About Us
Who We Are
We work hard to support our customers by providing exceptional service, knowledge and support. We offer the top brands in construction and Landscape equipment including: CASE, VENTRAC, WACKER NEUSON, AVANT, STIHL, SMITHCO, AND MANY MORE.
Contact Burris Equipment at one of three Illinois locations: Waukegan, Lakemoor & Joliet. Our equipment specialists will help you get the job done. With our large selection of new equipment, used equipment, rental, parts and services, we are your complete one-stop shop.
Mission Statement
Burris Equipment Company shall be the premier supplier of high quality construction equipment, rental equipment, landscape equipment, and sports turf equipment in Northern/Central Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwestern Indiana. We shall focus our efforts on providing specialized products, knowledge, and expertise retaining our emphasis on construction and landscape equipment and the associated support products, delivering superior service to our customers.
Our History
Founded in the 1930s and originally known as Burris Implement Company, Burris Equipment Company was established in 1959 by Linden and May Burris. Initially focused on farm and agricultural machinery, the company shifted its focus to construction equipment in 1965, leading to a name change to Burris Equipment Company. In 1968, David C. Zenner, Sr. took ownership and became President, guiding the company through a period of substantial growth. Upon his retirement in 1995, ownership transitioned to his children: David C. Zenner, Jr. and his wife Debra L. Zenner, along with Deborah C. Heinrichs and her husband Barry A. Heinrichs. In October 2023, Burris Equipment was acquired by Alta Equipment Group. As the previous owners retire, the company added Bryan Heinrichs and Mike Zenner into key leadership positions. Burris Equipment will continue to operate under its name as a DBA of Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC. With the backing of Alta Equipment Group and the support of the dedicated staff, Burris Equipment is poised to advance into the future.
Our History - 1931
Burris Implement was opened on the original site of the Waukegan Regional Airport as a prominent agricultural farm equipment dealer.
Our History - 1959
Changed name to Burris Equipment Co. Burris changed direction to Construction Equipment and Lawn & Garden.
Our History - 1965
Became a J.I. Case Dealership.
Our History - 1968
Dave Zenner Sr. purchases Burris Equipment Co. from his uncle, Linden Burris. Begins rental of new equipment.
Our History - 1984
Presented the J.I. Case Company dealer excellence award.
Our History - 1986
Completion of remodeling for the 2,800 Sq. Ft. sales & parts departments. Construction of a 4,700 Sq. Ft. service department.
Our History - 1994
Opens new facility in Lakemoor.
Our History - 1995
Burris Ownership is transferred to David Zenner Jr, Deb Zenner, Barry Heinrichs, & Deb Heinrichs
Our History - 2004
Opens new facility in Frankfort. Expanded into Golf & Turf Equipment.
Our History - 2007
Opens new administration building in Waukegan.
Our History - 2009
Celebrating 50 years as Burris Equipment Company.
Our History - 2013
Opens new facility in Joliet.
Our History - 2019
Celebrating 60 years as Burris Equipment.
Our History - 2023
Acquired by Alta Equipment Group
“The acquisition of Burris will not only yield immediately accretive returns to shareholders but will also notably enhance our business in Illinois,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer of Alta. “In addition to adding important infrastructure and industry talent to the Chicago area in our Construction Equipment segment, we also eagerly embrace new OEM relationships stemming from the Burris acquisition, while simultaneously expanding with existing OEM partners to best serve Burris customers. This acquisition will fortify our product support presence and rental capabilities in the market, opening doors for the growth of our high-margin parts and service business. We extend a warm welcome to the Burris team as they become part of the Alta family.”
Our History - October 2023
Burris Equipment adds a new management structure that includes 4th generation family members Bryan Heinrichs, son of Barry and Deb Heinrichs, and Mike Zenner, son of Dave and Deb Zenner.
Other additions to management include Justin Heinrichs – Product Support Manager, Chris May – Sales Manager, Matt Buchman – Inventory & Light Equipment Manager, and Roy Osterlund – Controller.
Our History - 2024
Celebrating 65 Years as Burris Equipment.
Our History - April 2024
Burris Equipment is featured in Pro Contractor Rentals Magazine.
