The Power of Connection | August 2025

By Cheryl Kepes

Photos courtesy Behlen Mfg. Co.

Behlen Mfg. Co. builds loyalty through its relationship-centered approach to business.

During the latter years of the Great Depression, Walter D. Behlen forged a thriving business from the modest trappings of his garage in Columbus, Nebraska. Walter created steel toe caps for work shoes and clamps for wooden egg crates. His humble startup swiftly evolved into a popular farm products business.

Now almost 90 years after Walter’s initial fabrications, Behlen Manufacturing reigns as a global leader in the manufacturing industry. Through the decades, Behlen has increased its product offerings, acquired other manufacturing companies, and restructured its business model to emphasize employee engagement and customer feedback.

Behlen Country is one of Behlen Mfg. Co.’s key business units and a leading manufacturer of agricultural products. Focused on serving the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural property owners across the U.S., Behlen Country offers a wide range of durable, practical products – from livestock water tanks and fencing to gates, feeders, and land management tools like box blades. With a reputation for quality and reliability, Behlen Country plays a vital role in supporting the agricultural community nationwide.

“We have folks who are seasoned farmers and ranchers. We have folks who are trying their hand at homesteading to become more self-sufficient for themselves and their families,” Clinton (Clint) Hamling, President Behlen Country, said. “Our array of product offerings is one of the great things that makes Behlen so unique. No matter the size of your operation or type of your operation, we are able to offer products to help everyone.”

Partners in Progress

In 1984, TR (Tony) Raimondo led a bold management buyout of Behlen Mfg. Co., returning it to local ownership. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a new era for the company. Over the following decade, TR spearheaded a historic turnaround, reinvigorating Behlen’s product lines, redefining its workplace culture, and establishing a strong foundation for growth rooted in innovation, accountability, and people-first leadership.

Behlen’s employees are given the designation of Partners in Progress. The commitment to operating as a team stems from TR’s deeply rooted philosophy of teamwork, emphasizing shared responsibility and collective success across the company.

“TR wanted to create an environment based on mutual trust and respect. One of the first things he did was remove the timeclocks and employees were trusted to record their individual work hours in a company-wide honor system. This people-first mindset laid the groundwork for a leadership model centered on open communication, trust, and empowerment,” Juli Thelen, Behlen Mfg. Co. Executive Assistant, stated.

Under TR’s guidance, Behlen shifted to a participative business model focusing on a concern for people, continuous improvement and learning, and the introduction of products to new markets. In addition, the company replaced all titles, such as director and manager, with the term team leaders. TR even referred to himself as a team leader or coach.

The commitment to a company culture rooted in teamwork and respect positively resonates with Behlen’s workforce and customers to this day. “The beauty in a family-owned business is being in a position where your voice is heard and your opinion matters. So, with the company being family-owned and being able to keep the voice of the customer and also the voice of the employees, it brings everything full circle,” Clint shared.

While Behlen’s foundation of trust, teamwork, and people-first leadership remains strong, they’ve introduced more structure and accountability to keep pace with today’s dynamic markets. These changes reflect Behlen’s commitment to staying competitive, adapting to the needs of their customers, and ensuring long-term success for their team members and the communities they serve.

Behlen’s Business Units

Behlen consists of six primary business units: Behlen Country, Behlen Building Systems, Behlen Grain Systems, Behlen Custom Fab, Behlen Joiners, and Hilton International Industries Co. The company’s known in several different industries for its innovative approach to manufacturing products. Tony Raimondo Jr. serves as Board Chair and Tom Boal is Behlen’s president and CEO.

The company’s headquarters remain where it all started in Columbus, Nebraska. Behlen’s expanded operations through the years with plants located in Baker City, Oregon; McGregor, Texas; and Sarasota, Florida. The plants are strategically located in the U.S. to ensure customers receive products promptly and economically.

Behlen Country products are available in local farm supply stores as well as major retailers. Distributors and customers can place special orders for products that are not in stock. Behlen’s business units also serve customers worldwide.

Customer Service

One of the Behlen’s primary objectives through the years has been to provide excellent support to its customers. “Behlen’s unmatched customer service truly is second to none. Each order is individually identified to ensure all parties including sales, engineering, and production know what is going through the system and can answer any questions quickly and efficiently,” Greg Iburg, Behlen Grain System Sales Manager, stated.

Behlen Country prides itself in making sure there is someone available to assist customers with their needs and questions. “If you have a question about a product, give us a call and we will take the time to answer whatever question you have. I think that is something that is rare in this day and time, to be able to talk to a real person on the phone. It might be a simple question. It might be that the product isn’t working exactly the way you want it to, and you need to do some troubleshooting,” Clint explained.

Focus on Growth

Behlen has continued to grow its operations since its inception in 1936. The company has completed 14 acquisitions upon returning to local ownership in 1984. Most recently, Behlen purchased the assets of Sweet Manufacturing Company located in Springfield, Ohio. The procurement of Sweet Manufacturing aligns well with the goals and mission of Behlen’s business unit, Behlen Grain Systems.

“Behlen’s recent acquisition of Sweet Manufacturing allows us to better position ourselves in the marketplace as a one-stop shop for all your grain handling and storage needs. Founded in 1955, Sweet Manufacturing has had global success in providing material handling options for 70 years. We are thrilled to embark on a new chapter with Sweet Manufacturing as we strive for continued success and growth,” Greg said.

A business with beginnings in an entrepreneur’s garage nearly a century ago, has flourished into a company that’s made its mark on the global stage – leaving one to only imagine what the next hundred years will bring.

learn more at www.behlencountry.com