Final Chapter for Farm Implement Manufacturer in Vegreville

Final Chapter for Farm Implement Manufacturer in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The final chapter is nearly complete for Buhler Industries in Vegreville.

The company that was formerly known as Ezee-On Manufacturing and has served the local community for more than 40 years. Its product and brand went worldwide and was renowned for its top of the line quality products. Local implement dealers sold their products which served the needs of many farmers in the area for years.

HR & General Specialist Crystal Ralph said a few weeks ago that a local farmer was looking for a part for his model which dated back to 1978! That alone speaks volumes to the durability and quality behind their steel products that have stood the test of time.

Van Lam is the longest serving employee. “I can’t believe it’s been 42 years!” His first day of work was Sept. 1, 1979. He remembers the rate of pay was $5.62 per hour when he began training with the company.

“It’s been very nice working at this place,” said Lam, who came to Canada with his pregnant wife Ly, and their two-year-old daughter. He didn’t speak any English, but made the best of his new life and its challenges despite the language barrier.

Above: The For Sale sign in the distance in front of the buhler building on Hwy 16A in Vegreville. Below: Remnants of Ezee-On Manufacturing which sold the plant to Buhler in 2011. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

Lam said Vegreville has been a nice community for him and his wife Ly to raise their family. He was especially proud to have been able to put all three of his children through university. Brian is a pediatric dentist, Ni is an emergency department doctor, and Tong is an emergency department doctor.

Van said his colleagues have always been nice and very patient, which has made his job such a pleasure over the years. In his time with the company he handled a total of 518,946 components.

Van said he worked at different areas of the plant. “I started out welding and went to packing, and then back to welding the head frame for loaders.”

Enrique Loewen from Two Hills worked in fabrication and said he learned a great deal while working for the company. He said angle cuts were very challenging and required complete precision.

Van Lam holding giant washers

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Pressman Peter Kozicki said a lot of people came and went during his 29-year tenure with the company. Kozicki said he enjoyed challenging himself and continually striving to improve his skills. He added that he liked the fact things were always different.

Eli Vatamaniouk spent 18 years with the company and remarked that enjoyed working there because all of his colleagues were “very nice people” and they all worked very well as a team.

Gerardo Neufeld was with the company 13 years and said it was his first job inAlberta. He said he came out west from Ontario because his brother-in-law worked for the company and suggested he apply. After a successful interview he was informed that he could begin working. His brother-in-law asked him, “Where are your boots? Where are your coveralls?” Chuckling, he said had to quickly run over to Walmart to buy the gear so he could start work.

This rolling basket is one of the multitude of parts built from scratch.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michael Ezio began work on October 16, 2000. He said his grandfather John Chilibecki worked at the company for a few years before he retired. His dad Raymond worked from 1982 to 2004 as well as his uncles Tracy, Dave and Tim Chilibecki.

He has always worked in the parts room assisting customers and controlling inventory. “I helped with shipping and we sent parts to dealerships throughout the United States and Canada. He trained under John Kitz for a couple of years which served him and the company very well.

On Nov. 27, 2020 employees with Buhler Industries in Vegreville were officially notified of the plant’s closure. At that time the company reported there were 56 employees working on-site.

Back row L-R: Paul Bosse, Ismali Kus, John Clayton, Charlie Llusala, Vinh Lang, Pedro Lugtu, Will Evans, Kelvin Males, Peter Reimer, Geoff Hughes, Gerardo Neufeld, Tyrell Logazar, Van Lam, Enrique Loewen and Paul Harrison. Front row L-R: Rolando Rabago, Jose-Ramon Osuna-Nieto, Matt Lemky, Dominador Orpiano, Jerardo Varela, Elia Vatamaniouk, Crystal Ralph, Mario Popa, Joe Varela, Harry Loewen Peter Kozicki and Jacob Harder. Missing from the photo are: Dan Clark, Zoey Kinjerski, Scott Krupa, Andrew Sim, Mike Ezio, Conlan Robertson and Tim Artymko.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)