The Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors recently joined Truland Equipment and Meyer Building to celebrate the grand opening of Truland’s newly constructed facility at 5068 E 100 N, in Bluffton. The ribbon-cutting event marked a significant milestone for the company, which continues to expand its presence across the Midwest.
Truland Equipment operates 18 locations stretching from Southern Michigan to Central Ohio and into Western Indiana. With a service reach of nearly 4 million acres—approximately 73% of which are serviced by Truland equipment—the company plays a vital role in supporting the region’s agricultural and construction industries. As a full-line John Deere dealership, Truland provides ag, small construction, and turf equipment throughout its expansive territory.
The roots of the company trace back to 1960, when Ralph and Elsie Troxel founded Troxel Bin & Dryer Sales out of their family garage. With five children in tow, they laid the foundation for a business that would grow steadily over the decades. By 1975, their sons Dick and Dave had taken over operations, ushering in an era of growth that many local residents remember fondly. For years, working at Troxel Bin & Dryer Sales was a popular summer and college job for area youth.
In 1989, the Troxel’s acquired a New Holland dealership and relocated operations to the current site. That same year, the business was rebranded as Troxel Equipment. Just two years later, in 1991, the company became an official John Deere dealer. Through years of growth, acquisitions, and strategic mergers, the company has evolved into what is now known as Truland Equipment.
As the company continued to grow, so did the need for a more modern and spacious facility. Leadership recognized the importance of creating a work environment, accommodating expanding teams and serving customers more effectively. In March 2024, demolition began—marking the start of a major transformation of the original site. Truland partnered with Meyer Building to bring the vision to life, and by December of that year, construction was complete, allowing operations to move seamlessly into the new space at the Bluffton location.
The updated facility at 5068 E 100 N features a nearly 5,000 square foot showroom and a two-story office complex with over 16,000 square feet. Inside, there are 50 offices, 5 conference and training rooms, and two break rooms. Currently, more than 80 employees work out of this location, contributing to Truland’s total workforce of over 550 people. Among them are 5 ag and turf sales representatives, 7 parts specialists, 30 service technicians, a five-person IT team, and 17 administrative and corporate staff members.
Chad Lantz, who has been with the company since 1989, reflected on the journey: “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—from a house and garage to a facility like this,” he said. “We’ve stayed true to our roots, but we’ve also embraced the future. This building reflects the hard work of generations and our commitment to serving the ag community for years to come.”
The construction process was a true partnership between Truland and Meyer Building. Both companies share a strong, family-oriented business legacy, and their collaboration was built on clear communication, mutual respect, and a unified vision. That shared commitment extended beyond leadership to the entire project team. A deliberate emphasis was placed on hiring local contractors—reinforcing Truland and Meyer Building’s dedication to investing in and uplifting the surrounding community.
Matthew Gerber of Meyer Building reflected on the significance of the collaboration. “This was one of the most remarkable builds we’ve been a part of,” Gerber said. “It’s not just about the structure—it’s about capturing a vision and bringing it to life. Working with the Truland team was seamless. Their clarity, collaboration, and commitment made this an incredibly rewarding experience for all of us.”
While the new facility marks a major step forward, Truland remains deeply connected to its roots. The company continues to build grain bins—honoring the legacy that Ralph and Elsie Troxel began more than 60 years ago. Today, thirteen employees are dedicated to this craft, preserving a tradition that lives on not only in the facility’s foundation but also in Truland’s values of service, innovation, and community.
The celebration was more than a ribbon cutting—it was a reflection of the company’s journey and a glimpse into a future shaped by strong partnerships, local pride, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
To learn more, visit Truland Equipment at one of their locations or online at www.trulandequip.com. You can also explore Meyer Building’s full range of services at www.meyerbuilding.com.
Pictured left to right in the first row are:
Erin Prible, Executive Director, Wells County Chamber of Commerce
Terri Ehle, Truland Equipment
Kylie Lange, Truland Equipment
Patti Troxel, Truland Equipment
Chad Lantz, Truland Equipment
Sheena Ringger, Truland Equipment
Jameson Ringger, Truland Equipment
Matthew Gerber, Meyer Building
Jason Gerber, Meyer Building
Braden Reinhard, Meyer Building
Aaron Taylor, Meyer Building
Steve Turner, Truland Equipment
Surrounded by family, team members, Chamber board members, and Ambassadors.