Kenneth H. Thompson
(1908-1986)
Inventor

"Giant Wheel" Grocery Shopping
and Automated Warehouse Concepts

Mr. Thompson incorporated the Giant Wheel Fixture Corp. in July of 1952. The Independent Record story of Thompson's invention was picked up by the Associated Press, appearing in various newspapers across the country for several months. However, no evidence was found that his shopping invention was placed into more than a single model operation in Helena. By 1966, Thompson had modified his circular grocery shopping plan for use in warehouses. He proposed the construction of a model automated warehouse in Great Falls, to be funded through stock purchases and Small Business Administration loans. No evidence was found that the warehouse was built.

Later in 1966, Mr. Thompson opened what may have been a model "Whirlymart" grocery at 1422 National in Helena. He also made a public appeal for investors in Nov. of 1966. In March of 1967, the Whirlymart concept seems to have given way to a grocery warehouse membership plan, also at 1422 National.

 

Ken Thompson's Warehouse Market operation evidently continued until the spring of 1969, when Western Warehouse Foods of Montana and Wyoming built and opened a large membership market at 1401 Cedar St. in Helena.