Thompson Machinery celebrated its 60th anniversary with a huge open house gala on Thursday, May 6, at the company’s headquarters in the Nashville suburb of LaVergne, TN.

More than 1,000 guests turned out to join in the festivities and “chow down” on a large spread of food.

The day’s events went beyond lunch and included tours of various facilities and division offices, product demonstrations, machine displays and a seemingly endless stream of door prizes and giveaways. One of the two #22 Caterpillar racecars on display was a big draw for the Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology (ACERT) display, a rolling exhibit of the newest Cat technology for engine emissions reduction.

An equipment rodeo highlighted the day’s festivities and featured three events, in which cash prizes were awarded to the top three contestants in each.

Representatives of Caterpillar as well as other local dignitaries turned out to show their support for Thompson Machinery and another decade of tremendous growth.

Equipment Rodeo Winners

Backhoe Event:

• First Place

Kevin Petersen, Petersen & Sons LLC, Nolensville, TN

• Second Place

William Jones, J B Rollins Contracting, Shelbyville, TN

• Third Place

Sean Reininger, Rhino Excavating Nolensville

Excavator Event:

• First Place

Bob Denney, Matthew Pernell Excavating, Charlotte, TN

• Second Place

Randy Rice, RJ Corman, Clarksville, TN

• Third Place

Kevin Petersen, Petersen & Sons LLC, Nolensville

Skid Steer Loader Event:

• First Place

Kevin Petersen, Petersen & Sons LLC, Nolensville

• Second Place

Stacy Potts, Potts Excavating, Murfreesboro, TN

• Third Place

Benji Freels, Mid-Tenn Construction, Lebanon, TN

Photo: Three generations of Thompson Machinery leadership were in attendance to show appreciation for their valued customers’ support over the years. (L-R): Dewitt Thompson V (De V); Dewitt Thompson III (De III) and Dewitt Thompson IV (De IV).

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