Dixie Chopper to Utilize New Building

December 3 -- Preliminary interior construction work at the Garmong Development spec building is under way, as evidenced by activity Friday at the facility on Greencastle's East Side. Dixie Chopper will soon occupy the 50,000-square-foot facility.

The speculation is over. The spec building is no longer a shell.

Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center Director Bill Dory announced Friday that an agreement has been reached for Magic Circle Corp. -- the corporate name of Dixie Chopper -- to lease the 50,000 square-foot spec building for three years with a two-year additional option.

Work has begun on laying a concrete floor in the structure at 2540 E. CR 50 South (west of Fillmore Road and north of IAC Corp.).

Dixie Chopper, founded in Putnam County by Art Evans in April 1980, will continue to build its 20-some models of the "World's Fastest Lawn Mower" at its 120,000-square-foot facilities north of Fillmore.

New Dixie Chopper President Simon Wilson was unavailable for comment Friday on how the Putnam County company will utilize the now-former spec building. It could use the facility for assembly, manufacturing of components or possibly even parts operations.

However, Dory told the Banner Graphic that Wilson had indicated the new facility will allow Dixie Chopper flexibility as the company continues to grow and will help assure that such growth occurs within the local community.

"From my perspective," Dory said, "it's nice to be able to help a local business grow and support the local economy."

No timetable was available Friday on when Dixie Chopper would occupy the building for its purposes.

Dory informed the Greencastle Redvelopment Commission Wednesday night that a tenant had been secured for the controversial shell building, earning applause and a standing ovation from members.

He was unable to identify the tenant, however, until Dixie Chopper and Garmong Development Co. had worked out final details of the lease on the building and its 9.76-acre site.

Simon Wilson Taking Over Reins at Dixie Chopper

FILLMORE – October 27 -- Magic Circle Corp. (d/b/a Dixie Chopper) today announced that Simon Wilson has been named the company's new president and CEO and has been reconfirmed to the Magic Circle Board of Directors.

Wilson will report to board of Magic Circle Corp. He replaces Gary Morgan, the president and CEO who has resigned to pursue other interests.

"Simon did a great job as our chief financial officer and VP of operations since joining us two and half years ago, and I expect he'll do an even better job as our president and CEO," Magic Circle Chairman Arthur L. Evans said.

"His experience and relevant experience will well suit our needs as a company. He has a background in sales and marketing, aftermarket parts and developing dealer networks."

"Simon is an outstanding executive and a proven winner," Dixie Chopper Vice President Wes Evans said. "I look forward to working with him for years to come. As Dixie Chopper continues to grow, we need people experienced in operating a large business."

New president Wilson is eager for the challenge.

"I believe in Dixie Chopper's strategy of solid, American-built lawn care equipment through an established independent dealer organization will enable Dixie Chopper to take on the competition head-on," Wilson said.

"We are just beginning our growth," he added. "We have some exciting new products we have just announced and more coming shortly. I'm excited to be a part of the most innovative outdoor power equipment company in the industry."

Dixie Chopper manufactures and assembles commercial and residential zero-turn mowers -- marketed as "the world's fastest lawnmowers" -- at its facilities in Fillmore. Art Evans founded the company in 1980.

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