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Machinery Row

Peterson CAT Announces Changes

Peterson CAT, the authorized Caterpillar dealer in western Oregon and southern Washington, is pleased to announce that Bill Bean and Bryan Barnes, both members of the company's southern management team, have been promoted to General Manager of Southern Operations and Regional Sales Manager, respectively.

As General Manager of Southern Operations, Bill Bean--former manager of Peterson CAT's Eugene and Redmond stores--will have total responsibility for the company's product support operations and facilities in Eugene, Albany, Redmond, Roseburg, North Bend, Klamath Falls, and Medford.

As Regional Sales Manager, Bryan Barnes will have Earthmoving Sales responsibility for Peterson CAT's southern territory.

In addition, Kevin Culligan, former Business Development Analyst for Peterson CAT in southern Oregon, has accepted the position of General Manager of Earthmoving Sales. Duane Doyle, Jr., former Field Service Manager for Peterson Tractor Co., has accepted a promotion to Product Support Sales Manager, responsible for the company's product support sales representatives.

Parr Lumber Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Parr Lumber, one of the Northwest's oldest companies still under private ownership, celebrated its 80th anniversary on November 1, 2010.

Parr Lumber was founded in 1930 when Dwight Parr, Sr. leased Evergreen Lumber Company, a bankrupt building materials business in Vancouver, Wash., and filed the name "Parr Lumber Company" in Clark County. Parr started with an opening stock of $1,200 and paid himself a small salary.

The company has since remained in the Parr family.Michael Parr, Brad Farmer, and Nancy Cranston, all grandchildren of the founder, play active roles within The Parr Company. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Ore., Parr is ranked as the 20th largest building materials supplier in the nation. Parr proudly operates 40 facilities in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Utah.

John Deere Financial

John Deere Financial Deere & Company is introducing a new –name -- JohnDeere –Financial -- for its business unit that offers credit and other financial services. The change is being made to better represent the full breadth of products and services offered by the business. It had previously been known as JohnDeere Credit.

Morbark Expands East Coast Dealer Network

Morbark is pleased to announce it has signed a dealer agreement with Elliott & Frantz Inc., based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Elliott & Frantz Inc. will sell and service Morbark's recycling and forestry product lines, in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, from their branch locations located in Jessup, Maryland, and Delmar, Delaware. www.morbark.com

Waratah Opens New Bunbury, Australia Facility

In response to the special product and support needs of its debarking eucalyptus customers, Waratah Forestry Attachments has opened a Western Australia facility.

"The new parts and service center not only adds to our presence in Melbourne, but also provides our customers with unmatched customer service and support," says Jules Larsen, general manager for Waratah Forestry Attachments, Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Ridewell Names Gary Tombridge as Quality Director

Ridewell Suspensions is pleased to announce the addition of Gary Tombridge as Quality Director. A Springfield, Mo., native and University of Tulsa graduate, Tombridge's career began in Springfield. He then continued to develop his 20+ years of experience in Quality Management and Manufacturing Quality Control. He is a certified ISO9000 Quality auditor and a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Patton Joins Peterson Pacific Team

Peterson Pacific Corp., has hired Steve Patton as the regional sales manager for California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Patton has extensive experience with industry associations, contractors and OEM equipment sales. Prior to joining Peterson, Patton had his own consulting firm advising clients on green waste recycling, biomass solutions, and training on best practices for the industry. Patton will be based in Modesto, California, and can be reached at 541.912.6805 or at steve.patton@petersoncorp.com