LANGLEY, BC — Achieving yet another manufacturing milestone, John Deere commemorated the production of its 5,000th Forestry Swing Machine, a 2656G Log Loader, with a special ceremony at the John Deere-Hitachi Specialty Products (DHSP) factory. Held on the morning of Jan. 31, John Deere invited the customer who purchased the milestone unit, Bighorn Logging, for a unique presentation and factory tour during a signature Gold Key event.

“This is a paramount moment for the DHSP factory and our employees,” said Jarvis de Groot, DHSP product marketing manager, forestry swing machines. “As a company, we are committed to producing high-quality, reliable equipment, and the achievement of this milestone is a nod to our hardworking, dedicated committees, both in the DSHP factory and worldwide. Our customers are the heartbeat of the company and the reason we are able to do what we do every day. It is an honor to open our doors and celebrate with Bighorn Logging.”

For the event, the DHSP factory hosted Bighorn Logging president, Harve Dethlefs, and vice-president, Mark Standley, as well as their dealer, Papé Machinery. The event started with an overview of the storied history of the DHSP factory, followed by a question and answer session. During the session, which was held in front of the factory employees, Dethlefs and Standley discussed their business and the critical role equipment plays.

Following the interview, Bighorn Logging was presented with a plaque and the 5,000th swing machine was revved up for the very first time in celebration. The day concluded with a factory tour and small reception.