(TSX: BUI)
WINNIPEG, MB, Jan. 16,
2025 /CNW/ - The Buhler family, Buhler Industries
family, and community are mourning the loss of John Buhler, a beloved entrepreneur and
philanthropist, who passed away on December
21, 2024, at the age of 91. His legacy as a hardworking
businessman, visionary, and philanthropist who transformed both
industry and community will be cherished for generations to
come.
John Buhler's remarkable journey
began in 1969, when he purchased Standard Engine Gas Works in
Morden, Manitoba. Renaming it Farm
King Ltd., he began the process of building what would become a
significant force in the agricultural machinery industry. His
vision and dream of building farm machinery—particularly
tractors—came to fruition as he slowly but steadily expanded the
company.
A pivotal moment in Buhler's career came in 2000 when he
purchased Canada's last remaining
tractor-manufacturing plant, renaming it Buhler Versatile. His
entrepreneurial prowess was evident as he transformed his humble
beginnings into a manufacturing empire, establishing Buhler
Industries, a name that became synonymous with innovation in the
agricultural sector. In 2007, after nearly four decades of growth,
Buhler made the decision to sell a majority stake in his company to
Russia's Rostselmash Ltd. for
$195 million, marking the end of one
chapter in his business journey.
Grant Adolph, Chairman of Buhler
Industries remarks, "I and many others had the pleasure of knowing
and working for John at Buhler Industries. I remember his
enthusiasm and drive fondly, as well as his caring and
conscientious nature. John was pivotal in building and maintaining
the incredible impact of ag manufacturing in Manitoba and Canada, including being solely responsible for
saving the Versatile brand and factory or we would not exist today.
He will be greatly missed."
Although he stepped back from the day-to-day operations of
Buhler Industries, his impact on the company and Canadian
agriculture remains undeniable. Throughout his career, Buhler
became known as much for his community spirit as for his business
acumen. Together with his wife, Bonnie, John Buhler dedicated himself to philanthropy,
supporting numerous institutions and causes across Winnipeg. Their charitable donations to
hospitals, post-secondary institutions, and human rights
organizations has shaped Winnipeg,
inspiring countless others to contribute to their communities.
John Buhler's achievements did
not go unnoticed. He was inducted into the Manitoba Business Hall
of Fame in 2014. In 2012, he was appointed a Member of the Order of
Canada, and the year prior, he
received a degree for distinguished achievement from the
University of Manitoba. His honors were
a testament to the profound impact he made on both the business
world and the community he loved.
Buhler Industries extends our heartfelt condolences to his
family and friends. The Buhler family and the community have lost a
remarkable man whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
John Buhler's memory will live on in
the institutions he helped build, the lives he touched, and the
dreams he inspired.
SOURCE Buhler Industries Inc.