Holding Out Hope

Former Buhler Operations Manager Holding Out Hope for Manufacturing Business

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Ismail Kus spent four years at the helm of Buhler Industries farm implement manufacturing facility in Vegreville.

The former operations manager said he was very proud of the fact the “team” delivered what they promised and was very proud to represent the Ezee-On brand that was recognized worldwide for its quality.

Oct. 29 was his last official day at work and he took time to reflect, but to also share his hope that the facility could remain in the community. Kus had previously made an offer to Buhler to purchase the facility, equipment and intellectual property.

Kus said there was a counter offer, but he could not match that offer. However, “I’m still hopeful even though we couldn’t reach a financial agreement.”

The building is listed with Cushman & Wakefield with a price tag of $6.1 million for the freestanding facility, (114,045 sq. ft.) on 18.03 acres. An online auction is slated for Nov. 15. “I’m still hopeful even though we couldn’t reach a financial agreement.”

Former Buhler HR & Safety Specialist Crystal Ralph and former Operations Manager Ismail Kus. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kus said his goal was to keep people employed in the community and continue to manufacture farm implements with the Ezee-On brand. He sees so much opportunity and potential, and is confident they could deliver the same top quality product. He believes that many of the former employees would come back to work if given the chance.

Former HR & Safety Specialist Crystal Ralph said they had made many improvements its overall operation and was proud of the amount of respect, shared values, and commitment they had for one another. “We would take care of each other,” said Ralph.

Kus pointed out that in the last four years they had only one lost time incident. He was proud of that as well as the many other attributes and skills the employees demonstrated day in and day out.

“I’d buy it in a heartbeat if I had the money.” He was hoping some investors see the potential in this kind of business. Even though nothing has panned out that way, Kus is still holding on to the hope something positive will come from his efforts.

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk told the Vegreville News Advertiser, “I have been working with Ismail Kus and his group who are interested in restarting Buhler along with Bob Bezpalko the Economic Development Manager for the Town of Vegreville.

I connected them with Invest Alberta, a Crown Corporation dedicated to attracting investment to Alberta and assisting investors with their endeavors, introducing them to other investors, and assisting them with any regulatory and grant questions they have. I have also had private individuals reach out to me and have been happy to connect with Ismail and his group.”

Vegreville Mayor Time MacPhee said, “We’re trying our best to help if there’s any way we might be able to salvage the operations there.”