FUELING GROWTH AND SUCCESS SINCE 1985
THE JEWEL OF PREMIUM TRAILERS
Having manufactured premium-grade open steel trailers since 1985, Diamond C Trailers is a proud family-owned and operated company. Jacob Crabb, Chief Customer Officer, speaks to us about its history and exciting outlook toward the future
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
We’re living proof that a scrappy, small-town company rooted in deep values and fueled by a big vision can rise to lead an industry. Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been one marked by grit, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress.”
The opening words of Jacob Crabb, Chief Customer Officer at Diamond C Trailers (Diamond C), are indicative of the company’s strong commitment to growth and passion for conducting business with morality and humanity at the forefront.
As a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Diamond C is a premium open steel trailer manufacturer with nearly 700 team members and a coast-to-coast dealer network.
Conducting business based on traditional values, including honesty, respect, humility, and pure
integrity, the company builds highperformance equipment, including dump, auto, utility, and gooseneck trailers engineered to deliver lasting value for hard-working customers.
It offers a robust line-up of premium trailers ranging from car haulers and dump trailers to heavy duty equipment, tilt, flatbed, gooseneck, and step deck models, which are distributed through a vast network of over 100 dealer partners strategically placed throughout North America.
From loading brush and dirt to hauling heavy machinery and equipment, there’s a Diamond C trailer for every customer.
“We don’t just build trailers –we build solutions that solve real problems for people who depend on their equipment day in, day out,” prides Crabb.
One such example of Diamond C’s ability to craft innovative solutions
is its online ‘Build Your Own’ tool, which empowers end users to customize a trailer to fit their exact needs. This tool delivers a lasting, positive customer experience by giving buyers more confidence and clarity in their purchase. At the same time, it fuels success at the dealership level by improving margins, reducing sales friction, and increasing overall customer satisfaction.
“Our relentless focus on innovation, customization, craftsmanship, and integrity is what sets us apart in a crowded and competitive market,” affirms Crabb.
FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED
Born into the trailer industry, Crabb has worked in nearly every area of the business.
From the welding shop floor to sales, service, and now commercial
COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS TO THE LONGEVITY OF DIAMOND C?
Jacob Crabb, Chief Customer Officer: “We see our suppliers as critical partners in our mission, not just transactional vendors. The strength of our supply chain lies in the trust and collaboration we’ve built over the years with a shared commitment to quality and innovation.
“These long-term relationships give us the agility to respond quickly to shifting market demands, reduce lead times, and maintain consistency in every trailer we build. By working hand-in-hand with our suppliers, we’re able to push the boundaries of what’s possible – whether it’s adopting new materials, improving processes, or co-developing custom solutions that add value for our customers.”
strategy leadership, his passion grew from watching how quality products, relentless work ethic, and genuine care for one another can build something truly lasting.
“My parents started this company with grit and heart, and that same spirit is still the backbone of who we are today,” he emphasizes.
Diamond C originated 40 years ago when a young East Texas couple – Crabb’s parents, Kim and Mike – embarked on a journey that would spark a generations-long endeavor to deliver extraordinary trailers and service to match.
While the business was initially started as a means to put food on the table for a growing household, it quickly became an important part of the family’s legacy.
Diamond C’s purpose and core values aren’t just words – they’re a compass that guides how it leads, serves, and grows.
Briefly introduce me to Harris Brothers Fabrication and your collective experience of over 40 years in the industry.
Harris Brothers Fabrication is a company created to establish the best possible customer care and employee satisfaction in an industry that we feel has been lacking in both areas. Our Executive Team consist of Jeff Harris – CEO and owner, Steve Harris – Partner / AP, Brittany Harris – Office Manager, Hunter Harris – VP of Business Development. Jeff leads our team with 30+ years experience in the fab industry; he has run every machine out there at some point in his career and always has a solution to any problem you as a customer might have.
Following in his footsteps Jeff’s son, Hunter Harris, has roughly 10+ years experience in the industry. From the time Hunter stepped foot into fabrication Jeff
made him run every machine in the shop, maintenance them, troubleshoot them, schedule and run production, shipping and more just as he did to give Hunter the best understanding of the fabrication process before jumping into sales. With HBF you get people who know fabrication and have actually run these machines, you speak directly to decision makers, and you have a team that has a number 1 priority of putting your needs on top.
What, for you, differentiates Harris Brothers Fabrication from the competition?
There are several things that set us apart from your typical fabrication shop. First off we are small, but we use every bit of that to our advantage. When most customers think of small fab shops they think slow, un-organized, not established and unable
to handle volume. With our experience in the industry being a small – growing company actually increases our efficiency, allows for quick changes of course when a wrench gets thrown in and you need help, and creates a closer relationship with our customers, among many other things. Paired with our number one priority, customer satisfaction, volume is no issue. We will work day and night, weekends , whatever is needed to take care of your needs.
I understand you are a family-run business. Can you expand upon how these intimate origins make a difference in day-to-day business?
Being family. Especially part of this family, we call it how we see it. There are no secrets, no easing into any issues, we hit everything with full force, we argue, don’t always see eye to eye, but working with family you are going to have those
moments. What we all do know is at the end of the day after we all go home and rest, for some reason we all get back up and do it all again the next day. Our family is extremely driven, competitive, and loyal. We all enjoy the challenge of fabrication and working as a team to drive success at HBF. To be successful in business you need a closeknit team and you can’t get any closer than family.
Tell us more about the importance of prioritizing your employees, fostering opportunities for Clifton, TX, and ensuring customers receive the highest standard of service.
The fabrication industry is nothing more than a commodity business. Most fab shops now adays all have laser, forming, welding and rolling capabilities among others.
The only thing we have that can make us different is our people and how we interact
with the customer. That is why we hold the most pride in taking care of all of our customers the best we can and ensuring our employees have a safe, enjoyable place to work. When people ask why do business with HBF or why go work for that company we want the first thing that comes to mind to not be pricing or money nor capabilities and benefits. While all important, we’d rather your first thought be they are trustworthy, caring and I know if there is a way they can help me in any way, they will.
Can you please expand upon your relationship with Diamond C and the services you provide?
Our relationship with Diamond C goes back to sometime around 2019. They were one of Hunter’s first large accounts, and he established a relationship and that grew over the course of the years becoming one of the biggest reasons HBF is in business today. I believe the reason our relationship thrives the way it does is because their mission and ours so tightly align. We have had the pleasure to work with many individuals at Diamond C and toured their plant several times. They truly value their employees better than any business out there. We currently provide laser cutting, forming and powder coated parts for them and are looking into expanding our capabilities into welding certain subassemblies as well.
What completed, ongoing, or recent projects would you like to showcase in the article? For each, please provide some key details and explain why the project is important or special to the company. One key project just completed earlier this year was the addition of our second press brake. This allowed us to double our bending capacity and ensure no sudden halts in production if one machine
went down. Some upcoming items on the checklist include getting our ISO certification, the addition of a larger laser with capabilities of cutting 12-20’ lengths of material and a third press brake capable of bending up to 18’ material. Each addition at this point is strictly based on our customers needs. If they need robotic welding, machining capabilities, etc then we will be happy to explore each option with them.
Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for the coming year? Are you aiming to hit any specific targets, reach any goals, expand, or diversify at all?
Our goal moving forward is simple. We are not looking to hit a certain dollar amount or grow to a certain size, we simply want to continue providing the best possible service to our customers and expand according to their needs and provide more opportunities for people in our community to come work for HBF.
Is there anything that hasn’t been touched upon that you would like to be mentioned?
We would love the opportunity to work with you in the future! Please get in touch with Hunter for any inquires.
“AT DIAMOND C, WE’RE CONTINUING TO POUR FUEL ON THE INNOVATION FIRE – PUSHING THE LIMITS OF TRAILER ENGINEERING, CUSTOMIZATION, AND DESIGN”
– JACOB CRABB, CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER, DIAMOND C TRAILERS
“In an era where it’s increasingly common for second generations of families to sell or step away, we feel a deep responsibility to carry the torch forward. The foundation my parents
DIAMOND C TRAILER OPTIONS
• Accessories
• Axles and suspension
• Body and sides
• Coating
• Flooring
• Frames
• Hydraulics
• Jacks and couplers
• Loading options
• Storage
• Tires and wheels
built isn’t something we take lightly –we believe our greatest impact still lies ahead,” expands Crabb.
With this family mindset at the forefront, Crabb currently views the trailer industry as an incredibly dynamic space with both headwinds and tailwinds.
The rapid evolution of the supply chain, acceleration of digital transformation, and rise in customer expectations are making it a particularly exciting time to lead with innovation and integrity.
“We’re proud of where we’ve come from – and even more excited about where we’re going,” asserts Crabb.
“We welcome feedback, partnerships, and collaboration from those who share our drive to build something meaningful, durable, and different. The best is still ahead!”
EXTRAORDINARY TRAILERS AND SERVICE
Most recently, Diamond C launched the HXD Extreme Duty Tilt Trailer – a truly standout moment built for serious hauling performance
and representing the next level of engineering and durability.
It went on to swiftly earn the Manufacturer Innovation Award at the 2024 North America Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show, the continent’s largest trailer dealership-specific trade show and a one-stop shop for light and mediumduty trailer industry professionals.
“We’re also continuing to invest in smarter manufacturing systems and enhanced digital tools to elevate the overall customer experience,” details Crabb.
Diamond C’s constant dedication to innovation not only sets industry standards but also showcases how the company prioritizes building extraordinary trailers to simultaneously work hard and play hard.
Equally as crucial to the development of trailer innovations are the company’s values of honesty, respect, humility, and pure integrity.
“Our values aren’t just statements on a wall; they’re the foundation of how we show up every day.
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE HYDRAULIC DRIVE AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES
Deutsche Hydrapro delivers cutting-edge braking systems by leveraging the combined expertise of our North American team, European engineering partners, and advanced manufacturing in Australia.
NEW UPCOMING MODELS:
•
•
• Alpha Series Signature EOH Series w/ Advanced Sensors and Data Analytics.
OUR ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN INTEGRATED INTO
• Utility, Livestock, Boat and other Trailers
• 5th Wheel RVs Consumer & Commercial EVs
WHY DEUTSCHE HYDRAPRO?
• Aerospace & Military
• Agriculture Equipment
• Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles
We specialize in Electric-Over-Hydraulic brake actuators and are committed to developing innovative, highperformance systems that ensure safe and reliable trailer braking worldwide. We also offer consulting services in hydraulics, electronics, and brake-by-wire system design, helping clients develop or optimize products for automotive, aerospace, EV, military, and autonomous vehicles.
Delta Series
First of its kind with bluetooth brake controller built into the actutor.
Bravo Series
First of its kind with a built in breakaway battery and charging system
We believe in doing work that matters – with purpose, grit, and craftsmanship – and in loving strong, which means caring deeply for our team, customers, and community,” describes Crabb.
These principles come to shape every decision Diamond C makes, from the ways in which it leads its staff and serves partners to the ways in which it owns its mistakes and stays true to what’s right, even when it may be hard.
“Culture is our compass, and our values are what keep us grounded and moving forward with clarity and conviction,” he affirms.
This passion allows the company to continue to produce innovative, feature-rich trailers and live out its purpose to fuel the well-being, growth, and success of its team members, clients, and wider community abroad.
DO WORK, LOVE STRONG
Crucial to Diamond C’s growth and success as a family-owned and operated business are the company’s employees, who drive it forward on a daily basis.
“We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an environment where they can thrive,” states Crabb.
The company invests in both personal and professional development through leadership training, advancement pathways, and scholarship programs that support
“WE DON’T JUST BUILD TRAILERS – WE BUILD SOLUTIONS THAT SOLVE REAL PROBLEMS FOR PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON THEIR EQUIPMENT DAY IN, DAY OUT”
–
JACOB CRABB, CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER, DIAMOND
C TRAILERS
continued education.
Recognition is also a core part of Diamond C’s culture, as it celebrates monthly Difference Maker Awards by department, honors employee tenure milestones, and offers company-wide incentive programs that reward those who go above and beyond in their service.
“Everything we do is rooted in our purpose – to fuel the growth and success of our team, customers, and the communities in which we serve,” dictates Crabb.
In parallel, Diamond C supports local non-profits, school programs, and economic initiatives in and around East Texas, further emphasizing how giving back is not just an afterthought – it’s a reflection of who the company is and the kind of legacy it seeks to establish for generations to come.
As Diamond C looks toward the future and continuing its legacy in the coming decades, it is placing a major focus on enhancing the customer experience and ensuring that every interaction – from online research to final delivery – is seamless, responsive, and rooted in a commitment to care.
This includes rolling out improved digital tools, reducing lead times, and deepening support for the company’s nationwide dealer network.
Additionally, Diamond C is accelerating the growth of Baseline – its new mid-tier trailer brand built around the principle of ‘basics done best’. The brand is designed to deliver high-quality, no-nonsense solutions for hard-working users who need dependable performance without unnecessary complexity.
“At Diamond C, we’re continuing to pour fuel on the innovation fire – pushing the limits of trailer engineering, customization, and design,” proudly concludes Crabb.
“Innovation has always been in our DNA, and this year, we’re doubling down on that legacy to lead the industry forward.”
Simol’s Italian Quality Meets Diamond C’s Vision: A Partnership for Trailer Leadership
At Simol S.p.A., excellence isn’t just a statement — it’s a legacy. For over 60 years, we’ve been designing and manufacturing trailer jacks in Italy, combining mechanical precision, innovative design, and a deep understanding of real-world needs.
What truly sets Simol apart is that our products are handassembled in Italy by expert craftsmen. Each jack is the result of true artisanal skill, paired with industrial-grade performance — because we believe that attention to detail makes all the difference when safety and reliability are on the line.
Today, we’re proud to bring that legacy to the American trailer industry, a market that values strength, performance, and long-term reliability. Becoming a supplier for Diamond C Trailers, one of the most respected names in the field, marks a significant milestone in our global journey. From the very beginning, the response has been immediate and enthusiastic: Simol is already recognized for what sets us apart — uncompromising quality, exceptional durability, and the unmistakable DNA of Italian engineering.
Every Simol component is developed with a clear mission: to deliver safety, reliability, and superior functionality, even in the most demanding environments. Our jacks are more than mechanical supports — they’re the result of meticulous design, continuous
innovation, and rigorous testing.
To ensure performance under the toughest conditions, we’ve developed an advanced testing bench in collaboration with the University of Bologna. This innovative system allows us to conduct high-precision stress tests on all our products. It not only validates the reliability of our jacks but also enables us to optimize existing models and develop custom solutions that meet ISO 12140 standards and the most demanding customer specifications.
What makes us different? It’s not just our premium materials or cutting-edge manufacturing processes. It’s a philosophy. We believe every trailer, every machine, and every load deserves the kind of precision and care that only true craftsmanship can offer. And we believe “Made in Italy” should mean more than a label — it should stand for performance, beauty, and trust.
Our entry into the American market is more than just exporting products — it’s about building lasting partnerships. With manufacturers like Diamond C, we offer face-to-face collaboration, technical support, and a human touch. Because quality isn’t static — it evolves with our partners’ goals. At Simol, we’re not here to be just another supplier. We’re here to be a strategic ally, supporting the future of mobility, one reliable component at a time.
Simol Patented Technologies: DU Model
Our patented DU Model offers unmatched flexibility: a compact solution designed for maximum versatility across various trailer applications. Whether robust support or smooth maneuverability is required, the DU Model adapts without compromising strength or stability.
Simol W Double Speed
An international patent, Simol-W is our revolutionary rapid gear change system. It features a single horizontal shaft, allowing a slimmer gearbox profile while dramatically improving performance:
• 3x Faster Lifting
• 70% Reduction in Working Time
• 10% Less Operating Force
Required
Safety Drop Leg System
Simol’s patented Safety Drop Leg is a built-in solution that replaces traditional external chain systems. It enhances durability, reduces maintenance, and offers safer, faster operation in all conditions.
FUELING GROWTH AND SUCCESS SINCE 1985