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NOW NEWS
Fairchild Equipment and Polaris Partner
Dealer agreement includes Polaris GEM and Pro XD utility task vehicle lines
Fairchild Equipment has signed a dealer agreement with Polaris Inc. to represent Polaris’ GEM and Pro XD utility task vehicle (UTV) lines of commercial vehicles. The two companies share a business strategy to provide customers with a breadth of product without sacrificing quality of service and depth of product knowledge. While Fairchild Equipment has been a trusted Taylor-Dunn distributor for many years, this new agreement expands the dealer’s territory from branches in Green Bay, Marinette and Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to the entire states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota, as well as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Illinois. “We are very excited to partner with Polaris given the breadth of their product portfolio and the value of their name and market presence,” Fairchild Equipment President Van Clarkson states. “It gives us access to products and customers in markets we don’t play in today,” he continues, “and having it cover our entire trade area made sense for both parties. I know our team is excited to start selling products and parts and servicing existing Polaris customers immediately!” “We are proud to have Fairchild Equipment in our dealer network and excited for our customers that they are expanding their offerings to include Polaris GEM and Pro XD vehicles,” says Jamie Juliano, director of sales North America, Polaris Commercial.
ONE-STOP SHOP
“We appreciate that Fairchild Equipment provides customers with a one-stop shop by focusing on customer training, service and postsales support above and beyond the team’s product line knowledge and sales,” Juliano adds. Polaris GEMs are all-electric, streetlegal, low-speed vehicles (LSV’s) designed to move people and goods safely and efficiently across campuses.
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GEM vehicles help reduce fleet operating costs, increase vehicle utilization and reduce the CO2 footprint of a fleet in a real, actionable and affordable way. GEM’s meet the safety classification of LSV’s by offering three-point seat belts, four-wheel brakes, safety glass windshields and backup cameras as standard features, as well as roof crush certification for Rollover Occupant Protection Systems (ROPS). GEM vehicles can be customized to meet specific needs for shuttle service, campus transport, maintenance, repair and operations, construction, technician, delivery, housekeeping, grounds crew, safety and security. The Polaris Pro XD is built to withstand tough worksite conditions and enhance productivity. Pro XD is designed specifically for durability, serviceability and safety. It comes in two- and four-seat and gas and diesel models, offering up
to 2,075 pounds payload and 2,500 pounds towing capacities. Other features include heavy-duty driveline components and up to 200-hour maintenance intervals.
KEVLAR-BACKED SEATS
The vehicles also feature punctureresistant Kevlar-backed vinyl seats, all-new jobsite tires for longer life on hard-packed surfaces, as well as multiple standard safety features like horn, reverse beeper and vehicle fault alarms that notify users of potential issues that could cause serious damage to the vehicle. Backed by 65 years of Polaris innovation, Polaris Commercial offers a comprehensive line of durable, versatile and customizable work vehicle solutions for transporting people and hauling equipment in urban and industrial applications. GEM, Pro XD and Taylor-Dunn vehicles are engineered with the customer’s needs in mind to be dependable, safe and sustainable, and to increase productivity. 22-02 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x4.75).v1.pdf 1 2022-01-10 1:16 PM The dedicated Polaris Commercial team provides customers and dealers with resources and support capabilities designed for all types of organizations. Fairchild Equipment offers its customers an expansive network of locations throughout the Midwest and a diverse line of materials handling equipment brands to provide a holistic approach to solving all operational challenges related to moving, stacking and storing materials. Fairchild Equipment is committed to providing outstanding service and innovative goods and solutions to become a valued business partner for its customers and create customers for life. For more information about GEM and Pro XD products, please contact Fairchild Equipment, 844-432-4724, info@fairchildequipment.com, or visit www.fairchildequipment.com.
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continued from pg. 35 McCain Foods to Expand Plover Plant
Expansion of appetizer production line expected to create 110 new jobs
Reprinted with permission from the Portage County Gazette
McCain Foods USA will expand its appetizer processing plant in Plover, Wisconsin. The $169 million project will add an additional production line to the facility in Plover, supporting a cheesebased appetizer operation that will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The expansion is expected to create 110 new jobs for the community. “McCain Foods USA has a proud history producing delicious, highquality, cheese-based appetizers in America’s Dairyland,” says Michael O’Brien, president of the North America Appetizers Division at McCain Foods. “This expansion furthers our commitment to the Plover community, and our commitment to our customers to continue to grow and provide high-quality delicious food for their consumers,” O’Brien states. “I was excited to learn that McCain Foods is adding a 135,000-squarefoot expansion to its Plover facility,” says Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point). “This expansion means 110 new jobs in Portage County. McCain Foods recognizes that Portage County’s people and resources make it a great place to do business.” McCain Foods USA is a supplier of frozen potato and snack food products to foodservice markets, retail grocery chains and private label brands in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country. Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, the company employs 4,000 people and operates production facilities in Wisconsin, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska and Washington. Construction on the 135,000-squarefoot expansion is slated to begin in the summer of 2022.
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Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin honors company with silver award
Altmann Construction Company, Inc. has been recognized for excellence in construction from among nearly 70 building projects that were completed in 2021. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin honored Altmann Construction Company, Inc. with a SILVER Projects of Distinction Excellence in Construction Award for a Green Circle Trail Head Project. Located near the Schmeeckle Visitor’s Center, in Stevens Point, new construction of the Menzel Pavilion, an open-air picnic shelter, was recognized, as well as all-season restroom integrated architecture inspired by CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.) historical park buildings of the 1930’s. Local materials were sourced with the goal of constructing building infrastructure to fit the natural surroundings. The Menzel Pavilion features a two-story native sandstone fireplace, stone columns, wood timbers, cedar shingles and seating for approximately 60 people. The all-season restroom is insulated and heated and includes cedar siding and other elements replicated in the pavilion.
Above: The Menzel Pavilion, located near the Schmeeckle Visitor’s Center, in Stevens Point, features a two-story native sandstone fireplace, stone columns, wood timbers, cedar shingles and seating for approximately 60 people.
continued on pg. 38
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The Projects of Distinction Awards recognize construction projects that are built on merit and are judged by a panel of construction experts based on several criteria, including quality, owner satisfaction, unusual challenges and safety. The awards were presented at a January 27, 2022, banquet at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee. The program had a total of 69 project submissions, with 30 receiving silver awards and 25 receiving gold awards.
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICES
“Projects of Distinction demonstrate the excellence in construction services by ABC of Wisconsin members,” says John Mielke, president of ABC of Wisconsin. “These unique projects are evaluated by a panel of architects, engineers and educators in the construction industry,” Mielke notes, “and allow Wisconsin’s merit contractors to demonstrate their professionalism, craftsmanship and safety.” “Altmann Construction is both proud and truly grateful to receive this award,” says Tom Altmann, vice president of operations at Altmann Construction. “We thank ABC of Wisconsin for recognizing our work on this unique and challenging project.” “We are truly honored to receive such a distinguished award,” Altmann adds, “and be honored alongside so many quality companies and individuals in the construction industry who have such an impact on the building community.” “The intensity of the evaluation process by judges is an indicator of how deserving the winners are,” Mielke relates. “There are many criteria used in the process, with the biggest being onsite safety, unusual circumstances or challenges, and the overall quality of construction delivered to the customer.” Altmann Construction, Inc. is a general contractor employing approximately 40 people and is located at 5921 Plover Road in Wisconsin Rapids. The company built its reputation by consistently delivering quality work with a high level of craftsmanship. Altmann Construction does more than simply build beautiful structures. They build structures that provide a future for the people who live and work in them.
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Compeer Financial recognizes business for its leadership, advocacy and outreach
Compeer Financial, a farm credit cooperative based in the Upper Midwest, is pleased to announce Alsum Farms & Produce as the recipient of the organization’s 2021 Food & Agribusiness of the Year Award. The award recognizes businesses in the agricultural supply chain that have shown leadership in innovation, agricultural advocacy, community outreach and client service. Headquartered in Friesland, Wisconsin, with locations in Grand Marsh and Arena, Alsum Farms & Produce is vertically integrated, growing, sourcing, packing and shipping many potato varieties. The operation also grows and distributes onions and pumpkins, and partners with family farms across the nation to deliver a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to grocers year-round. Alsum Farms, which started in 1973, produces approximately 200 million pounds of potatoes every year. They employ 225 people full-time. “The Alsum family has a rich history in the potato industry,” says Cathy Schommer, senior focused lending specialist at Compeer Financial. “They’ve found their niche in the market and have helped to build a strong industry with their involvement in national potato organizations, collaboration with other farmers and their commitment to sustainability.” President and CEO Larry Alsum oversees the family-owned operation, alongside his daughters, Wendy Alsum-Dykstra and Heidi AlsumRandall, who are preparing to eventually take over the operation.
FRESH PRODUCE LEADER
“Our vision is to be a leader in the fresh produce industry,” says AlsumDykstra, chief operating officer of logistics and maintenance. “To do that, our entire team has to be committed to innovation and looking for opportunities across the entire operation.” “It also takes a lot of collaboration between our growers, suppliers, other business partners and industry associations,” Dykstra continues. “Part of our success at Alsum has been in working with people we trust, especially our employees, as we meet the needs of our customers and feed families across the nation.” Compeer Financial introduced the new Food & Agribusiness of the Year Award in 2021. “Compeer Financial understands the vital role agribusinesses like Alsum Farms & Produce play on a local, regional and national level,” explains Ty Rohloff, senior food and agribusiness lending specialist at Compeer. “We are proud to recognize Alsum for their commitment to advocating for agriculture, their robust outreach in the communities they serve and their strong dedication to stewardship and sustainability,” he adds. “We are thankful and pleased to be recognized,” Larry Alsum says. “What an honor it is for us to have a great team who farms to feed the world, while conserving and taking care of our resources. It’s a great privilege.” Watch the 2021 Food and Agribusiness of the Year video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iTlWMnEDxEM to learn more about Alsum Farms & Produce. Nominations for Compeer Financial’s 2022 Food and Agribusiness of the Year Award will open in early 2022. Learn more about the award and eligibility criteria by visiting https:// www.compeer.com.
