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Introduction
Madill, a name synonymous with rugged and reliable logging equipment, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Founded in 1911 by Samuel Madill in Nanaimo, British Columbia, the company began as a blacksmith shop and evolved into a renowned manufacturer of forestry machinery, including yarders, log loaders, and feller bunchers. Over the decades, Madill became a cornerstone of the logging industry, particularly in steep-slope terrain where their machines excelled. However, the company's journey has been marked by several ownership transitions and challenges. In 2023, Madill entered a new phase under the ownership of DC Equipment, a New Zealand-based manufacturer known for its Falcon brand of steep-slope logging equipment. This acquisition aimed to revitalize the Madill brand while preserving its legacy and integrating modern technological advancements.
The Madill Legacy
Madill's history is rich with innovation and resilience. In the 1960s, the company produced nearly 900 "009 Madill Yarders" at its facilities in Nanaimo, BC, and Kalama, WA. These machines became a staple in the logging industry, known for their durability and performance. Despite challenges such as a plant fire in 1960, Madill continued to thrive, manufacturing over 4,000 machines over five decades. The company's commitment to quality and innovation solidified its reputation in the forestry sector.
Ownership Transitions and Challenges
Over the years, Madill underwent several ownership changes. In 1990, following a tragic plane crash involving company executives, Chuck Madill sold the company to Cypress Equipment Co. The Madill name was retained, but the product line was largely based on Cypress designs. This transition marked a shift in the company's direction, with a focus on hydraulic log loaders and feller bunchers. However, financial difficulties and mismanagement led to bankruptcy in 2008. Modern Machinery acquired the company's assets, and production continued under the Madill name. In 2011, Nicholson Manufacturing acquired Madill, incorporating its equipment lineup into their operations. During this period, Madill continued to produce machines such as the 124 swing yarder and 172 tower yarder.
The DC Equipment Era
In 2023, DC Equipment acquired the Madill brand from Nicholson Manufacturing. Dale Ewers, founder of DC Equipment and a logger with a 40-year connection to the Madill brand, expressed his vision for the future: "Madill is known for its durability, ability to perform and longevity, which is important in this industry—and those strong equipment features align with our current brand, Falcon." Ewers emphasized that while the core Madill products would remain, there was an opportunity to integrate DC Equipment's current and future technology and innovation.
Return to British Columbia
A significant development in the Madill revival was the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Prince George, British Columbia, in 2024. This move marked the return of Madill equipment production to its roots in British Columbia. The first machines produced at this facility were the Madill 3000B log loaders, signaling a new chapter in Madill's rich history. Dale Ewers highlighted the importance of this move, stating, "We are excited to bring Madill manufacturing back to its roots in British Columbia." The establishment of the facility also contributed to the local economy by creating numerous employment opportunities.
Modernization and Technological Integration
Under DC Equipment's stewardship, Madill is embracing modernization and technological advancements. Wheeler Equipment, a company specializing in heavy equipment repairs, offers services to upgrade and retrofit Madill machines. Their services include air system and winch control updates, complete cab retrofits, touchscreen controls, and hydraulic upgrades. These enhancements aim to improve the efficiency and safety of Madill machines, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving logging industry.
Conclusion
The revival of Madill under DC Equipment represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By honoring the legacy of Madill's durable and reliable machines while integrating modern technological advancements, DC Equipment is positioning the brand for continued success in the logging industry. The return to British Columbia for manufacturing underscores a commitment to local production and community development. As Madill enters this new chapter, it remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a brand that has stood the test of time.
Madill, a name synonymous with rugged and reliable logging equipment, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Founded in 1911 by Samuel Madill in Nanaimo, British Columbia, the company began as a blacksmith shop and evolved into a renowned manufacturer of forestry machinery, including yarders, log loaders, and feller bunchers. Over the decades, Madill became a cornerstone of the logging industry, particularly in steep-slope terrain where their machines excelled. However, the company's journey has been marked by several ownership transitions and challenges. In 2023, Madill entered a new phase under the ownership of DC Equipment, a New Zealand-based manufacturer known for its Falcon brand of steep-slope logging equipment. This acquisition aimed to revitalize the Madill brand while preserving its legacy and integrating modern technological advancements.
The Madill Legacy
Madill's history is rich with innovation and resilience. In the 1960s, the company produced nearly 900 "009 Madill Yarders" at its facilities in Nanaimo, BC, and Kalama, WA. These machines became a staple in the logging industry, known for their durability and performance. Despite challenges such as a plant fire in 1960, Madill continued to thrive, manufacturing over 4,000 machines over five decades. The company's commitment to quality and innovation solidified its reputation in the forestry sector.
Ownership Transitions and Challenges
Over the years, Madill underwent several ownership changes. In 1990, following a tragic plane crash involving company executives, Chuck Madill sold the company to Cypress Equipment Co. The Madill name was retained, but the product line was largely based on Cypress designs. This transition marked a shift in the company's direction, with a focus on hydraulic log loaders and feller bunchers. However, financial difficulties and mismanagement led to bankruptcy in 2008. Modern Machinery acquired the company's assets, and production continued under the Madill name. In 2011, Nicholson Manufacturing acquired Madill, incorporating its equipment lineup into their operations. During this period, Madill continued to produce machines such as the 124 swing yarder and 172 tower yarder.
The DC Equipment Era
In 2023, DC Equipment acquired the Madill brand from Nicholson Manufacturing. Dale Ewers, founder of DC Equipment and a logger with a 40-year connection to the Madill brand, expressed his vision for the future: "Madill is known for its durability, ability to perform and longevity, which is important in this industry—and those strong equipment features align with our current brand, Falcon." Ewers emphasized that while the core Madill products would remain, there was an opportunity to integrate DC Equipment's current and future technology and innovation.
Return to British Columbia
A significant development in the Madill revival was the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Prince George, British Columbia, in 2024. This move marked the return of Madill equipment production to its roots in British Columbia. The first machines produced at this facility were the Madill 3000B log loaders, signaling a new chapter in Madill's rich history. Dale Ewers highlighted the importance of this move, stating, "We are excited to bring Madill manufacturing back to its roots in British Columbia." The establishment of the facility also contributed to the local economy by creating numerous employment opportunities.
Modernization and Technological Integration
Under DC Equipment's stewardship, Madill is embracing modernization and technological advancements. Wheeler Equipment, a company specializing in heavy equipment repairs, offers services to upgrade and retrofit Madill machines. Their services include air system and winch control updates, complete cab retrofits, touchscreen controls, and hydraulic upgrades. These enhancements aim to improve the efficiency and safety of Madill machines, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving logging industry.
Conclusion
The revival of Madill under DC Equipment represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By honoring the legacy of Madill's durable and reliable machines while integrating modern technological advancements, DC Equipment is positioning the brand for continued success in the logging industry. The return to British Columbia for manufacturing underscores a commitment to local production and community development. As Madill enters this new chapter, it remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a brand that has stood the test of time.
