Waterloo

Harriston

Join Us as We Advance Towards a Bright New Future

Established in 1965 by John A. Ball of Ball Brothers Limited to complement the family’s growing construction business, Advance Construction Equipment Limited has continued to adapt in an ever-changing industry. Its commitment then, as now, remains the same: provide customers with excellent service and support, and they will remain loyal customers.

Advance had its first significant ownership change in October 1971, when Sydney W. Brown became a shareholder and general manager of operations. Syd quickly established Advance as a competitive dealership for Allis Chalmers, for whom he had been the Canadian sales manager.

As a dealership also representing Japan Steel Works excavators, Martin Trailers and Thomas Equipment, Advance had the foundation it needed to compete in a geographical area that would see many competing dealerships come and go.

In September 1984, Advance formed a new dealership agreement with JCB Inc. to market its backhoe loaders. Advance later expanded the agreement to include front-end loaders, the Loadall material-handling range and JCB rough-terrain, fixed-mast forklifts.

Advance experienced the closing of the Allis Chalmers Company and the exit of Japan Steel Works from the North American excavator market. Advance then formed a new alliance with Kobe Steel Company and the excavator brand now known as Kobelco.

For many years, Advance supported these manufacturers through new products and model changes while continuing to support the changing needs of its customers. Having benefited from a diverse customer base, we believe every customer is unique and deserves individual attention and respect. Because of this policy, some of our first customers are still with us today.

A Bright Future with New Owners

In 2003, after successfully leading the company for 32 years, Syd Brown unexpectedly passed away.

Syd had been working with three long-time employees who would eventually take over the company. Although the transition came sooner than anyone wanted, Ron Teske, Ric Thompson and John Gleeson were able to continue building the business on its successful past.

A branch office and shop opened in Harriston, Ontario, in 2007. Under the management of Jeff Haveman, the branch achieved great success while serving new and long-standing customers throughout the area. Ron later left the company for personal reasons.

On the Move

In 2011, the building from which Advance had operated for 47 years was put up for sale. On May 1, 2012, Advance moved into its new head office at 607 Colby Drive in Waterloo.

In August, shortly after the company had settled into the new location, a fire broke out in the shop after hours. The service offices and shop were badly damaged by smoke and soot.

With the help of dedicated employees, Advance continued to provide customers with the service they had come to expect. After a challenging seven months, the service department moved back into its restored shop and offices.

Planning for the Future

Today, as always, we continue to plan for the ongoing and future success of Advance. We are proud to announce partnership additions involving long-term staff members Jeff Haveman in Sales, Steve Katz in Accounting and Luke Wheal in Service.

Advance’s commitment remains the same: service to our customers. With JCB equipment available at both locations and Ventrac available in Harriston, we will continue supporting our diverse range of customers.

In February 2024, Equipment Ontario purchased shares in the company. Ric Thompson decided to retire, prompting a reorganization with new partners.

Jeff Haveman and Luke Wheal welcome the new Equipment Ontario partners: Marlin Stoltz, Carson Brown, Greg Snodden and Michelle Snodden. We thank Ric Thompson for his leadership and wish him well in his retirement.