Blanchard Machinery has announced the acquisition of Jones Tractor, the Bobcat and New Holland dealer in Spartanburg, and its subsidiary, Bobcat of Columbia. Blanchard cited Jones’ leadership position in the marketplace, its experienced employees and excellent customer service reputation as the reason for the acquisition.

Both Jones Tractor and Bobcat of Columbia will be renamed Blanchard Compact Equipment becoming a division of Blanchard Machinery focused on selling and supporting Caterpillar’s line of skid steer loaders, mini-excavators and related attachments in the upstate and midlands of South Carolina.

Plans are to open a third Compact Equipment location in Greenville County in early 2003.

“This line of equipment represents a growth opportunity for our company,” explained President Joe Blanchard. “These machines and their associated work tools are extremely popular with landscapers and contractors because of their versatility. This acquisition allows us the ability to grow using their existing facilities, management team and seasoned sales force who know these products and the customers who use them.”

Tom Arthur, president and owner of Jones Tractor and Bobcat of Columbia, will continue in a key leadership position and will head the new division from its Spartanburg headquarters. Jason Volk will continue to manage the Columbia operation. “By joining Blanchard Machinery,” said Arthur. “We can now offer our customers an expanded product line while creating additional opportunities for our employees.”

While the dealer for Cat skid steer loaders, mini-excavators and attachments, Blanchard Compact Equipment will continue to support the parts, service and rental needs of existing customers owning Bobcat and New Holland products.

All 23 employees of Jones Tractor and Bobcat of Columbia will become part of the Blanchard organization, which totals more than 400 employees statewide.

Jones Tractor was founded in 1946 as the Ford Tractor Dealer in Spartanburg and added the Bobcat line in the early 1970s. Arthur purchased controlling interest of the business from Bill Jones in 1993 and expanded the Bobcat line into the Columbia market in 2000 by opening Bobcat of Columbia.

Blanchard Machinery Company is the authorized parts, service, sales and rental dealer for Caterpillar Equipment and Caterpillar industrial, truck and marine engines for all 46 counties in South Carolina. Blanchard Rental Services (The Cat Rental Store) is a dedicated rental operation with four locations statewide.

Headquartered in Columbia, Blanchard’s four divisions operate out of nine locations throughout the state.

For more information, visit www.blanchardmachinery.com.

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