Zipperlock Manufacturing Plants and Industrial Buildings

Although Zipperlock is mainly a manufacturer of agricultural buildings, the arch style building is also adaptable for manufacturing plants, industrial structures, commercial facilities and business premises.
The Zipperlock building in Spirit River, Alberta is now being used as an assembly plant for Boomspray field sprayers and for storage of sprayer parts.

When Al Ross contacted Zipperlock to put up a building for his implement dealership, his main concern was, 'How soon?'
Dave Ross Equipment Ltd. is a John Deere and Chrysler dealership in Spirit River, Alberta. Al's parents, Dave and Sophie, started the business in 1943. Initially, it operated as a parts outlet but has grown into one of the largest implement dealerships in the Peace River area. This transition hasn't been easy, however. As the business grew, so did its need for additional repair facilities. In the fall of 1978, the business had a little extra money so Al contacted a Zipperlock crew working in the area. He wanted a building that could be put up quickly by a contractor.

"If I had bought just a package it might have been a long time before it ever got up," said Al. "When asked how quickly it could be built, the guy said if I went far the mail it might be up by the time I got back. That was nearly the truth." At first, just the building was erected. Over time Al gradually made modifications, including a concrete floor, insulation and heating system.

The Zipperlock is now being used to assemble Boomspray field sprayers and to store sprayer parts. In 1988, Al purchased the assets of this failing Australian company and managed to sell 24 machines in the first year. Sales have increased every year and now he's planning to expand to meet the great demand for large capacity, faster sprayers.

Although Al was not concerned with colour, today he's happy that Zipperlock offered colored steel rather than galvanized. "I'm really happy to have a white painted building. The building still looks great 15 years later."