Rob Stenson started his first company at the age of nineteen, later earning his MBA from Western University. In 1995, he joined his brother Art Stenson’s company, Batco Manufacturing (Batco), in Swift Current, as Vice President. Gary Anderson joined Batco as G.M. and in 1996, with sales growing, they established Ag Growth Industries – now, Ag Growth International (AGI) – as a holding company. In 1998, AGI acquired Wheatheart Manufacturing, a Saskatoon based manufacturer of speciality agricultural products.

Looking to expand the company, AGI approached Westfield Industries (Westfield), an established leader in grain auger manufacturing. Westfield was acquired in May 2000, and offered AGI access to an extensive dealer network, substantial manufacturing capabilities and the strength of a widely recognized and respected brand name.

AGI issued an Initial Public Offering in May 2004. In the six years following incorporation, AGI adhered to its strategy of growth through catalogue expansion and geographic diversification with the purchases of Edwards Group (Grain Guard, Keho), Hi Roller®, Twister and Union Iron.
Near the end of 2010, Tramco of Wichita, Kansas joined AGI. Shortly followed by Airlanco in October 2011 and in February 2014, the REM GrainVac product line was acquired.

In May 2015, AGI completed the largest acquisition in the company’s history with Westeel. This acquisition solidified AGI’s market leading platform to deliver unparalleled service and the broadest product catalogue in markets close to home.

The addition of PTM Technology and FRAME through the Westeel acquisition fulfilled a continued goal of the company to expand through offshore opportunities in international markets.

Nearing the end of 2015, AGI made two significant announcements. The first, President & CEO, Gary Anderson announced his retirement and the appointment of Tim Close as his successor. Since AGI’s inception, Gary has been a driving force behind the company’s strategic decisions, the acquisition and integration of fifteen business units, the development of AGI’s people and the company’s ongoing operational performance and improvement.

Tim joined AGI in 2012 as Vice President, Strategic Development and was promoted to President in March 2015. He has been integral to a number of key strategic initiatives including the company’s entry into Brazil and the acquisition of Westeel.

During this time, AGI entered the fertilizer sector through their acquisition of VIS. The addition of fertilizer to AGI’s product catalogue represents a new and significant opportunity. The fertilizer sector has complementary demand characteristics when combined with our grain businesses and brings diversification and risk mitigation while expanding services to many existing customers.

In early 2016, AGI was hard at work to continue its growth and finally entered Brazil in a meaningful way through the acquisition of Entringer S.A. This addition has allowed AGI to meet the grain processing market with solutions tailored to their specific market.

Following the Entringer acquisition, AGI made an additional acquisition to add to their growing fertilizer platform with NuVision Industries. This deal extended AGI’s services and capabilities and allows for turnkey fertilizer facilities.

During the beginning of Q3, Mitchell Mill Systems (MMS) was acquired by AGI. MMS specializes in the manufacturing of feed, grain, pet food, fertilizer, seed cleaning and industrial facilities. In addition to this, Mitchell fabricates its own line of material handling equipment and speciality systems.

Ending the year on a high note, AGI closed the acquisition of Yargus. Based in Marshall, Illinois, Yargus is known for producing custom blending and equipment for industrial and fertilizer applications in a variety of capacities. Sold under the brand name, Layco, their product line includes premium batch blending and material handling for dry materials including declining weight systems, tapered vertical blenders, rotary drum blenders, towers, bucket elevators and multiple conveying options.

In early 2017, AGI completed its second largest acquisition in the company`s history with Global Industries. Global Industries has a strong platform in the grain handling, conditioning and storage equipment markets, through its portfolio of brands that includes MFS, York, Stormor, Brownie, GTS, Hutchinson, Mayrath, NECO and Sentinel.

As 2017 continues, AGI continually strives to be the global market leader in grain handling, conditioning and storage equipment, measured foremost by productivity. This vision is supported by the top quality division and an ongoing commitment to agriculture and growth.

Ag Growth International (AGI) products

Storage - Grain Bins

Westeel Stiffened Grain Bins