The new facility will occupy roughly the same footprint as the original building but will feature a second story and a modern, future-focused design. Plans include upgraded office spaces, conference rooms, an extra-large meeting area, a staff lounge, and elevator access—all designed to provide staff and visitors with improved comfort, connectivity, and room for future growth.

Duo Lift currently employs 80–100 full-time staff across its office and manufacturing operations. The new headquarters will enhance the employee experience while positioning the company for decades of continued innovation.

“Our team is proud to break ground on this new headquarters—a project that represents far more than just bricks and mortar,” said Ben Hellbusch, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Duo Lift Manufacturing. “This building has been a long time coming, and it will secure the foundation for our future growth while standing as a symbol of our legacy: delivering innovative equipment built on quality, safety, and dependability. With this project, our facilities will reflect the same level of professionalism and excellence that our customers associate with the Duo Lift name.”

“In addition, we are grateful to our staff and customers who stood with us through the challenges of temporary office solutions,” Hellbusch said. “Their patience and commitment kept us moving forward. Now, the time has come to give our team the space they deserve—an environment built for collaboration, innovation, and success.”

The project is expected to take 10 months, with a grand opening slated for summer 2026.

| Member since 1983

The officers will lead a 16-person board. Hours before their election, member companies at the Association’s annual business meeting elected four executives as directors. Beginning three-year terms are:

• Marc Ivey, vice president of business development for Dirt Dog Manufacturing in Commerce, Ga.
• Phil Landoll, vice president of operations at Landoll Corp., in Marysville, Kan.
• Jon Sherrod, area manager for Bondioli & Pavesi in Ashland, Va.
• Clair Ellis, president of Ellis Equipment Co. in Logan, Utah.

Ivey, Landoll, and the officers are farm equipment manufacturers, or regular members. Sherrod represents the Supplier Associate member section; Ellis represents the marketing members.

Member companies also re-elected Carrie Gunnerson and Paul Jeffrey to additional terms on the board.

Danuser has attended Association meetings for 20 years. She is the second female president of the Association and the third from Danuser Machine Co. She says networking is among the chief benefits of membership for her.

“The Association offers different conference venues each year, and it is extremely valuable to be able to meet with others in agricultural markets, including manufacturers, suppliers, and distribution partners,” she said. “We have similar challenges, and learning from others helps to truly translate those challenges into rewarding opportunities.”

Third generation owner Jerry Danuser, Janea’s father, served as president of the Association in 2003. Landoll’s father Don was president in 1991. Jim Hellbusch, Ben’s father, was president in 1999.

In her comments at convention, Danuser said that whether a company has generations of experience with the Association or joined in recent months, executives have opportunities through membership to grow their network, build their business, and emerge as leaders in the Association.