Ament Repair expands its business in rural Bluffton

Business offers automotive, agricultural mechanic, welding services

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ament Repair and Welding, a nearly full-service automotive and agricultural mechanic and welding shop located just south of Bluffton, Minnesota, has expanded its operations in the past few years. Owner Seth Ament started the business four years ago as a way to spend more time with his family, and has since hired three additional employees - Brandon Wegscheid, Aaron Wegscheid, and Dan Shingledecker - to help handle the growing demand for their services, which include repairs, tire work, and custom fabrication.

Why it matters

The expansion of Ament Repair highlights the importance of locally-owned small businesses in rural communities, providing essential services and employment opportunities. As larger corporate chains continue to dominate many industries, Ament Repair's commitment to serving its local clientele and providing a flexible, enjoyable work environment for its employees demonstrates the value of mission-driven, community-focused enterprises.

The details

In the past few years, Ament has been able to hire his three employees and expand the business, adding a 40x72 foot addition to accommodate more work space and equipment, including a second vehicle hoist. The expanded shop is now able to handle a wide range of automotive, agricultural, and welding needs, with the exception of alignments and small engine repairs. The team appreciates the flexible, collaborative work environment and the satisfaction of being able to fix problems for their loyal local customers.

  • Ament Repair and Welding opened four years ago.
  • The 40x72 foot addition was constructed last fall.

The players

Ament Repair and Welding

A nearly full-service automotive and agricultural mechanic and welding shop located just south of Bluffton, Minnesota.

Seth Ament

The owner and operator of Ament Repair and Welding, who started the business four years ago as a way to spend more time with his family.

Brandon Wegscheid

An automotive mechanic who works at Ament Repair and Welding.

Aaron Wegscheid

An employee at Ament Repair and Welding who works with tires and oil sales.

Dan Shingledecker

A tractor mechanic who works at Ament Repair and Welding.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We added another 40×72 (addition) on. These guys wanted to work, Brandon was part-time in the winter and he stayed full-time, we just needed more room to be more efficient, get stuff in and out a little better. Plus our tire business was growing and that was taking up a lot of the shop.”

— Seth Ament, Owner (nymdispatch.com)

“It helps a lot in the automotive side because we only had one stall before.”

— Brandon Wegscheid, Automotive Mechanic (nymdispatch.com)

“For me, part of it is being closer to home. I was working in the cities before. Plus we all get along and joke around.”

— Brandon Wegscheid, Automotive Mechanic (nymdispatch.com)

“It's fun and flexible. Seth is pretty easy to work for and with these guys around it's easy coming to work, I actually quite enjoy coming out here.”

— Aaron Wegscheid, Tire and Oil Sales (nymdispatch.com)

“I'd probably say having broken stuff in and coming in and having the satisfaction of it being fixed, when you actually find the problem. Every job is different, that's nice too.”

— Dan Shingledecker, Tractor Mechanic (nymdispatch.com)

What’s next

Ament Repair and Welding plans to continue expanding its services and customer base in the Bluffton area, leveraging its new space and equipment to handle an even wider range of automotive, agricultural, and fabrication needs.

The takeaway

Ament Repair's growth demonstrates the vital role that locally-owned small businesses can play in rural communities, providing essential services, employment opportunities, and a sense of community. By focusing on customer service, employee satisfaction, and a diverse range of capabilities, Ament Repair has established itself as a trusted one-stop shop for the Bluffton area.