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by Jason Hasert
Case IH commemorated the production of the 50,000th Steiger tractor during a celebration at its Fargo, N.D., manufacturing facility on Thursday, January 20th. The highlight of the celebration occurred when Case IH handed over the keys to the history-making tractor – a STX500 Quadtrac – to its new owners, as it rolled off the production line.
David and Mark Yaggie, Breckenridge, Minn., purchased the historic tractor. The Yaggie family – through their local Case IH dealership, Titan Machinery in Fargo, N.D. – have been long-term Steiger customers. In fact, father Leo purchased one of the original Steiger models. Members of the Wilkin County family. This spring the 50,000th Steiger will break ground and seed sugar beets, corn, wheat and soybeans on the Yaggie Farm near Breckenridge, Minn. You can see Yaggie Farms operations on-line at http://www.yaggiefarms.com
The celebration at the Fargo production plant included appearances by members of the Steiger family, former company officials with the original Steiger Tractor Inc., Case IH leadership, and representatives of local and state government, including North Dakota Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple.
Erik Olson, general plant manager of the Fargo facility, notes that the occasion held significance for a variety of reasons.
“The fact that the Steiger brand grew out of an idea from a family in Minnesota who dreamed of a better way to farm, into a brand that today delivers exceptional performance and value to its loyal customers, is something that’s truly noteworthy,” says Olson. “Through all the changes seen in our industry over the years, the original product concept has allowed Steiger to remain a robust brand with an amazing future.”
“The occasion also served as a testament to the dedication, work ethic, innovative spirit and pride of the employees, who have in the past or who today, build these magnificent machines,” Olson adds. “The sweat equity delivered by these people, the design teams, dealers and all those who touch Case IH Steiger tractors, have made the STX Series Steiger tractors a star performer in the Case IH product portfolio.”
The origins of the Steiger brand can be traced back to 1957 when John Steiger and his sons Douglas and Maurice, built a tractor that would help make their Red Lake Falls, Minn., farm more productive. Keeping an eye towards meeting the needs of farmers, the Steiger family built more than 100 tractors in their farm shop, before creating Steiger Tractor Inc. and opening manufacturing facilities in Fargo, N.D., in 1969.
Since then, the Fargo facilities were consolidated into the current manufacturing plant, which opened in 1975, where Steiger produced such legendary models as the Puma, Bearcat, Panther and Tiger tractor lines. In 1986, Steiger was purchased by a predecessor company to CNH – the parent company of Case IH – and now, Case IH manufactures Steiger models built in several frame sizes to handle engine horsepower ratings from 275 to 500 hp. All 2005 STX Steigers will bear the 50,000th Steiger Oval decal to help celebrate the 4wd lines proud heritage.
The Fargo plant produces Case IH Steiger tractors, New Holland TJ tractors, New Holland TV145 Bi-Directional tractors, Case 21 Series wheel loaders, New Holland LW Series wheel loaders, and 580 M Series tractor loader back hoes. The plant employees approximately 750 people.
Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems for crop and livestock production, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors ranging from 18 to 500 horsepower; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site specific farming tools. Case IH is a brand of CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and financial services. With headquarters in the United States, CNH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries.
Ertl is helping CaseIH celebrates Steiger's proud heritage with a 1/16 Scale STX500 Quad Track replica. The new STX model from Ertl features the Steiger green and CaseIH red 50,000th Steiger graphics. This special collectors piece will be available in limited quantities at participating CaseIH dealers. The Ertl piece has a clear windowed cab, hand rails and cab mirrors and track assemblies with gold painted bolts. The 1/16 model will be available at participating dealers in may 2005. A 1/64 version is planned by Ertl for the fall of 2005.
 Steiger 50th Emblem
 Steiger History in Green and Red Captured with Steiger Wildcat I and International 4786 Steiger built 4wd
CNH Fargo Plant Facts
History
· John Steiger and sons, Maurice and Doug, successfully built the first Steiger tractor in their barn at Red Lake Falls, Minn., in 1957.
· The Steiger family decided to build tractors professionally out of their Minnesota barn in 1963.
· In 1969, Steiger incorporated as Steiger Tractor, Inc. and moved to Fargo, N.D. In 1975, the company built its current production facility in Fargo.
· In 1986, Tenneco Inc. – then the parent company of Case – bought Steiger.
· In 1999, Case Corporation and New Holland merged to create CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and financial services.
Vital Statistics
· The Fargo production plant occupies 630,000 square feet, more than 10 football fields. The nearby engineering test center covers 50,000 square feet.
· Approximately 750 people are employed at the Fargo plant.
· The Fargo production plant received ISO 9001 certification in 1995. Meeting this most comprehensive ISO standard enables Case to compete more effectively in the worldwide market.
Products
· Both agricultural and construction equipment is manufactured on four assembly lines, a feature unique to the Fargo plant.
· In 2004, began assembly of the 580M Series tractor loader backhoe.
· In 2001, began manufacture of first CNH common platform product – New Holland TJ Series four-wheel-drive tractors. Plant also produces New Holland TV145 bi‑directional models.
· In fall 2000, began production of the newest generation of Steiger tractors, the STX Series.
· In 1996, began production of Case IH Steiger Quadtrac tractors.
· In 1995, began production of the 9300 Series Steiger tractors.
· In 1994, began assembly of the 921 wheel loader.
· In 1993, began manufacturing 550, 650, 850 and 1150 crawler track and engine frames for crawler/dozers built in Burlington, Iowa.
· In 1993, began manufacturing buckets for the 21 Series wheel loaders.
· In 1992, began manufacturing loader buckets for the 580 backhoe built in Burlington, Iowa.
Committed to Employees
· Many of the plant’s employees have between 15 and 30 plus years of experience.
· Long-term employees serve as the core of people on whom the Fargo plant relies heavily to get things done.
· The plant maintains a good working relationship with its union.
Steiger 4wd Information Websites
http://www.caseih.com/home.aspx?RL=ENNA
http://www.yaggiefarms.com
http://www.bigtractorpower.com/steiger4wdtractorhistory.htm
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