from the day my grandfather Michael M. Sill founded the company in Duluth, Minn., in 1926, our approach has always been to look ahead and move forward."

Of course, it wasn't always easy. The first-generation Sill had to weather the Great Depression and WWII.

"In those challenging times, just keeping the doors open was more impressive than double-digit growth during a boom period," said the younger Sill. "I know my grandfather was a guy who was turned on by scale and always understood the need for growth in a business. The same is true of my father Michael R. Sill and uncle Mitch Sill, who grew the company significantly during their tenure by adding numerous product lines and opening several new locations in Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including our headquarters in the Twin Cities suburb of Savage."

The growth philosophy has continued, and even intensified, under the third-generation leadership of Mike Sill II. He joined RMS in 1987 and served in various capacities - first in product support, then machine sales, followed by used equipment, and finally, as Vice President of Operations overseeing parts and service - before becoming President in late 1994.

"I think the world is a little more competitive today, and in our business, it's more important than ever to offer customers a wide range of products and to know how to service them," he said. "Growth is a reflection that our customers and suppliers value what we do."

NEXT PAGE