Ag Leader Is In Its Golden Era

Montezuma, Kansas -- MJE, LLC, a leader in the ag industry, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary, recently commemorated at a gala bringing together partners, family and industry leaders. Founded in 1974 as Max Jantz Excavating, MJE has grown from a local excavation company to a full-service ag construction company to a national powerhouse, marking a half-century of unparalleled service, innovation, and community involvement.

50th Anniversary Party

This landmark anniversary was celebrated on March 23, 2024, at Wichita’s B-29 Doc's Hangar, where employees, business partners, and community leaders gathered to honor the past and prepare for the future. Highlights included a heartfelt speech from founder Max Jantz, music from the acclaimed Cory Farley Band, and time for reflecting on MJE's commitment to both tradition and forward-thinking.

CEO Heather Jantz said, "This celebration is not just about commemorating what we have achieved, but also about looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead."

A Legacy of Commitment and Innovation

Founded in 1974 by Max Jantz, MJE, LLC has grown under the leadership of his children, Aaron and Heather, into a beacon of innovation and dedication. MJE's foundation in a close-knit community sets it apart from other companies. Their workforce comprises friends, relatives, and passionate advocates for rural life. This family-oriented, hometown-based approach has turned what could be seen as limits into boundless opportunities.

At MJE, the prevailing spirit is "I can do that." This attitude permeates throughout the company, inspiring a workforce that is eager to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. "Let's try! I know we can figure this out," echoes in the halls and fields where MJE operates, whether confronting new technologies or pioneering advanced methods in their industry. Unlike others who may fear the rise of big corporations or rapid technological shifts, MJE sees them as chances to learn and avenues to propel an old business into new realms of possibility.

This ethos of fearless innovation and a deep-rooted belief in their community's potential drives MJE, LLC forward, making it a standout example of what it means to grow a business without losing sight of where you come from.

MJE Growth Shows Homegrown Kansas Success Story

Senator Moran's Insightful Visit

In a show of support, Sen. Jerry Moran visited MJE Livestock Equipment in April, touring their state-of-the-art facilities, discussing key issues impacting rural workforces, and exploring ways to enhance industry manufacturing standards.

"Senator Moran's visit underscores the importance of our work and its impact on the national stage," noted Chief Operating Officer Heather Jantz.

Strategic Expansion with Five New Dealers

The first quarter of the year saw the addition of five new dealers to MJE Livestock Equipment's network, expanding our reach and reinforcing our presence in critical markets. With dealers in 19 states, this strategic expansion helps to ensure that MJE Livestock Equipment is more accessible to customers nationwide.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Blue Sky Dairy

On April 26, MJE, LLC proudly participated as the lead contractor in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Blue Sky Dairy in Edwards County, Kansas. The event, attended by Sen. Roger Marshall, Rep. Ron Estes, and other high-profile Kansans, marks a significant milestone in local development.

"Being part of this project is a privilege and represents our commitment to contributing positively to our communities," said CEO Aaron Jantz.

Now 250 Employees Strong

MJE, LLC has reached a significant milestone of 250 employees, a testament to our growth and the increasing demand for our products.

"Each employee plays a vital role in our success, and reaching this number is a huge achievement for us," commented Shannon Coleman, Director of Human Resources. The local impact is significant when headquartered in a Southwest Kansas community of only 800 residents.

Championing Diversity and Leadership in Construction

In an industry often dominated by male leadership, MJE, LLC stands out not only for its expertise but also for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Led by Heather Jantz, MJE proudly features women in key roles across various departments, including estimation, finance, management and operations, human resources, and public relations and marketing. On-site teams include many bilingual supervisors with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, enhancing the team’s communication and cohesion.  

MJE's dedication to innovation extends beyond just construction and manufacturing practices. The company actively consults with leading industry experts such as veterinarian Dr. Tera Barnhardt to ensure every project benefits from cutting-edge insights and approaches. By integrating these unique perspectives, MJE continues to revolutionize how projects are envisioned and executed, setting new standards within the construction industry.

Reflecting on Five Years of Substantial Growth

The past five years have been a period of explosive growth for MJE, LLC, with significant increases in both revenue and market presence. Our strategic decisions and relentless pursuit of excellence have been central to this success.

Key statistics from the MJE projects include:

- Completion of over 200 contracted projects, averaging 20 projects per year.

- Expansion and upgrade of feedyards to accommodate over 260,000 head of beef cattle.

- Extensive construction achievements, including over 1.5 million square feet of concrete placement and over 7 million cubic yards of dirt moved in various projects.

Furthermore, MJE Livestock Equipment has expanded its reach, boasting dealers in over 19 states, significantly enhancing our service capabilities and market penetration.

About MJE, LLC 

MJE, LLC, founded by Max Jantz, has grown from a modest dirt-moving operation into a leading provider of construction services and livestock equipment. With a legacy of innovation and community engagement, MJE, LLC is dedicated to advancing the agricultural and construction industries. To learn more about MJE, LLC visit our website: www.mjellc.net.

About MJE Livestock Equipment

MJE Livestock Equipment makes the lives of farmers and ranchers easier through strategic herd management advice, facility design, and American-made livestock equipment built with innovation that makes ranching easier and cattle safe, healthy, and happy.

To learn more about MJE Livestock Equipment and become part of their fast-growing network of dealers, visit our website: www.mjelivestockequipment.com