RANDOLPH, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fultra®, the parent company of Fruehauf®, is pleased to announce that it has acquired East® Manufacturing, a premier manufacturer of aluminum flatbed, drop deck, dump, round bottom and refuse trailers as well as steel dump trailers and aluminum truck bodies.
Founded in 1968, East is the market leader in innovation consistently providing the North American commercial vehicle market with the industry’s strongest, most reliable aluminum trailers commanding the highest resale prices.
“We are thrilled to welcome East Manufacturing to the family,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of Fultra. “East really fits with our vision to be the trusted solutions partner for the commercial vehicle market in North America. We are confident that our employees and communities as well as customers, dealers and suppliers, will benefit from our combined strengths. We are honored and proud to be the stewards of two iconic brands like East and Fruehauf in North America.”
Howard Booher Jr, son of co-founder Howard D. Booher, remarked, “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to step in as President after my father passed. I am confident that Fultra will lead our legacy forward with pride and care.”
Robert Bruce, co-founder of East, said, “We had a lot of companies that wanted to buy East. But at the end of the day, we selected Fultra because it has a demonstrated track record of taking care of its employees, customers and communities. We are proud to have Fultra carry forward and grow the East brand and legacy established over the past 55 years.”
Tom Wiseman will take over the helm of East, as CEO of both East and Fruehauf Inc. Wiseman commented, “East will continue to operate as a standalone entity with all existing management and employees as a key to move forward. We will build on East’s strengths combined with group synergies to deliver even greater value to our customers and dealers.”
Fultra was advised by Kaluz, S.A. de C.V. as its financial advisor, and Astudillo, Rodriguez y Gonzalez Sandoval and Duane Morris LLP as its legal advisors. East was advised by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and Baker & Hostetler LLP served as legal counsel.
About East Manufacturing Corp.
East Manufacturing Corp. is a leading manufacturer of a full line of aluminum flatbed, drop deck, dump, round bottom and refuse trailers, and steel dump trailers and aluminum dump bodies, for the commercial vehicle, construction, agricultural and refuse markets. Headquartered in Randolph, Ohio, East has provided innovative standard and custom trailer products that deliver superior performance, strength and flexibility for over 55 years through its network of over 90 trailer dealer locations across the United States and Canada. Visit East Manufacturing at EastMfg.com.
About Fultra
Fultra is trusted solutions partner for motor transportation equipment in North American. Our companies include – Fruehauf North America, Amparts-Promare and Sierra Norte (International dealer and Idealease Affiliate) – serving our customers with 68 locations and over 2,500 employees.
About Fruehauf North America
Fruehauf was born in 1914, Detroit, Michigan, with the creation of the first semi-trailer, becoming the pioneers in this field with 100 years of history. Recently returned to United States thanks to Fultra, after 25 years with a factory located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where dry vans are produced and serve the American market. It has 23 Dealers committed to serve the customers’ needs; parts and service is available through an official and recognized Dealer. In addition, Fruehauf has been in Mexico for 55 years with a plant in Coacalco, Mexico State, manufacturing semi-trailers such as dry vans, container chassis, dollies, platforms, tanks, sliding curtains, hopper and tipper trailers for the Mexican market. Its parts and service also is available through official and recognized Dealer in Mexico. Fruehauf is well known for manufacturing products with premium quality, strength, reliability and designed to last. They are produced according to the operation needs of its customers.
