Weingartz and Ball Equipment announce partnership

UTICA, Mich – Weingartz Supply Company and Ball Equipment have announced a joint venture agreement to combine resources in an effort to maximize e-commerce opportunities in the outdoor power equipment and powersports industries.

Under the agreement, both Ball’s and Weingartz’s e-commerce marketing and fulfillment operations will be consolidated and relocated to a newly purchased 45,000-square-foot warehouse in Chesterfield, Michigan. All e-commerce inventories warehoused in Chesterfield will continue to be independently owned by Ball and Weingartz, and sales will remain independent of both companies’ respective online sales channels.

Together Ball and Weingartz will form a new jointly owned entity, BW Retail Solutions, that will manage marketing, fulfillment and customer service for both organizations’ e-commerce businesses. Chris Ball, vice-president Ball Equipment, will serve as CEO of the new joint venture. As part of the joint venture, Ball Equipment has also sold a minority share of its stock to Weingartz’s owners.

“We could not have asked for a better opportunity or partner. Together our organizations combine more than 145 years of industry knowledge, experience and trust in our communities,” said Chris Ball. “We know that as retail environments change, we have to continue to innovate, diversify and stand together with like-minded partners in order to be successful. This joint venture begins a new chapter in the long history of both family owned companies.”

“Finding a partner with Ball’s expertise in e-commerce while sharing common retail backgrounds and values has really been invigorating,” said Dan Weingartz, president of Weingartz. “Collaboration of our strengths and capabilities allows for very high expectations of growth together.”