NORTH SHORE TRACTOR

Serving Farmers since 1986

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History

The first  Fremlin, William David, great grandfather of Vic and Tom settled on St. Joseph Island, building a home across from the cemetery at Hilton Beach. The Grandfather Fremlin took a boat from Hilton to Bar River and originally settled there, but flooding forced him to move inland and the family name has become synonymous with the area and farming ever since.

Brothers Vic and Tom Fremlin, third generation Bar River farmers began to broaden their interests when they formed North Shore Tractors in 1986. This came about when Tom needed a new tractor and Vic suggested that instead of buying one from someone else, they should start their own business selling and servicing agriculture equipment. Tom’s garage became the site for their venture and Kubota became the first line of equipment.

Universal and Zetor were added to the Kubota line. In the spring of 1993, the Fremlins acquired the John Deere franchise, becoming only the second dealer in Ontario to have a John Deere franchise along with other lines of equipment. More space was a necessity! In the spring of 1994 they opened their new shop, 100 yards up the road at the corner of Calabogie Road and Highway 17 East, only 15 minutes from Sault Ste. Marie. Located on the knoll of the hill on Calabogie Road, it not only provided them with more space for sales and services but provided a wonderful natural showroom. Any piece of equipment could be placed on the hillside and passersby were provided with a clear view of the product.

North Shore now offers such a wide range of products, including John Deere products, that they're sure to have the right size and price for each individual customer’s needs. Equipment for all seasons is available. North Shore also rents, the perfect option for use of those pieces of machinery you only need occasionally.

Vic and Tom are directly involved in the day to day business. Although they periodically might have to be called in from the back forty, they still know all the customers and deals that are going through. North Shore tractor offers every type of equipment for commercial, agriculture and gardening use starting with small lawn mowers.

The staff has grown over the years employing twelve people. They are fully trained and are required to go away annually for training and upgrading. North Shore has always sold more used tractors in the United States. At least 45% of North Shore advertising is targeted specifically to customers in Michigan. North Shore has its own mechanics so they can do a thorough job of servicing what they sell. Excellent warranties are provided and several types of financing are available and can be arranged at the dealership.

North Shore Tractor is also an excellent corporate citizen. They believe in supporting the communities they serve and live in. Hard work and having good people working with the company is the reason North Shore Tractor is still growing strong. Vic was honoured to be the recipient of the Northern Ontario Business Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ for 1998. The success of North Shore Tractor, Lock City Dairies and Diamond J. Farms is something to be justifiably proud of. The Fremlins have sponsored many local youth hockey teams and adult hockey tournaments. The have donated five chain saws to the Ontario Winter Games 2000.

Watch For

KUBOTA

Spring FEVER EVENT

MARCH 1 TO MAY 31, 2006

North Shore Tractor ©2006