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Outlook Western Sales serves up anniversary lunch

Six-location agri-business marks 75 years in 2022.
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The public enjoyed pancakes and sausages during Western Sales' 75th anniversary lunch in Outlook.

OUTLOOK - Western Sales in Outlook had some lunch at the ready for those wanting to chow down on Tuesday, November 8.

With the Western Sales brand marking 75 years in 2022, starting up back in 1947, the free pancakes and sausages were a way for the dealership to celebrate the anniversary. As well, there were John Deere videos and a number of equipment that was highlighted through the day.

The story of how Western Sales came to be shows the deep roots of how this one-time small shop came to be a thriving six-location powerhouse.

It was Glen Thrasher who built a small shop at the address of 122 - 2nd Ave. W. in Rosetown, and he was awarded a John Deere farm machinery contract in 1947. The company was called Western Sales, and in 1954, Fred Friend was hired as a manager. A decade later in 1964, the dealership needed more room, so Glen, who already owned the former Co-op building, arranged to move it from 123 Railway Ave. to the present site on Highway #7 West. Glen would pass away in 1965 and Fred Friend bought Western Sales in 1966.

Speaking to Outlook's location, it became a reality in 1991, making Western Sales at the time a four-branch operation. It was in 2007 that the company saw another expansion in the acquisition of Davidson Equip Ltd., adding branches in both Davidson and Central Butte.

In addition to the shop in Outlook, Western Sales has locations dotting the west central landscape, including Rosetown, Biggar, Elrose, Central Butte, and Davidson.