History

Une histoire de famille

Mr. Jean-Paul Rheault established the Nicolet-Yamaska Centre Agricole in 1969. His sons Jean-Guy and Michel quickly learned about the agricultural world and took over the company in 1984.

After several investments, expansions and hiring of personnel, they proceed to other transactions which allow them to direct today nine concessions. They are located in Nicolet, St-Maurice, St-Bruno, Coaticook, Berthierville, Rimouski, Wotton, Neuville and Chicoutimi.

The family business relies on a young generation: a third generation that carries the values of CASE IH dealers.

Important Events

  1. 1969
  2. 1978
  3. 1980
  4. 1984
  5. 1986
  6. 1991
  7. 1994
  8. 2000
  9. 2002
  10. 2006
  11. 2010
  12. 2011
  13. 2013
  14. 2016
  15. 2017
  16. 2018
  17. 2019
  18. 2020
  19. 2021
  20. 2022
  21. 2023

  1. 1969

    The Nicolet-Yamaska Centre Agricole was born. At the same time, Jean-Paul Rheault and a group of shareholders bought a small business selling and maintaining agricultural machinery. They operate under the banner International Harvester (IH).

  2. 1978

    At the end of high school, Michel officially joined the team of Le Centre Agricole. With good sales skills, he took several courses in the area.

  3. 1980

    Jean-Guy joined the after-sales service department once he obtained his degree in mechanical technique.

  4. 1984

    Jean-Guy and Michel became the new owners of the Nicolet-Yamaska Agricultural Center. It was an important year since J.I. CASE bought IH, making Le Centre a new CASE IH dealership.

  5. 1986

    Inauguration of the new premises at 2025 Louis-Fréchette Boulevard in Nicolet, following the construction of a new 9,000 square foot garage, larger and better suited to growing needs. Also, Le Centre introduced a new 24-hour after-sales service for the combine harvester, a first in Quebec!

  6. 1991

    1991 to 1999 - In order to adjust to the constant growth of the clientele, the Rheault brothers proceeded to the expansion of the store at the front and the garage. With the construction works, the total area of the facilities was over 26,000 square feet.

  7. 1994

    In parallel with the construction work, the Rheault brothers acquired the company Rolland Clément et Fils of Saint-Maurice, on the North Shore.

  8. 2000

    Acquisition of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Centre Agricole, located in Saint-Bruno

  9. 2002

    A new shareholder, Claude Hamel, joined the Rheault brothers in the purchase of the J.M. Chagnon dealership in Coaticook, which became the Coaticook Centre Agricole.

  10. 2006

    A fifth dealership was added to the group, the company Benoit Bellerose, located in Berthierville, today called the Berthierville Centre Agricole.

  11. 2010

    It was the turn of Équipements André Bellavance of Rimouski to join the Group, now the Bas-Saint-Laurent Centre Agricole.

  12. 2011

    Further expansion and renovations brought the total area of the Nicolet-Yamaska Centre Agricole to 28,000 square feet.

  13. 2013

    Jean-Guy and Michel jointly acquired with Mr. Vincent Comtois, the E Comtois garage and Pont-Rouge machinery, now the Wotton Centre Agricole and the Neuville Agricultural Center.

  14. 2016

    The department of service has expanded and renovations have been made at the St-Maurice Centre Agricole.

  15. 2017

    The Centre Agricole Group is part of the major AFS Connect precision agriculture standards with several specialists.

  16. 2018

    Centre Agricole becomes the largest network of Case IH dealers in Eastern Canada.

  17. 2019

    Centre Agricole becomes the #1 seller of Kuhn products in Canada.

    Centre Agricole celebrates its 50th anniversary.

  18. 2020

    Centre Agricole becomes the #1 dealer for Case IH products in Eastern Canada.

  19. 2021

    Start of major work for the expansion of the Berthierville branch.

    Officialization of the contract for Case IH application equipment in all of Quebec.

  20. 2022

    The 3rd generation takes over the reins after 53 years of existence. Great transaction in the history of Centre Agricole.

    The 8 Centre Agricole branches are Pinnacle #1 certified.
    Great distinction in the agricultural network. Pinnacle represents excellence in networking in it's category.

    Acquisition of the museum from Mr. Raymond Chagnon which becomes the Chagnon Collection division of the Centre Agricole. One of the finest collections of antique tractors in Canada. 76 tractors and 6 trucks from 1948 to 1976 are included in the collection.

    At the St-Tite Western Festival, the Rodéo Case IH becomes the Rodéo Centre Agricole. We preserved the Prestige partnership with the festival.

  21. 2023

    Centre Agricole Nicolet-Yamaska and Centre Agricole Coaticook sell TORO products.

    175 jobs are generated by Centre Agricole. Several employees have worked there since 1969...