George Bower, in 1900, started an agricultural drainage business with his steam-engine Buckeye wheel machine in Fremont, Ohio. By 1980 the Bower family had become one of the largest ag drainage contractors in the country installing more than 4 million feet of tile annually.
In 1985, Tom and Jack Bower ordered the first Inter-Drain trencher to be delivered to the United States from Holland, creating Great Lakes Inter-Drain. They became the first U.S. distributor at that time. Great Lakes Inter-Drain is owned and operated by Tom Bower and his family. The company is the sole dealer of AFT drainage equipment in the United States, including the AFT Multi-Use Trailer, The AFT Whizz Wheels, including the 55 and 75 models, the popular AFT-45 Tractor Mounted Trencher and our newest product the AFT Traction. This equipment can be used on a wide variety of jobs including farm drainage, irrigation installation, sports field management and drainage. Great Lakes Inter-Drain also sells parts for servicing AFT and Inter-Drain equipment including everything from chains and cutters to nuts and bolts. “We try to stock enough parts because as a former contractor I know what it’s like to be broke down and having to wait for parts while on a project.”- Steve Bower.
They are a dealer of GPS equipment such as Top-Con, LEICA, AFL, and Sailor. They also sell AGPS software such as TOPO and their newest program Pipe Design. With AGPS TOPO a person can go out and survey a sports field to create maps for existing or new construction. With AGPS Pipe Design software one can take the TOPO map that was created and design the drainage system for the sports field with ease. One can also purchase software assurance so that the latest updates for software are always readily available for download.
Great Lakes Inter-Drain has earned the reputation for their commitment to excellence. They refuse to sell any equipment that does not meet their high expectations. Whether it be selling or repairing of equipment, or consulting with contractors, customers know that they can rely on Great Lakes Inter-Drain’s three generations of experience to provide the highest quality of service.
Great Lakes Inter-Drain is operated by a wonderful, customer-oriented staff: Tom, Marion, Steve, Dana, Joy and Beth. They are available for answering questions by phone at 1-800-767-1904. They also are in the process of revamping their website at www.greatlakesinter-drain.com. Please visit it often to learn the newest products, any updates on software, used equipment available, open houses and events.
