Custom Tractors & Lineup

Custom Manufacturing was an American tractor producer that played a significant role in the post-World War II agricultural machinery market. Founded in 1944 in Shelbyville, Indiana, the company quickly established itself by producing tractors powered by Chrysler engines and transmissions. This strategic partnership with Chrysler allowed Custom to offer reliable and cost-effective machines that appealed to small to medium-sized farms. The company's ability to produce quality tractors under various brand names, including Montgomery Ward, Lehr Big Boy, Rockol, and Regal, demonstrated its versatility and market reach. In 1952, Custom Manufacturing relocated its production facilities to Hustisford, Wisconsin, in an effort to possibly expand its operations or improve logistics. However, the company's independent run was relatively short-lived. By 1954, Custom Manufacturing sold its assets to a Mexican firm, marking the end of its production in the United States. Despite its brief existence, Custom Manufacturing left a lasting impact on the agricultural machinery industry by demonstrating the viability of using automotive components in tractor manufacturing and by successfully marketing its products under various brand names.