History...
Kimball Equipment Company began as a partnership of John F. Kimball and his cousin Lowther Kimball who provided temporary start-up financial support and accounting. The company was incorporated in August 1946 with John Kimball, President; and Bill Allen, Secretary-Treasurer.
John, a civil engineer, salesman, and strategist, and Bill Allen, an astute tactician, meticulous analyst and business manager worked together in an ideal relationship each contributing his strengths to the enterprise. Bill became President in 1972 upon John's retirement. Initially Kimball Equipment sold a range of equipment including excavators, fire trucks, and snowplows. Over time, however, the Company shed those products not directly related to crushing, screening, and conveying. Cedarapids has always been at the core of the Company's business. The good will created by John Kimball and Bill Allen enabled Kimball Equipment to become a predominant supplier of equipment supplies to the rock crushing industry in Utah and Southwestern Wyoming. Cedarapids assigned the Southern Idaho territory to Kimball Equipment in 1971, at which time the Boise Branch was created. Bill Allen remained active in the business until the day he suffered a debilitating stroke in August 1989.
Allen Kimball, a mechanical engineer, began full time employment with the Company in 1958. Richard Kimball also a mechanical engineer, began full time employment with the Company in 1975 at which time he began the company's transition to the use of computers. Kimball Equipment has recently opened branches in Sparks, Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Phoenix, Arizona. Richard Kimball operates Zeigler Sales, Inc. as a separate though related business.