1929
Hugh Scott, Sr. and G.A. Weidlich (both deceased) founded Western Machinery Company in St. Louis in 1929. The company began as a mutil-line distributor of power transmission equipment, principally chain drives, V-belt drives, and hydraulic motors. During the 1930’s the company grew steadily concentrating on current equipment but expanding into the construction equipment arena. Among the products represented were cranes, air compressors and other construction equipment.
1945
In 1945, Western machinery obtained Detroit Diesel Engine franchise for Eastern MO, Southern Illinois, and Southwestern Indiana. Hugh Scott, Jr. joins the company as executive director and stockholder. 1940 brought a branch office located in Centralia, IL.
1958
From 1958-1965 the Detroit Diesel engine line became the focus of the business. Construction and GMC truck franchises were eliminated and government contracting and mining equipment divisions were sold to strengthen the Detroit Diesel operation. Hugh Scott Sr. retires and Hugh Scott Jr. purchases primary interest in the company. Western Diesel Services, Inc . was adopted.
1985
During 1985, GM and John Deere entered into arrangements for the joint distribution of diesel engines in the US market. At the time, the purpose of this agreement was to form a stand-alone diesel engine venture jointly owned by both parties. Western Diesel, through its Coastal Power subsidiary, had successful experiences with the John Deere engine product. Therefore, the acquisition of the John Deere engine distributorship in St. Louis would not only enhance business opportunities, but solve potential conflicts between competitive distributors selling identical product in the same market.
To this end, in July, 1985 Western Diesel acquired all stock in CK Power Products in St. Louis, MO. From 1985-1992, CK Power operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Diesel Services, Inc. representing John Deere, Isuzu, Honda, Kubota and Kohler generators.
1991
In 1991, John Costello became President and Chief Operating Officer of CK Power Products. This role enabled John to assume responsibility for increasing market share in all aforementioned engine lines in St. Louis. Currently, CK Power is the exclusive distributor for John Deere, Volvo Penta, Kubota and Wisconsin Continental engines in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region. CK Power is also the exclusive distributor for Kohler Power Systems in sections of the Midwest.
1997
In 1997, the company acquired some of the assets of American Gentech of Miami, FL. The facility in Miami became CK Power Products operation. The companies’ activities were expanded to include sale of generator sets and other products to the rapidly growing Latin American export market in the Miami area.
2009
Under the direction of John Costello, Owner and COO, Jim Sida, Vice Chairman, and Paul Ostby, President, Western Diesel Services DBA CK Power operates its facility in St. Louis, MO. John Costello touts CK Powers’ success in constantly evaluating the ever changing engine and generator market, and consistently adapting to our most valuable assets’ needs, our clients.
