Pictured are (L to R): Gary Harvey, CFO of AF Holding Company; Terry Moore, president of Clark Pulley Industries; Ron Harshman, chairman of the board of AF Holding Company; and Mike Cohan, president of AF Holding Company. Photo by Steven Smith.

April 1, 2014 marked a milestone for a local company.

On this date 25 years ago, Agri-Fab Incorporated, based in Sullivan, Ill., purchased Clark Pulley Industries located in the Russellville Industrial Park.

Agri-Fab, a manufacturer of lawn and garden grooming equipment, purchased Clark Pulley, which manufactures pulleys for the lawn and garden industry. Both companies service a customer base that includes MTD, Husqvarna, Hydro Gear, Briggs & Stratton and Ariens, all of which have a strong presence in the market.

Ron Harshman, President/CEO and one of the original six founders of Agri-Fab, commuted between Sullivan and Russellville for two years after the purchase, spending one week each month helping develop operating systems for Clark Pulley. This was the framework for the success that Clark Pulley has enjoyed for the past 25 years.

Since being purchased in 1989, Clark Pulley has served the local economy with stable employment for local residents, as 20 percent of the original workforce at the time of the purchase continues to be with the company today.

Clark Pulley maintains an average workforce of 45 full-time employees and current temporary employment of 22 employees.

Joining in the 25-year celebration were members of the AF Holding management team who made the trip down to Russellville to enjoy time with all the employees of Clark Pulley.

Coinciding with the anniversary, Clark Pulley produced its 147,500,000^th pulley, which was added to a plaque that was presented by Clark Pulley president Terry Moore to Harshman.