Valley Manufacturing Company (Valmont Industries, Inc.) was founded in 1946 by Robert Daugherty.
He invested his entire life savings to start the company, which manufactured farm elevators, hay rakes, wagon hoists and tractor front end loaders.
In 1954, he acquired patented manufacturing and sales rights for self-propelled irrigation system from farmer Frank Zybach.
Advancements in technology like linear move systems, hot dip galvanizing, low-pressure nozzles, and computerized pivot panels has made Valmont the largest manufacturer of center pivots in the world.