History

History Behlen was founded in Columbus, Nebraska by Walter D. Behlen in 1936. Walter was quick to conceptualize a new product opportunity in the marketplace by recognizing a problem and visualizing a solution. It was this ability to "visualize" and take action that brought about the founding of Behlen Mfg. Co.

A garage behind Walt Behlen's home served as the first Behlen factory. It was there he developed his first products, steel toecaps for industrial shoes and unique lid clamps for wooden egg crates.

Joined in the venture by his father, Fred, and brothers, Gib and Mike, the emerging Behlen company quickly gained a reputation for innovative, quality farm products.

In 1950, Behlen entered the building market with a self-framing building system. It became popular in wide-span recreational, commercial and industrial applications.

Behlen was acquired by the Wickes Corporation in 1969. A management buyout in 1984 returned Behlen to local ownership, which remains in place today.

Behlen has established a strong presence in agricultural markets as a leader in cattle equipment, grain storage, drying and handling systems, as well as, becoming a well established building systems manufacturer.