Harrisburg, Pa.-based Stephenson Equipment Inc. (SEI), who is celebrating 60 years in business announced July 28, that SEI will acquire Walsh Equipment an 85 year-old company headquartered in Butler, Pa., with a branch location in Ebensburg, Pa. The partnership extends Stephenson's operations to 6 locations in Pennsylvania along with their 2 locations in New York, the combined locations will employ approximately 185 employees. Walsh will operate as a division of SEI continuing to serve customers out of the two Walsh locations.

Dennis Heller, President and CEO of Stephenson Equipment commented, “Charlie Walsh was named SEI Vice President of Walsh Operations and will continue to lead his team of managers and employees.” “This is a perfect venture for Stephenson, both Stephenson (SEI) and Walsh share many business philosophies and principles, as well we both represent brands like JCB, LeeBoy, Rosco and Tiger.” “This merger puts Stephenson among the largest distributors in the United States for these manufacturers.”

All 40 Walsh employees will continue to work for the combined SEI company. Charlie Walsh, the third generation of his family to work in the business expressed appreciation to Mike Walsh who will retire from the business after 40+ years of ownership and leadership. Charlie who is excited about the partnership with SEI had this to say: “Mike (Walsh), myself and many of our employees have worked with SEI over the years, we know that SEI is truly one of the best dealerships in the industry, they share the same core commitments as we do, providing the best products, parts and service to our customers.”

Bob Criste, COO for Stephenson said, “Earlier this year we were approached by the Walsh's with this opportunity to acquire the company. SEI and Walsh combined is clearly a powerhouse, together we have an outstanding 145 years of Pennsylvania based dealership experience between us.”

SEI President & CEO Dennis Heller added, “In the construction, road building and road maintenance industry, we as suppliers need to be able to grow and adapt to changes in the way this industry operates, we believe this merger allows us to better serve our customers needs.”

Charlie Walsh, now VP of Walsh Operations for Stephenson, offered one example of 'better serving customers': “It is our plan to now offer rentals to the customers we serve, merging with SEI who already expertly provides rentals to customers is very knowledgeable on how to set up and operate rentals in our very 'niche' product market, this will help us quickly adapt and offer this valuable service to customers in our region,” he said.

Heller summed the big day up nicely saying, “With the merging of SEI and Walsh we will continue to build on the legacy and foundation that has brought us to this point. We will remain true to our values, our commitment to our customers and our employees.”

To learn more about Stephenson Equipment, visit www.stephensonequipment.com.

To learn more about Walsh Equipment, visit www.walshequipmentinc.com.

Today's top stories

Depreciation Bonus Begins Phase-Out

California's I-80 Pavement Rehab Project Moving Along

VIDEO: Vermeer Unveils D24 Horizontal Directional Drill, Marking New Era in Utility Installation

ConExpo-Con/AGG Releases Essential Guide for Hiring, Retaining Top Construction Talent

Ole Miss Progressing Toward Construction of $125M Accountancy School

Boston, MBTA Officials Reveal New Designs for Future Blue Hill Avenue Transit Project

National Attachments Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary

CEG Speaks With New President of Chadwick-BaRoss, Thompson Equipment