1955

HISTORY

In 1955, Francis J. Butler, a former Grand Forks, ND contractor, was given the opportunity to become a Caterpillar dealer. Francis knew what it was like to be a customer and to rely on others to run successful businesses. With that in mind, he was determined to build a dealership founded on trust. Francis’s vision required an expertly trained Butler team combined with the most advanced tools, technology, and facilities available. His vision started out with two eastern North Dakota stores in Fargo and Grand Forks, and today has grown to 20 locations across the Dakotas, Nebraska and Montana.

“Take care of the customer as quickly, professionally, and inexpensively as possible when the customer has a need or a problem, and he’ll be back when it is time to purchase.” – Francis Butler  

1964

HISTORY

In 1964, Butler Machinery expanded to the western side of North Dakota with the purchase of Schultz Machinery Company in Minot and Bismarck. During that time of expansion in 1969, Matt Butler, son of Francis Butler, assumed the role of president and continued the growth of the company. Soon after, the Bismarck Oil Analysis Lab opened, helping customer reduce operating expenses.

1974

HISTORY

Just 10 years after the Minot and Bismarck stores were completed, Butler acquired the assets of Kearns Machinery Company in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen, SD, expanding Butler’s footprint outside of North Dakota.

1990’s

HISTORY

In the late 1990s, Matt Butler passed on the presidency to his son, Dan. Also during this time, construction of the corporate building and diesel technician training center was completed in Fargo. This state-of-the-art training center became an invaluable resource for diesel technician training.

2010’s

HISTORY

The 2010’s were instrumental years for the Butler team. A new opportunity arose, and Butler Machinery acquired AGCO’s Challenger tractor and application equipment lines in the state of Nebraska, giving way to a new Butler Ag Equipment brand identity. The first Butler Ag Equipment location was placed in Fremont and an ag parts operation in Kearney.

2019

HISTORY

In 2019, Butler welcomed Twylah Blotsky, daughter of Matt Butler, to the role of president. Twylah’s role with the company carried on the tradition of leadership dedicated to building long-term relationships founded on trust, creating mutual growth and success for customers and employees across the region. During this time, the AGCO corporation retired the Challenger brand and made the transition to the Fendt line of tractors, combines, and more.

2021

HISTORY

In 2021, Butler Machinery expanded their territory once again with an expansion in Montana.

Butler Machinery continues to look toward the future and carry on Francis’ legacy to taking “care of the customer as quickly, professionally, and inexpensively as possible when the customer has a need or a problem”.