Executives with Weingartz Supply Co. and Ball Equipment recently announced a joint venture agreement that consolidates Ball’s and Weingartz’s e-commerce marketing and fulfillment operations and relocates them to a newly purchased 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Chesterfield, Mich. 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.

Ball and Weingartz are forming a new jointly owned entity, BW Retail Solutions, LLC, that will manage marketing, order fulfillment and customer service for both organizations’ e-commerce businesses. Chris Ball, Vice-President of 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,” said Chris Ball, adding that the two dealerships combined have more than 145 years of industry knowledge, experience and trust in their respective communities. “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.” Weingartz Supply President Dan Weingartz adds that “Collaboration of our strengths and capabilities allows for very high expectations of growth together.”

The joint venture is a new chapter and logical outgrowth in the long history of both family-owned dealerships that have developed highly successful business operations, with Ball more focused on power sports and Weingartz on lawn and garden. Ball Equipment has been in business since 1944. In addition to two retail locations in Richmond and Sandusky, Ball Equipment owns and operates FixMyToys.com, a leading e-commerce retailer for off-road vehicle parts and accessories. In business since 1945, Weingartz is an industry leader in outdoor power equipment sales, service, and expert advice. A long-time advocate of commercial and residential buyers, Weingartz carries top-name equipment and replacement parts at each of its five Michigan locations and online at www.weingartz.com.

Ray Weingartz, Dan’s father who passed away in February 2016, is a legendary Midwest power equipment dealer who strongly supported the Ohio-Michigan Dealers Association and also served with the North American Equipment Dealers Association and many other groups in his effort to promote dealer interests and professionalism in the marketplace.