Our story
Serving farmers since 1970
Key milestones
WIC founded — first circular silo unloader created.
New factory and launch of motorized feeders.
Patented straw chopper — international breakthrough.
Gold medal for the WIC 100.
Steven Roy takes the helm.
Over 100 dealers and worldwide exports.
The history of WIC
From its founding, WIC brought agricultural equipment to market that achieved tremendous success and moved into a 5,000 sq.ft. factory that today spans over 50,000 sq.ft. That speaks to the journey!
From gold medals to first prizes, WIC innovates thanks to its owners who, over the years, have maintained a focus on innovation while meeting customer needs.
Gratien Houle
Founder — 1970
Steven Roy
Owner since 2009
The founders
One cannot speak of WIC without introducing its founder Mr. Gratien Houle. From a family of ingenious industrialists, Gratien is the 2nd child of Jérôme Houle, founder of J. Houle & Fils, a manufacturer of agricultural equipment.
The first piece of equipment built in 1970 by Gratien, his father Jérôme and their associates Gérard Couture and Gilles Benoît was a circular silo unloader. This equipment was a tremendous success at its very first presentation at the Agricultural Machinery Show (SIMA) in 1970.
Growth
In 1973, settled in their new factory, ideas kept flowing and several new projects came to life. The motorized feeders were the first products manufactured, followed in 1976 by the straw chopper, a patented invention by Gratien Houle that would take WIC to international markets.
From 1986 to 2009, several ownership changes took place but the tradition of innovation remained. Several feed equipment products were added: grain crushers, hammer mills and other grain handling equipment including the WIC 100, which won the gold medal from the Quebec Agricultural Machinery Association in 1988.
WIC today
In 2009, current owner Steven Roy took the helm at WIC. Steven, nephew of founder Gratien Houle, watched WIC evolve and grow over time. This speaks to his attachment to the company and how proud he is to see WIC continue its momentum.
Driven by his desire for success and looking toward the future, Steven has built and surrounded himself with a dynamic, motivated team with many years of experience.
After WIC's 40th anniversary milestone, the product line continues to grow with equipment that meets farmers' needs. Whether it's the model 684 silo unloader, double chain conveyors, the round bale straw chopper, and soon the large square bale model — WIC serves farmers!