Over four decades of leadership in the farm and light industrial equipment sector.
D&S Downham in The Beacon Herald, March 2005:
D&S Downham spans forty years and three generations
D&S Downham Equipment Ltd. has stayed successful for 40 plus years by knowing the needs of their customers and offering a diverse product line. They have also stayed a step ahead by being one of the first in line to offer products like Kubota, which had become one of North America's top selling brand names.
Cecil Downham started the business in 1961 and his son Bob and grandson Mark have followed in the family footsteps. The business has expanded over the years to a large inbound centre in Innerkip and a recent addition has been added in Tavistock. And they are still operating just outside of Stratford, on Hwy 7, on the way to London. "We do everything from residential lawn and gardens, commercial landscaping, golf courses, hobby farms and professional farms," said majority owner Bob Downham. "We are very diverse in the equipment industry."
Branching out to offer products to varying needs keeps the business balanced. When one particular segment is down, others can compensate. Case in point is the agricultural sector - a massive industry in southwestern Ontario - which accounts for about 60 percent of business, said Bob Downham. "The ag sector is in a difficult time right now and all of us in the industry have to adjust to that scenario. It is a matter of monitoring the situation and doing what we have to do."
They are also trend setters in a way. D&S Downham Equipment Ltd. Was among the first equipment businesses to offer the Japanese-based Kubota line of products. "Kubota is the premium brand and the most recognizable brand of products," said Bob Downham. "Most compact tractors built today are in one fashion or another coming out of Japan, whether it be John Deere or New Holland (or others)." "We were one of the earlier dealers to take on that style of product which really got us into the off-farm stuff."
Another smart business move was made when the company began to sell German-based Fendt, a number one seller in Europe and the leading manufacturer in technology for the tractor industry. They have sold the Fendt Line for four years. "Again, we were one of the first dealers to sign up in North America," said Mr. Downham, adding that numerous dealers in North America now carry the line. A local influence on the agricultural sector by European farmers had a lot to do with the success of the Fendt line. "It is recognizable by them for the quality of product and performance characteristics - they do things quicker and better." A description which could aptly describe D&S Downham Equipment Ltd. With three locations going strong and 34 employees, the future looks promising.