About Us

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About Us

Company History

For more than 95 years, Arnold Machinery has been a significant part of the Intermountain West's growth and expansion. Every change, every addition, and every facility has been designed to bring customers a superior product, in a fast and efficient manner, and at a fair price. From that day in January 1929 when "Doc" Arnold (pictured) opened the doors of Stannard-Arnold Machinery, through many decades of growth and expansion, the company's philosophy has evolved into a single goal:

Bringing Silver Service® to each customer is our priority, and Customer Satisifaction Is Our Only Policy!®

Leadership

One of Arnold Machinery's greatest assets through the years has been continuity of management. Doc Arnold was succeeded in the company leadership by both of his sons. Ray served as president from 1944 to 1968, followed by Bob Arnold who served as president and CEO from 1968 to 1984. In 1985, Alvin Richer became Arnold Machinery's fourth President and CEO, also becoming Chairman in 1989. He continues as Chairman of the Board, succeeded by Russ Fleming as President and CEO of the Company in 2002. Upon retirement of Russ Fleming in 2012, Kayden Bell became President and CEO.

Timeline

1929

L.E. “Doc” Arnold & Floyd C. Stannard incorporate Stannard-Arnold Machinery Company, representing several construction equipment lines in Utah.

Later that year, Mr. Stannard resigns, and the company becomes Arnold Machinery Company.

1930's

Ray Arnold (Doc’s son) joins the business. The Company enters the agriculture industry.

1940's

Arnold Machinery enters the material handling industry, becoming a distributor of Hyster forklifts.

1950's

Arnold expands into Idaho with locations in Idaho Falls then Boise.

1960's

Arnold Machinery acquires more construction lines.

1970's

A new headquarters facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, is completed.

1980's

Al Richer becomes CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Al Richer introduces Silver Service® and Customer Satisfaction is Our Only Policy®.
Hitachi construction and mining equipment lines are acquired.
Arnold Machinery expands into Nevada.
The Volvo product line is acquired.
Construction and Mining Equipment cover the entire state of Arizona.

1990's

A new facility is built in Meridian, Idaho, housing the Construction and Mining Equipment (CME) Division, and General Implement Distributors.
Arnold becomes the sole distributor of the Volvo product line in Idaho and Utah.
A new facility is built in Las Vegas for Construction and Mining.

2000's

The CME Division is split into two divisions – Construction Equipment (CE) and Mining Equipment (ME).
Construction Equipment becomes the sole distributor of Volvo and Volvo Road products in all its territories.
Mining Equipment expands into Montana and Wyoming.
In 2009 Arnold Machinery Company reached a milestone by celebrating its 80th year of continuous operation.

2010's

Kayden Bell replaces Russ Fleming as President and CEO.
Distribution of Hitachi Mining Equipment expands to Colorado.
In 2019, Arnold Machinery Company celebrated its 90th year of continuous operation.

Current

Today, Arnold Machinery Company stands at the threshold of the future, prepared to face the on-coming decades with the same enthusiasm, optimism and dedication to customer satisfaction on which our reputation is built. Our leadership is strong, our finances are sound, our relation with our customers and manufacturers is resolute, and our associates are motivated and dedicated.

Literature

Foundation of Management Philosophy
by Alvin Richer, with Lance Newman

This book is a statement of the management philosophy that has guided the growth of Arnold Machinery since I acquired the company in 1984. It is intended to be used by future generations of management and to help all of our associates understand the company culture that is the engine of our growth. If managers or aspiring managers at other companies find it helpful...

Read the Book (PDF)
The First 75 Years
by Virginia Rainey

This company history highlights pivotal moments in the life of Arnold Machinery Company. Its purpose is threefold: 1) To honor and commemorate Arnold’s 75 Year Anniversary, 2) To present stories of interest to all associates, past and present, and to manufacturers, customers, and potential customers, 3) To reinforce the message that Arnold is built on a strong foundation, has...

Read the Book (PDF)