is when the story of Progressive Turf began. A skilled tradesman by the name of Luke Janmaat opened a one-man machine shop called Luke's Machine Shop to provide much needed service to the agricultural community. Perplexed by the design of some of the machinery that was brought to him for repair, Luke found himself spending the bulk of his time on modifications to the machinery to make them more productive and trouble free. Soon, this growing business expanded its services to include manufacturing new agricultural products and the demand for these products extended well beyond his original local customer base as word spread of the company's innovations and quality.The major shift in direction occurred in 1989 when Luke was approached with an idea, an opportunity as well as a challenge. He was asked to design and manufacture a wide cut, multi-deck rotary mower that would meet the requirements of the turf sod producers. Within a year, Luke had not only met the challenge but in doing so, changed the industry with his new technology. This introduction of the first pull behind rotary finishing mower enabled the sod producer to cut a 22 ft. wide swath with each pass, substantially reducing the time previously needed to do the work. The company's new direction was now clear and with it came the name change to Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.
With the instant success of this innovative product, Luke went back to the drawing board and within the next year the company introduced two additional multi-deck tow-behinds for the golf course and professional lawn care mowing markets. These were followed by a line of rear discharge, single deck, 3-point hitch mowers.
The company expanded with several additions to the manufacturing facility adding state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery. As the company grew so did its reputation for reliable, low maintenance, high quality products. This lead to Progressive Turf Equipment being a well recognized brand used by golf courses, sod producers, municipalities for grounds care, sports turf maintenance workers and professional landscapers.
In 1989 the company made the bold decision to begin to market its products outside North America with the establishment of a worldwide network of dealers. Today, Progressive Turf's equipment can be seen in use by municipal workers and on the fairways of some of the most prestigious golf courses in United states, Canada, Denmark, The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, Russia, The Ukraine, Australia, China, Malaysia and ... well just about every country where grass grows!
Progressive Turf, lead by its founder and President, Luke Janmaat, is very involved in the industry through its membership and support of thirteen turf and golf associations. "In the field," Luke and his team work closely with the users of their products by visiting the job sites to learn the likes and dislikes of all brands of equipment and to get advice on features that should be considered on future models. Company management also has the opportunity to meet with their customers when they exhibit at a number of the top industry trade shows such as GIE+EXPO, GCSAA, Carolina's Golf Show and TPI.
The future direction of Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. is a continuation on the path that has lead to the success they enjoy today. They pledge to introduce technologically advanced products that promise customers the most efficient and productive specialized grass cutting equipment available. To showcase past, present and future products, Progressive Turf has an ongoing commitment to recruit the best sales and service dealers for its growing network in United states, Canada and all export markets.
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