About Gruett's

Gruett's Inc. was developed out of an honest job Harlan Gruett held back in 1958, which consisted of pounding plow plates on an old anvil in his parent's garage. He was 19 years old at that time. Years later, in 1962, Harlan and Audrey purchased a house and small property on the west end of Potter, where Gruett's Inc. is still located today. The company expanded in 1977 when they began selling Same Tractors, Starline, Hesston, Leyland, and Wil-Rich equipment. Manufacturing was still a huge part of the company, and in 1986 a new facility was built for increased production of forage boxes and feeders. Harlan passed away in 1993, and since then two major additions have been added, the most recent in 2008 which houses a showroom for Polaris® snowmobiles, ATVs, and utility vehicles. 2008 also marked the 50th anniversary of Gruett's Inc. We look forward to the future as Gruett's Inc. continues to expand and diversify.

Our History

Harlan Gruett

Harlan Gruett (pictured) was the founder of Gruett's Inc. He started Gruett's back in 1958 at the age of 19 with very little money and a lot of ambition. Harlan was born and raised in the town of Rantoul just outside of Potter and graduated from Chilton High School.
Gruett's in 1962-1963

Harlan and his wife Audrey moved to the west end of Potter with their 2 oldest sons Steve and Jeff. This is where Harlan built Greenfeeders, Forage Boxes, and more. This is currently where Gruett's Inc. is located.
Gruett's Inc. in 1977

After 19 years in business Gruett's had grown and expanded to sell other manufacturer's equipment as well as their own. Some of the original brands were: Hesston, Wil-Rich, Same, Starline, Leyland, and DMI.
Gruett's Inc. in 1986

This is an aerial view of Gruett's Inc. in 1986 after the construction of our manufacturing facility, wash bay, warehouse, and paint booth.
Gruett's Inc. in 1999

Six years after Harlan's death, an addition was built consisting of a new shop, and a service/administration office area. J&D Mfg, White, Thomas, Knight, and Sioux Steel were now among the other equipment lines being sold at that time.
Gruett's Inc. in 2008

Picture taken in 2008; another addition was made for power sports and lawn & garden sales and service. Polaris®, Simplicity, and Stihl brands were added. 2008 also marked the anniversary of 50 years in business for Gruett's Inc. The original family still owning and operating the business.