History

Beginning in 1920, the ’IMP ‘has symbolized Midland Implement’s distribution and marketing of quality products throughout Montana and Wyoming.

When our state was only 31 years old, our Founders Carl A. Rahn and Ronald Ries, started our company with the same pioneer spirit, strength, and tenacity that embodied that of the early settlers and builders of Montana. Starting first as a small retail and wholesale agricultural equipment establishment in 1920, they quickly realized the value of Billings’ strategic location and supremacy of its transportation capabilities.  Shortly after opening its doors, Midland Implement changed operation to that of a wholesale distributor only.

All of Montana and N. Wyoming became our territory – traveled first by train, and later by car. Our product early offerings included famous names such as: Case cars, Easy washers, Emerson-Brantingham farm implements, and Eskimo freezers.

Carl and Ronald’s faith in Montana and its future was well-founded, both Midland Implement and Montana grew and evolved together.

Throughout the legacy of second generation president, Seabrook Pates, our company matured along with Montana.  The company continued to diversify and expand into many other product categories: Toyota automobiles, New Holland hay equipment, Satoh tractors, Husqvarna power products, Goulds pumps, Rain Bird sprinklers, Toro turf equipment and sprinklers, Zenith electronics, and Frigidaire appliances; just to name a few.

The opportunities of today are welcomed by third generation owners, Gary and Randall Pates. We continue to focus on our core distributor and manufacturer representative businesses – farm equipment, underground irrigation, landscaping products, water well pumps and accessories, and power equipment. Dew-Eze flatbeds, Farm King, H&S hay equipment, Danuser fencing equipment, Goulds Pumps, Grundfos solar well products, Rain Bird, Hunter, and Toro sprinklers, Toro power equipment, and Ryan aerators are several of the key manufacturers we represent.

Today, Midland Implement Company continues to serve more dealers and customers in a larger capacity, with the addition of two branches – Bozeman and Missoula, fully staffed with factory trained personnel to meet the growing demands of today’s ever-changing, economic conditions.  We are proud and pleased to continue to be an active part of Montana’s economy, and to live in a beautiful environment that is the envy of many in the United States.

We are appreciative and grateful for the support and passion of our employees, and also for the business opportunities that have been awarded to us by our many dealers and their customers.

Our company continues to embrace the spirit of our founders, for it provides us all with a legacy of strength, determination, and vision to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our employees have contributed significantly to the reputation we hold for quality service, embracing the highest level of business ethics and dedication to making the difference.

Our employee and management team thanks you for your continuing support and we strive to earn, meet and exceed your expectations in the future.