During the finale reception of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Annual Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., two innovators in the agricultural equipment industry were inducted into AEM’s Hall of Fame.
Roy Applequist, Founder and Former President and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc, and Al McQuinn, Founder and Former CEO and Chairman of Ag-Chem Equipment were officially added to the prestigious group.
“AEM is honored to induct Roy Applequist and Al McQuinn into our Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the industry,” said AEM President Megan Tanel. “Their achievements inspire the next generation to innovate and drive the industry forward for the benefit of all.”
“Roy Applequist revolutionized agricultural equipment with his innovative designs and commitment to engineering excellence,” continued Tanel. “His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have significantly impacted the industry. Similarly, Al McQuinn’s pioneering creations in precision agriculture transformed agricultural practices, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. He was a visionary in this industry, and his legacy will continue to shape it for generations to come.”
Roy Applequist Founder and Former President and CEO, Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Roy Applequist founded Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. (GPM), a company renowned for its innovative, high-quality agricultural equipment. What started out as a small operation in Salina, Kansas, has grown into a multi-million-dollar company with facilities in eight Kansas communities, over 2,300 employees, and global product distribution.
Applequist started the business in 1976 after interviewing 100 farmers about their equipment needs. This led young Applequist to introduce the first 30-ft. folding no-till drill that could be transported full of seed. From its humble beginnings, GPM quickly grew into a major player in the agriculture sector, thanks to Applequist’s commitment to engineering excellence, ingenuity, and customer service.
Under Applequist’s leadership, the company expanded to include no-till and min-till drills, tillage equipment, and precision planters. His strategic and innovative vision helped GPM remain competitive in a demanding agricultural market.
With a challenging ag market in the mid-1980s came a need to diversify. In 1986, Applequist founded Land Pride, which became a leading manufacturer of grounds maintenance and dirt-working tools and attachments. In 2007, Applequist established a strategic alliance with Kubota Corporation, building implements for tractors – significantly expanding the Land Pride network. Applequist also diversified, creating trucking and international divisions.
In 2016, GPM was acquired by Kubota Corporation, though Applequist’s legacy of quality, customer focus, and innovation continue to play a role in the company’s success. With a lifetime of manufacturing experience, Applequist established Applequist Manufacturing, Inc. in 2018, where he continues to pursue his entrepreneurial passion.
Al McQuinn Founder and Former CEO and Chairman, Ag-Chem Equipment, Inc.
Al McQuinn was born on a farm near Butler, Missouri during the Great Depression. After earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1954, he served in the Army until 1957.
McQuinn’s career in agriculture began with selling fertilizer, which sparked his interest in improving agricultural equipment. He went to work for Federal Chemical Company, which sold row crop sprayers. He found these sprayers and others like them didn't do a very good job of applying product. The solubles in the product would often settle in the solution, which led to inconsistent, watered-down applications and unhappy customers.
McQuinn set out to find a "solution for his solution". From a garage in Jackson, Minnesota, he developed a sparger agitator, a device that recirculates liquid product to keep the solubles suspended in their solution until they are applied. This led to his creation of Ag-Chem Equipment Co., Inc. in 1963.
Under his leadership, Ag-Chem grew into a NASDAQ-listed company with over $300 million in annual revenues and 1,700 employees. He was also a pioneer in precision agriculture, integrating GPS technology, GIS software, and variable rate application systems to optimize crop yields. McQuinn’s contributions earned him seven patents and a lasting legacy in the agricultural industry.
After selling his company to AGCO Corporation in 2000, Al McQuinn focused his talents on operating an investment company he founded. He and his wife, Mary Agnes, dedicated much of their energy and resources to their philanthropic work, supporting multiple institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, University of St. Thomas, Benilde-St. Margaret School, the University of Missouri, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Sadly, Al passed away on October 23, 2024. His longtime associate, John Retherford, accepted the award on behalf of his family.
The AEM Hall of Fame has been recognizing luminaries in the agriculture and construction equipment manufacturing industry since 1993, and includes such names as Benjamin Holt (Caterpillar), Joseph Cyril Bamford (JCB), Jerome Increase Case (CNH Industrial), John Deere (Deere & Co.), Gus Ramirez (HUSCO International) and Mary Andringa (Vermeer). The induction of Applequist and Mcquinn brings the total number of inductees to 71.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Hall of Fame recognizes the pioneers whose inventions, ideas leadership and courage have built, fed and powered our modern world. To learn more about the AEM Hall of Fame and its members, visit the website here.
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