One of the oldest family-owned businesses in Utah Valley was honored last week by Provo Mayor George Stewart and the Provo City Council.
Ahlander Wholesale Hardware Co. was honored for 100 years of service by a proclamation signed by city officials at last week's council meeting.Ahlander's opened in 1894 and is known for manufacturing the city's first fire engine, ambulance, hearse and school bus. The company would purchase a chassis and convert it into the needed vehicle. The company is best known for building most of the sheep wagons used at sheep camps around the West.
In order to survive against the larger chain companies, Ahlan-der's has had to be flexible in its merchandising. The company is now getting into the import market because of the increasing demand in this area for imported items.