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Walker Machinery Co. expanding its agriculture business

Kanawha County company opening a new Agri-Business Division at its facility in Nitro

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Walker Machinery Co. announced plans Monday to open a new Agri-Business Division at its facility in Nitro.

Walker Machinery released a statement indicating it will allow the “company to expand its agri-business operations in the region, while providing a full range of parts, service and quality equipment for its farmers in that area.”

Currently, Walker Machinery is a major provider of equipment for use in both underground and surface coal mines.

Richard M. Scott, vice president and general manager of Agri-Business and Growth Industries for Walker Machinery, said, “We’re very excited to further diversify Walker Machinery Company’s offerings to our existing Nitro operation.

“The opening of our Agri-Business Division in Nitro closely aligns with our strategy to be a top resource for the agriculture market in this region. We plan to continue to provide our existing and prospective customers with the highest quality service and best value equipment in the industry,” Scott said.

Walker sells and leases heavy earth-moving equipment, including bulldozers, manufactured by Caterpillar.

The new division won’t immediately mean more jobs, said Walker marketing director Bruce Watson. “Presently have not had to add anyone to take on this new line of work,” Watson said. “In the future, as demand grows, we will be adding personnel.”

Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “Walker’s got a full line of service equipment. They have a great name and a great reputation as they are now getting into the agricultural business.

“I think it is all good for the state of West Virginia. Three years ago, they got into the underground part of the coal business. Now, we will see yellow Caterpillars in the cornfields,” Raney said.

Walker Machinery’s sales and rental facility closest to Charleston is located in Belle, along the Kanawha River.

Today, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, according to Caterpillar’s website.

See the full story at http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20150413/GZ01/150419773/1102

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