953 nut 51,017 #1 Posted October 11, 2017 10-11-1960 Construction began on the 515 West Ireland Road Wheel Horse Factory The rapid growth of demand for Wheel Horse Garden Tractors was too much for the building that Pond had occupied for twelve years. On October 11, 1960, construction began on a new 46,500 square foot steel frame and masonry exterior factory building situated on 36 acres of land on Ireland Road, South Bend, IN. The new factory was ready for occupancy in August of 1961, the move from the old Pond factory on South Dixie Way (near Pond Street, wonder if this was one of the subdivisions built by Elmer Pond) took place in time for the next year’s production. The 1962 models were the first built in the new plant on Ireland Road. They included the 502, 552 and 702. All three models featured the new front mounted engine and cast iron cased transaxles. The business was acquired by American Motors (AMC) on May 24, 1974. The company paid $30 million as it expanded into non-automotive markets. In 1982, Wheel Horse was spun off from AMC to Munn Investment Group. During this time some cosmetic changes were made, but frame and attachment design remained the same. In mid-August 1986, Wheel Horse was sold off from Munn and purchased for $8 million by Toro. Tractors were built under the Toro banner for the next two decades. The Wheel Horse name was eliminated from production after 2007. Today the building is occupied by Lock Joint Tube, a specialty fabricator of metal tubing products used by diverse industries such as office furniture, automotive, health care, display fixtures and exercise equipment. Chandler Sales and Service located next to the old South Dixie Way factory is thought to be the first Wheel Horse dealership. 18 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,204 #2 Posted October 11, 2017 Hardly a day goes by when I don't drive by that plant. It will always be 'the old Wheel Horse plant' to me. I'm happy that the 'new' owners continue to maintain the grounds in a fashion that would make the Ponds proud. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jerry77 1,218 #3 Posted October 11, 2017 My youngest son was a foreman there for several years in the late 80's...when they moved production to Mn. he went to Clark in Berea , KY... he was the reason I bought my first Wheel Horse 312-8....I have had 3......one at a time..lol 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC 1965 1,527 #4 Posted October 11, 2017 Really neat info. Thanks for sharing Richard. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,404 #5 Posted October 11, 2017 Dick.....Does this mean you are bringing back your on this day threads everyone so much enjoyed?!?!?!? 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,146 #6 Posted October 11, 2017 11 minutes ago, WHX12 said: Dick.....Does this mean you are bringing back your on this day threads everyone so much enjoyed?!?!?!? 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 62,343 #7 Posted October 11, 2017 Thanks for sharing 'Nut! I love reading stuff like that. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites