CHAS RICHARDS & SONS

Chas Richards & Sons proudly served York County, Ontario for over 90 years.

Chas Richards & Sons partnership with International Harvester began in 1929, when J.E. Richards opened a McCormick Farm Machinery agency in Agincourt Ontario. James E. Richards operated the dealership until his death in 1940. It was then, that Charles Richards, left the family farm in Ellesmere (Toronto), to take over the International Harvester dealership on First Avenue in Agincourt Ontario.

From 1943 to 1955, Charles & Ruth Richards (parents of Walter, Jim, Bruce, Murray & Don, grandparents of current owners Bob & Brian) operated their farm equipment business out of the back yard of their home at 4182 Sheppard Avenue in Agincourt (Scarborough). In the early 1950's they added a store front location down the street from the 'shop'. In addition to farm equipment, they sold refrigeration products, parts, garden accessories etc.

The urban development of the Scarborough area after World War II, was explosive and as a result the traditional customer base had shifted away, practically overnight.

International Harvester had an opening for a dealership location in Stouffville. So, in 1955, Chas & Ruth Richards purchased 5676 Main Street in Stouffville. It was an open field at the time and construction of a new building began. Both Jim (Bob & Brian's father) and Bruce, had joined the company at that time, and Chas Richards & Sons Ltd. was formed. Over time, all 5 brothers became part of the operation. The mid to late 1960's were good years. The building was upgraded in 1967, and sales continued to be strong, and then the Federal Government started talking about the Pickering Airport and land expropriation.

With 5 families to feed, employees to support and after being squeezed out of Scarborough, it seemed logical to add a second location. In September 1969, Chas Richards & Sons Ltd opened a second location in Barrie on HWY 11 South, in a rented building. Once again, they purchased property and built a new facility on HWY 93 North, where they moved in 1974, and where Richards Equipment Inc still operates today.

In late 1984, interest rates were high, farm receipts were low and the famous International Harvester Company succumbed to the pressures facing the farm equipment industry at the time. When the dust settled, Case IH only offered a Sales and Service Contract to the Stouffville location. The Barrie location, switched brands, and names; becoming a Ford-New Holland dealership and Richards Equipment Inc.

After 90 years representing International Harvester and Case IH, Chas Richards & Sons Ltd. closed as a Case IH dealership in October 2019. The decision to close Chas Richards & Sons Ltd. was a difficult one. We knew we would be saying good bye to our great customers. It is because of their loyalty, we were able to continue to serve our community.

We THANK YOU for allowing us to support our families for 4 generations.

Richards Family and Staff

Call Us Get Direction Service's Request Part's Request