By Cheryl Long
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T
echnology is the driver of change for
most industries, and Kramer Ltd. is no
exception. Well-known in Western Can-
ada as the Caterpillar dealer for the province of
Saskatchewan, the family-owned company has
its roots planted firmly in history but looks to
innovation as the company advances into the
future.
Three generations of the Kramer family have
played an important role in the company’s pro-
gression. Celebrating its 70
th
anniversary this
year, the business was founded in 1944 when
Robert A. (Bob) Kramer purchased the Albert
Olson Co. Ltd., the first Caterpillar dealership
in Saskatchewan. Bob’s eldest son Don, who
started in the industry operating tractors dur-
ing the summer for his father’s construction
firm, became president of the company when
his father retired in 1980. In the meantime,
the third generation of the Kramer family had
joined the family business. Don’s son Timo-
thy started working for Kramer Tractor Ltd. in
1978 after graduating from the University of
Saskatchewan. In 1991, Timothy was named
company president as Don became chairman
of the board. That same year, the company
changed its name to Kramer Ltd., reflecting a
wider range of products and services.
There are fewwho wouldn’t recognize Caterpil-
lar’s trademark “Caterpillar Yellow” machines
DECEMBER 2014
H
business elite canada
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