Press Releases › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › ›

Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. Acquires Eck® Corrosion Prevention Coating

January 18, 2022

Austin Hardware and Supply, Inc. (Lee’s Summit, MO, Reading, PA, Rowlett, TX, Elkhart, IN, Buford, GA) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the full product offering of Eck® Corrosion Prevention Coating from Van Nay, LLC (South Elgin, IL).

Eck®, an acronym for Electrolysis Corrosion Kontrol, is a patented coating formulated to prevent electrolysis and galvanic corrosion caused by contact of dissimilar metals in manufactured products ranging from playground equipment and outdoor furniture to emergency vehicles, tractor trailers, boats, and more.

“We are very excited to add Eck’s patented corrosion prevention solutions to our line of engineered products,” said Mark Dudenhoeffer, CEO of Austin Hardware and Supply, Inc. “The acquisition enhances our ability to achieve our fundamental goal of adding value for our customers. Additionally, we believe the Eck customers who will be exposed to Austin Hardware for the first time will recognize the many benefits of doing business with us.”

Austin Hardware is a long-time authorized distributor of the full Eck® product line in North America. Customers who previously purchased directly from Van Nay’s facility in South Elgin, IL will now be serviced from the Austin location nearest them. Austin has 9 locations across the U.S. in the states of California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. ■

About Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc.

Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. is a wholesale distributor of specialty industrial and vehicular hardware. Family-owned since 1960, the company has nine locations throughout the U.S. We offer an extensive inventory of top-quality, innovative hardware, as well as custom engineered solutions that ship quickly, accurately, and at competitive prices. All supported by experienced, professional customer service, dedicated to each customer’s success.

Novae Acquires Mirage Trailers, a Leading Provider of Enclosed Trailers in the Western United States and Canada

Markle, IN – Feb 08, 2022 –Novae LLC (“Novae”), one of the fastest-growing and well-respected trailer manufacturers in North America, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Mirage Trailers LLC (“Mirage”). Financial terms of this private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2003 and based in Nampa, Idaho, Mirage Trailers primarily focuses on manufacturing enclosed trailers. Mirage currently markets products under both the Mirage® and TNT® brands and sells the majority of its products through a dealer network in the Western US and Canada. Mirage will continue to operate in its current location as a division of Novae.

“We look forward to partnering with the Mirage management team to grow the business and enhance its strong dealer relationships across the region,” stated Steve Bermes, CEO of Novae. “This continues our strategy of expanding our geographic footprint by acquiring companies with strong reputations in the industry.” ■

About Novae LLC

Headquartered in Markle, IN, Novae is one of the fastest-growing and well-respected trailer manufacturers in North America, operating six distinct brands including Sure-Trac, H&H Trailers, CAM Superline, Trailerman, ITI Cargo and Midsota. Novae has grown both organically and through acquisitions to become the second largest trailer manufacturer in North America. Novae currently has more than 1,100 employees, 15 manufacturing facilities and maintains an active dealer network of more than 500 partners. For more information, please visit https://www.novaecorp.com.

Knudsen to Ride into Retirement After 42 Years in the Transport Industry

Sauk Centre, MN – January 3rd, 2022 – Gary Knudsen, Felling Trailers’ Regional Sales Manager, has been a part of the heavy equipment and transport industry for a little over 42-years and has chosen to retire at the end of 2021. About 17 of those years have been spent selling trailers; 4-years with Towmaster and the last 13-years with Felling Trailers. Gary joined the Felling Trailers' team in June of 2008 as the North American Outside Sales Rep. He provided dealer support for ten states spanning from Alaska to the Dakota’s (North & South Dakota) to Arkansas, Texas, and the Canadian region.

During his time with the Felling Trailers, Gary worked to expand the company's footprint across many industries, from the heavy haulers in the oil fields of Canada to the underground construction and paving arenas in the US (United States). Gary also worked internally with the engineering team to design, test, and implement the X-Force hydraulic detachable gooseneck line. "Gary's product knowledge along with his 20 plus years of experience as an owner/ operator in the trucking industry gave us great insight on what the consumer wanted and needed in a detachable gooseneck," said Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers VP of Sales & Marketing. Felling Trailers’ introduced the X-Force Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck trailer line to the industry in 2010 and has continued to grow their product offerings each year.

Gary has built many working relationships with dealers and customers alike through the years, solving transport problems other manufacturers said were unsolvable. Felling’s Trailer Experts (Sales Team) work with dealers/customers to configure a trailer that will meet the desired specifications and provide a custom solution. “Gary has been a great asset to Felling Trailers since he joined the team in 2008. His vast market and product knowledge, experience, and dedication are greatly appreciated. We wish him well in his retirement!" said Nathan Uphus, Felling Trailers' Sales Manager.

"Stepping away from the life of being a "trailer salesman" may take some getting used to. For Gary and probably many other salespeople, it's not just about the sale. It's about the relationships you build with your customers. As for us here at Felling Trailers, we thank you for your service. You have played a big part in what Felling Trailers is today. Enjoy retirement, Gary!" said Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers VP of Sales & Marketing. Those in the industry who have had the opportunity to know and work with Gary know he is an avid motorcyclist. He will be shutting down his computer for the last time on 12-31-21, then hitting to road to put on the first miles in his retirement. "It's been a fun ride. I am glad to have had the chance to meet and work with all the people I have along the way. Thank you all. It's been a pleasure," said Gary Knudsen. ■ About Felling Trailers, Inc.

Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central

Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers over 325,000 square feet. Felling’s pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Its engineers utilize the latest Industryleading design techniques, and its experienced metal craftspeople use cutting-edge technology to turn its customers' conceptual trailer needs into a tangible product. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for over 45 years. Felling Trailers' current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, WBENCCertified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact (800) 245.2809, sales@ felling.com, or visit them on the web at www.felling.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Instagram.

Sauk Centre, MN – January 28th, 2022 — The Felling Trailers’ Air Tilt model has undergone design modifications to increase operator ease of use and safety. One of the more notable updates was the fixed approach ramp, which was extended in length from 14” to 22”. “The new design offers a shallower approach angle to improve loading of compact construction equipment such as skid steers and mini excavators. Equipment designs are ever-changing, so it only makes sense to make modifications to keep in step,” said Nathan Uphus Felling’s Sales Manager. Extending the fixed approach ramp's length reduced the load angle by approximately 10 degrees, providing a better load angle with a more subtle break-over point. The new design also allows for the option of full-size oval recessed strobe lights. Air Tilt models with the new fixed approach ramp design were put into production in the spring of last year and put into service for customers by mid-year.

The Air Tilt product line was first released to the trailer industry in early 2010. Initially, the model line consisted of the FT-40-2 TA and FT-50-3 TA. Over the past ten-plus years, the model line has expanded to offer six models, with payload capacities ranging from 19,700 lbs. to 50,000 lbs. The Air Tilt’s (TA’s) unique design utilizes air, powered from the tow vehicle, to tilt the trailer and optional ramps, eliminating the need for hydraulics. The air power from the tow vehicle fills two airbags (four airbags optional), which then raise the trailer smoothly; the airbag will then keep the deck in the tilted position to allow for loading/ unloading of multiple pieces of equipment. Superior towing capability and balance were achieved by placing the axles further back on the Air Tilt model than other tilt trailers on the market. To learn more about the Air Tilt model line or other Felling Trailer solutions, visit www.felling.com or call (800) 245-2809.

Shown to the right is the modified design of the fixed approach ramp for the Felling Air Tilt. ■

About Felling Trailers, Inc.

Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers over 325,000 square feet. Felling's pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Its engineers utilize the latest Industry-leading design techniques, and its experienced metal craftspeople use cutting-edge technology to turn its customers' conceptual trailer needs into a tangible product. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for over 45 years. Felling Trailers' current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Certified Quality Management System Company, WBENC-Certified WBE, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact (800) 245-2809, sales@ felling.com, or visit them on the web at www.felling.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Instagram.

St. Louis, MO – Laclede Chain, a leader in American made industrial chains and hooks, is creating a new division, Research & Product Development (R&PD). Melissa Searle has been promoted from the role of Engineer to Director of Research and Product Development overseeing market and product specification research, overseeing requirements and new product development. Melissa attended Missouri University of Science and Technology and has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, she started her career at Laclede’s Maryville, Missouri location experiencing firsthand the inner workings of their manufacturing facility. This experience helped prepare her for this new role which is based out of the corporate office.

Since 1854, Laclede Chain has been dedicated to pushing development and driving innovation with their products and this new division and its leadership will strengthen their technical presence in the industry.

“Melissa has been a key leader in our product development activities since she has joined the company in 2016,” said Tim Riley, President/CEO. “I am convinced that she will bring the rigor, creativity, and capabilities that this role requires. It is exactly what we need to take the next step in pursuit of our purpose – to create a world where people live and work securely.”

In addition to product development and research, Melissa will also oversee technical presentations and papers, technical support of sales and operations and will represent Laclede in technical trade and professional organizations (AWRF, ASTM, etc). They hope to continue to grow the division in the coming months to expand their product development capabilities even further. ■ Melissa Searle, Director of Research and Product Development

About Laclede Chain

Since 1854, Laclede Chain Laclede Chain has been a leading U.S. chain manufacturer and supplier of high quality solutions for safety-driven chain consumers. Headquartered in St. Louis, Laclede produces a wide range of chain making capabilities, including in-house riveting, custom engineering, and a multi-million-dollar powder coating division.

Wil-Ro Streamlines Product Offerings, Leverages Strategic Partnerships, and Targets Innovation for 2022

Wil-Ro Records 25%+ Growth in 2021

Gallatin, TN – January 28, 2022 — Wil-Ro, Inc., a leading truck body manufacturer based in Gallatin, Tenn., exceeds 25% growth in 2021 compared to 2020 by streamlining product offerings and leveraging strategic partnerships to expand its geographic reach with shared focuses on innovation, community and growth.

In Q4 2021, Wil-Ro implemented product line standardization to improve production workflows and lead times for its highdemand truck bodies, narrowing its product suite within the Landscape Series, Flatbed Series and Platform Series.

› Landscape Series: Standard Landscape,

Removable Dovetail Landscape, Landscape

Dump, Distributor Landscape

› Flatbed Series: American Flatbed, Patriot Flatbed, Freedom Flatbed, Skirted Flatbed

› Platform Series: Standard Platform, Heavy Duty Platform

“2021 had many shared industry hurdles, and we’ll continue to navigate the limited truck availability and supply chain shortages in 2022," said Joshua J. Coster, President & Owner of Wil-Ro, Inc. "In the second half of 2021, several strategic decisions were made and thoughtfully rolled out targeting long-term, national growth, which reallocated our customer mix to 56% distributor partners, 40% commercial dealerships, and 4% end-users across 35 states. Collectively, our efforts have positioned our team, our partners and our brand for continued success in 2022 and beyond.”

2021 marked key partnerships designed to provide greater access and support business growth among Wil-Ro’s customer base included:

› Northpoint Commercial Finance, offering dealers and distributors financing options

› Industrial Power Truck & Equipment, upfitting program in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas market

› GM Bailment Pool, GM Commercial Dealership program for medium-duty and low cab forward (LCF) chassis

Wil-Ro’s partnerships and a strong commitment to being proactive among its growing customer base are 2022 initiatives, as the company aims to enhance customer relationships and innovation opportunities. “We’re working to increase our frequency of communication and in-person visits with all partners, said Trey Hinton, New Business Development Team Member of Wil-Ro, Inc. “We want their direct feedback on how to improve our product and processes further while building a brand more attractive to their customers."

Alongside its strong sales growth, Wil-Ro also made strides that furthered its mission and vision and centered on one of its core values—Give Back.

“At Wil-Ro, we provide enrichment opportunities that impact our culture and community beyond the walls of our factory,” said Ashley Freeman, Chief People Officer of Wil-Ro, Inc. “While overcoming pandemic obstacles, the Wil-Ro Team logged nearly 300 volunteer hours, a 15% increase over the previous year, and increased our charitable gifts by 40% year-over-year. Our Give Back core value resonates deeply with our team members. It's a way of doing business and living that helps us all thrive.”

Wil-Ro targets a focused growth goal for 2022 with an aggressive approach to the continued expansion of its National Distributor Network.

Wil-Ro is exhibiting at the 2022 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, the 2022 NATDA Trailer Show in Nashville, and will host its much-anticipated, second annual Wil-Ro Truck Show in April 2022 at the company’s Gallatin, Tenn.-based factory. ■

About Wil-Ro, Inc.

Crafted in America since 1973, Wil-Ro, Inc. manufactures high-quality truck bodies and trailers for landscaping, hauling, construction, equipment distribution, and farming, as well as outdoor adventure excursions. Wil-Ro's premier truck bodies and trailers come in a variety of standard models as well as custom configurations to fit the needs of customers and distributor partners nationwide.

Headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee, Wil-Ro focuses on craftsmanship and people, fostering time-honored manufacturing processes to build the strongest, longestlasting truck beds and trailers in the industry.

Forged in the fires of the American spirit, Wil-Ro is American-made and Veteran owned. For more information, please visit wil-ro.com.