Three John Deere farm and turf equipment dealers are merging to form Greenmark Equipment, Inc., a dealership group with 16 locations in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.

The new group combines Fillmore Equipment of Holland, Gilsinger Implement of Winnemac, Ind. and Howard and Sons of Monticello, Ind.

“All three companies have been successful, but fast-paced changes in the agriculture and turf industries mean we have to use resources wisely to remain stable and keep growing,” said Ken Timmerman, an owner of Fillmore Equipment, 4098 M40.

“By coming together as one company, we’ll continue to be at the forefront of the industry,” said Timmerman, whose family-owned company will bring eight locations in Michigan and a dealership in Langrange, Ind. to the partnership.

With more than 400 employees, the combined dealership will have greater access to parts, service, training and equipment inventory, according to a news release announcing the merger.

“It’s a new company with the same great people,” said Paul Gilsinger, an owner of Gilsinger Implement. “The employees are what made our companies successful, and we’re excited that GreenMark has a team of over 400 people.”

“It’s a great opportunity for us. GreenMark Equipment will remain a family-owned company with a local focus, benefitting from the resources of a larger dealership,” Mark Howard, an owner of Howard and Sons, said. “It’s a win-win for the community and our staff.”

Jim Harger covers business for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Google+.