A local family-owned business is celebrating a major expansion.

Carrière and Poirier Equipment in Alfred recently completed a major expansion of its sales and service operations on Highway 17 at the west end of town.

The business began 62 years ago as a Massey Ferguson tractor and machinery dealership owned by René Carrière, grandfather of current company President Michel Poirier.  His father André married Carrière’s daughter Monique.

In 1978, Carrière and Poirier switched from selling Massey Ferguson products to Kubota equipment, made by a Japanese company that makes a variety of small to mid-sized tractors and other power equipment.  Kubota’s Canadian division is based in Markham, Ontario.  In the late 1970s, Kubota only offered four tractor models, but Carrière and Poirier saw a market at that time for smaller tractors.  Today, Kubota offers more than 100 models of various products.

Construction of a new, two-level sales showroom, service counter, and offices began in September, 2018.  The new facility covers 4,500 square feet on the ground floor, and 2,600 on the second level.

Michel Poirier said they wanted a good workplace for employees and a professional setting for customers.

“To have a showroom was important to us,” he said.

The business was running out of space in its existing facility, which remains in use after renovations and is connected to the new building.

Carrière and Poirier employs 25 people, and most of the employees are from the surrounding area.  In addition to sales and service in Alfred, the company also has trucks on the road that provide parts and service to customers wherever needed.  Poirier said their customers are evenly split between Ontario and Québec.

Once known mostly for smaller tractors, Kubota is starting to produce larger 190 to 210-horsepower models in the year ahead.  Poirier said they will be built in Canada through an agreement with Manitoba-based tractor manufacturer, Versatile.

“We would like to thank our customers for the last 62 years who have been loyal to us said Poirier.”

Carrière and Poirier Equipment is having an open house on Friday, September 20 to showcase its new facilities on Highway 17, west of Alfred.