Farewell to Robert J. Ratliff, founder of the AGCO group
On April 21th, he died at the age of 85, at his home in Johns Creek, Georgia, Robert J. Ratliff, founder, former President, Managing Director and General Manager of AGCO Corporation. The group deeply regrets the loss of its alma mater, which, with its vision of providing solutions to the global needs of the agricultural sector, led the growth of the company, which went from being a small American company to becoming one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural machinery in the world.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him, at the head of AGCO’s management team, to acquire the Deutz-Allis company in 1990. Under his leadership, AGCO acquired many of the most well-known and respected brands in the machinery sector
Thus, in 1994, AGCO acquires worldwide rights over Massey Ferguson, a consolidated leader in the global sale of tractors. In 1997, AGCO bought Fendt, a recognized global leader in technology development in the sector. In 2002, Mr. Ratliff led the purchase of Caterpillar‘s agricultural division as well as the Challenger brand. In 2004, AGCO completed the purchase of Valtra, further strengthening AGCO’s leadership position in Europe and South America.
His approach to leadership was eminently practical, firmly supporting employees, their interests and goals. This approach also extended to the network of dealers, demanding their opinions on a regular basis and encouraging frequent contacts and the involvement of senior management, which is now part of AGCO’s culture.
Mr. Ratliff led the company in a total of 21 procurement procedures, with sales increasing from $ 200 million in 1990 to more than $ 5400 million in 2005, retiring from general management in 2006.
Today, AGCO’s headquarters in Duluth, Georgia sells its products in more than 150 countries
Elected in 2014 to join the Hall of Fame of the Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (AEM), Mr. Ratliff has left an important footprint in the global sector, leaving behind the business he forged and the people it supported and helped to develop.
Martin Richenhagen, President, Managing Director and CEO of AGCO stated, “Bob Ratliff’s commitment to excellence and his complete dedication to AGCO, to our customers, distributors, employees and shareholders, helped our company to become what it is today . The Board of Directors, the management team, and our employees around the world are greatly grateful for their vision, leadership and dedication. We will miss him very much and our thoughts accompany his wife Gini and all his family. ”
Source: AGCO Group
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