Global agricultural equipment manufacturer, Case IH, is beginning a year of celebrations to commemorate its 175th anniversary at the brand’s global headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin
The Brand President Andreas Klauser said that the anniversary was a testament to many years of quality, perseverance and progress.
“I find it amazing to see just how far the farming industry and our company have come during the last 175 years especially given the fact that we are stronger than ever before today,” Klauser stated. “The common theme which has always guided our innovative approach is to provide customers with ever-improving technologies that enable them to farm more efficiently and profitably.”
The company’s beginnings were closely linked with those of the American economy, as American pioneers moved west and new farms were established there to feed the growing population centres in the East.
In 1869, Case went on to manufacture the first steam engine tractor, which though wheeled-mounted was drawn by horses and used only to power other machines, then in 1876 built the first self-propelled traction steam engine. As steam engines quickly replaced horses for threshing, the JI Case Threshing Machine Company became the world’s largest producer of steam engines by 1886.
In 1902, five companies merged to form the International Harvester Company in Chicago, the deal being brokered, personally, by JP Morgan, the American banker who dominated corporate finance and industrial consolidation at the time. Case IH was formed in 1985 when J I Case acquired the agricultural division of International Harvester, uniting the legacies of Case and IH in a single brand.
Its first product, the Magnum tractor from 160hp to 240hp, was introduced in 1987 and became the first tractor to win the Industrial Design Excellence Award. Now producing up to 380hp, the Magnum continues to be one of the most recognizable Case IH products and more than 150,000 have been sold.
“When I look at the enormous transformation which has taken place in agriculture over the last 175 years, it is very exciting to think about what might be achieved during the next 175 years. I am sure that will be discussed during our celebrations with customers, dealers and employees,” Klauser added.
