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Applegate Fencing Company was founded in 1955 by Richard G. Applegate, then 19 years of age. Applegate Fencing Company was established in order to install "quality fencing at reasonable prices." The young businessman found plenty of demand installing fencing and posts. Although the demand for fencing increased, Applegate and his one employee needed to increase productivity during Indiana winters. During the winter of 1960, Applegate began manufacturing "wire-filled" gates to be installed during the prime fencing seasons. The demand for the "wire-filled" gate, also known as the "Steel Jewel", escalated and the manufacturing business grew. In the meantime, the installation and fencing division was replaced by manufacturing machines and tools. The "Steel Jewel" farm gate was a tremendous success. As the industry changed -- so did Applegate Manufacturing. |
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During the 1970's, Applegate's "Steel Jewel" wire-filled gate was slowly replaced by the Applegate Wooden Gate and Applegate Panel Gate. Thus, Applegate offered all three gates to distributors. In 1974, R.G. Applegate designed a product that put Applegate Manufacturing on the national map! The Midwest's first Round Bale Feeder originated from Applegate Manufacturing. The word "hayfeeder" became synonymous with "Applegate." During the late 70's and early 80's, the tubular gate started to replace the panel gate and the wire-filled gate. In order to be more competitive in the market, and in an effort to eliminate the "middle man", Applegate Manufacturing installed four Tube Mills to produce the tubing necessary for the new Tubular Gate. As the demand for livestock equipment increased, Applegate Manufacturing purchased two slitters to cut and slit the steel utilized in the Applegate operation. The 1990's proved to be productive for R.G. Applegate Steel Company. During this time, Applegate Steel manufactured 39 new products for livestock, lawn & garden and pet usage; purchased three manufacturing facilities, and grew in sales by more than 100 percent. As Applegate heads into a new era, we will continue to provide the highest quality of livestock, horse, pet and lawn & garden equipment. Satisfying our customers will always be our #1 objective. Thank you for your past support and we hope you will grow with us in the future. Aaron Applegate, President |
