GNE acquires K&M
The Kotula family announced on April 27 that its company, Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. – the upper Midwest’s leading distributor of Honda gas-powered engines and outdoor power equipment – has purchased the assets and ongoing business operations of K&M Manufacturing Company. Minnesota natives, Don Kotula and his sons Ryan and Wade, own Great Northern Equipment and Don’s brother Al runs the company.
“The addition of K&M Manufacturing further solidifies Great Northern Equipment’s position as a leading distributor of outdoor power equipment,” said Al Kotula, vice president of business development for Northern Tool + Equipment Company, Inc. and president of Great Northern Equipment. “K&M Manufacturing has a long history of steady growth and ingrained family traditions. It’s exciting to be involved with this organization and we look forward to more success.”
The Kotulas collectively believe this acquisition helps support the organization’s larger growth plan.
Great Northern growth
The acquisition of K&M Manufacturing marks the continued growth of Great Northern Equipment. Since 1987, Great Northern Equipment has expanded to include more than 3,000 products and distribution throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
As one of the leading aftermarket tractor seat manufacturers and distributors nationwide, K&M Manufacturing brings its high-quality, replacement tractor seats and distribution of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement seats for agriculture, construction, turf care and the utility industry to Great Northern Equipment. The company sells more than 3,500 seats, extension mirrors and kits, complete tractor interior upholstery replacement kits, suspension kits, steel tractor steps and handle grips, mudder-removal bars and replacement fenders.
Owned and operated by the Mulder family since 1958, K&M Manufacturing has grown from its origins of repairing tractor seats and providing simple toolboxes to offer more than 3,500 innovative products. The company currently has more than 72,000 square feet of production and warehouse space for materials and finished products.
K&M Manufacturing will operate out of its Renville, Minn., location, and its previous owners will continue to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. K&M Manufacturing will be managed by Matt Clemens, a Minnesota native with a farming background and 11 years of manufacturing experience with Cummins Power. Chris Brown, who has been with Great Northern Equipment for more than a decade, will continue his role as general manager of Great Northern Equipment.
About Great Northern Equipment
Great Northern Equipment is the upper Midwest’s leading distributor of Honda gas-powered engines and outdoor power equipment. The company is a wholesale distributor of gasoline and diesel small engines, outdoor power equipment, parts and accessories. Based in Rogers, Minn., Great Northern Equipment’s distribution area covers Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa. For more information, visit www.gnedi.com.
