Forty years ago, Gerry Brouwer revolutionized the way sod was harvested around the world. This year, the Brouwer Company celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Brouwer’s first sod harvester was manufactured in a shop at Brouwer Sod Farms in 1972. In 1974, Brouwer built a factory in Keswick, Ontario, the same location where the equipment is manufactured today. The first Brouwer sod harvester sold for $9,600 complete.
Over the years, Brouwer has developed additional products for the turf industry, including the Hitch-Hiker truck-mounted forklift, Brouwer reel mower, BV 85 turf vacuum, RM22 rotary mower, turf rollers, Rollmax 2400 24-inch big roll sod harvester, Brouwer 1600 self-propelled sod harvester and Rollmate sod installers. Brouwer also invented the patented automatic big roll system now used by Bucyrus.
The company also introduced improved models of conventional sod harvesters, including the successful automatic small roll Robomax sod harvester; a response to the growing trend toward automation and a cost-effective, labor-saving unit.
Brouwer products are sold by a network of dealers worldwide. These dealers have provided world-class customer support and service over the years. Brouwer would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge its appreciation for all of their high-quality work.
Brouwer also thanks its devoted team of employees whose dedication, attention to detail and hard work has brought this company to where it is today. When asked about his company’s milestone anniversary, Gerry Brouwer said, It has been a great pleasure to have been part of this industry. I couldn’t think of better people to work with and have appreciated their business and loyalty.”
Brouwer, his son Eric, and his family are committed to meet the future needs of sod producers worldwide while staying devoted to the quality of service that has made Brouwer what it is today.
