The Beginning, 1939

Joe Hlavinka, Sr. In partnership with the Boettcher Family, placed the sole bid to purchase the Farmers Lumber Company in East Bernard, Texas. After considerable debate, the bid was accepted and the Boettcher Hlavinka Co. was formed.

The Decade of Many Adventures, 1940’s

Boettcher-Hlavinka Co. Was actively supporting farmers in the Community offering farm equipment along with a variety of other services. In addition to offering International Harvester farm equipment and trucks, the Boettcher-Hlavinka Co. Was also active in the retail hardware and lumber business. Other products included automobiles such as Kaiser-Frasier with innovations such as fancy new turn signals and air conditioning. The company even once stocked an inventory of caskets to support the funeral business

The Growth of Southern Snow, 1950’s

Cotton became a major crop in the south. As a result, new methods of harvesting were needed. The exclusive red IH cotton picker became all the rage, this made sore hands everywhere applaud the new miracle of modern machine. The Hlavinka family purchased the remaining Boettcher family shares to become Hlavinka Equipment Company, a family business.

Those New to the Scene and Those Blowing Out, 1960’s

Two row cotton pickers were introduced and diesel tractors became commonplace. Hlavinka Equipment was right there to bring in the tool of the future. Joe Hlavinka, Sr. (Mr. Joe) officially retired from the company he founded. He remained active in various aspects of family business for the next couple of decades. His sons, Bill Hlavinka (deceased) and Joe Hlavinka, Jr., took the helm of running daily activities.

The Grains of Technology, 1970’s

Grains and rice acreage increased significantly in the area. Farmers demanded higher horsepowered tractors and combines. Other features included tractors with four wheel drive and air-conditioned cabs became standard improving productivity and comfort for operators. The added productivity and reliability of this large red equipment offset the inflationary prices.

Companies in Transition, 1980’s

The farm equipment division changed its name to Hlavinka Equipment Company. Boettcher-Hlavinka Co. Continued operating in the lumber and hardware business. Tenneco purchased the International Harvester farm and construction equipment division and merged this with J.I Case forming the formidable Case-IH business. Axial-Flow combine and Cotton Express pickers dominated field in the area with their superior performance characteristics. The all new Magnum tractor was introduced proving to be the most successful tractor launch since the Farmall series in 1923. Hlavinka Equipment Co. And its employee became active in international business after supply equipment and technology to operations overseas.

The Decade of Growth & Service, 1990’s

The utility of the Steiger tractors increased the company’s focus for the construction equipment business. The Schaeff line of light equipment was added. Terex later purchased Schaeff providing Hlavinka Equipment with a complete line of construction equipment products. New stores were opened in Rosenberg, Nome, El Campo, Bay City, and Taft, Texas in order to provide a higher level of service to farmers in a greater area.

Continued Expansion, 2000s

Hlavinka Company purchased their seventh location in Tivoli, Texas. Case IH introduced the world’s first cotton picker that has the ability to build on-board modules. Hlavinka Equipment opens its new headquarters in East Bernard leaving the downtown location where in had originated. Hlavinka adds a Chevrolet dealership to its lineup of companies.

The Merging of Past, Present, and the Future, Today

Joe Hlavinka, Jr., serves as the president of Hlavinka Equipment Company with Terry Hlavinka as General Manager and Steve Hlavinka as Parts Manager. The Hlavinkas are loyal to their roots and remain active in retail lumber, hardware and construction business. Kenneth Hlavinka and other family members market rice, cotton, and cattle produced by family farms in the Gulf Coast Region. The family continues to concentrate resources in support to large scale agriculture and construction operators. Hlavinka Equipment Company represents outstanding companies such as Case-IH, Terex, and Kubota. With support of those suppliers, Hlavinka Equipment Company offers the most innovative solutions for its core customers.

Hlavinka Equipment Company products

Axial-Flow Combines