DESHLER, Neb. — In 1954, Richard F. Reinke created a small farming business just outside of Deshler, Neb. Fifty years later, that small farming business has developed into one of the world’s oldest and largest manufacturers of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems and over-the-road trailer/intermodal chassis equipment.

Reinke celebrated its 50th anniversary June 20 at the Reinke plant in Deshler, Neb. The day was commemorated with events that honored the employees, dealers, community and customers who continue to make Reinke a success. More than 2,000 guests enjoyed a free luncheon catered by the Deshler Lions Club, along with an open house and facility tours. Over 400 employees received embroidered jackets as a gift of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

“We are so honored by the amount of people that came to celebrate Reinkes 50 years in business,” said Tim Goldhammer, vice president of marketing. “We hope our guests enjoyed themselves and learned a little more about this great company.”

The business began in an abandoned chicken house on the farm where Mr. Reinke, who passed away in June 2003, assembled his first product for saleglued-laminated arches for many types of buildings. Today, the Reinke headquarters spans over 80 acres.

Reinke’s strong foundation helped the company successfully recover from a deadly tornado that ripped through Deshler a year ago, and is now experiencing record sales throughout the company. Reinke’s first steps into the irrigation industry occurred in 1966 when the company produced 50 center pivot irrigation systems for the Olson Company. At the same time, Mr. Reinke began developing a center pivot irrigation system of his own.

Mr. Reinke’s new center pivot, the Electrogator, was introduced in 1968, and was the world’s first reversible electric-drive system with rubber tires and bowstring truss design. Reinke, with this newly designed center pivot, would become one of the pioneers in mechanized irrigation technology. In 2002, Reinke introduced the redesigned Electrogatorthe Electrogator II, featuring increased durability, improved stability and tower strength, and more precise alignment.

For more details, visit www.reinke.com