WACO -
Behlen Country, a subsidiary of Behlen manufacturing out of Nebraska, is opening a manufacturing facility in the old Smead building on Highway 84 between Waco and McGregor. The company could hire as many as 100 employees for the facility.
Behlen Country is the nations leading manufacturer of farm and ranch equipment, according to the company's website. Established in 1936 in Columbus, Nebraska, Behlen also has facilities in Oregon and Tennessee, as well as China. Company wide there are 850 employees, and that number will increase with the Waco acquisition.
Bland Cromwell with Coldwell Banker brokered the deal and said he expected Behlen to ramp up operations "quickly". Behlen is expected to manufacture livestock related equipment at the new facility.
The move is just the latest in an economic boom for the west Waco – McGregor area. Cromwell attributed that in part to some quality buildings being available for quick occupancy in a desired area.
