Trailer, truck, & body OEMs

June 1, 2006
Ron Schardt, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Reinke Mfg Co Inc, has retired effective May 1, 2006, to spend more time with his family

Ron Schardt, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Reinke Mfg Co Inc, has retired effective May 1, 2006, to spend more time with his family and pursue other business interests. He joined Reinke in 1977 and has served as CEO and board chairman since 1979.

Joe Paulsen has been promoted to vice-president of Crysteel brand sales, marketing, and engineering at Truck Bodies & Equipment International Inc. He succeeds Bob Miller, who has been named vice-president — Ox brand sales. The two men combined have 45-plus years of truck industry experience.

Bill Greubel, a director and chief executive officer of Wabash National Corp, has joined Utilimaster Corp's board of directors. Before joining Wabash National, he was a director and CEO of Accuride Corp.

Kentucky Trailer has promoted Wayland “Wally” Wallace Jr from vice-president — sales and marketing to vice-president — business development. Charles Ducas, formerly director of sales and marketing for the trailer manufacturer, was promoted to vice-president — sales and marketing.

Highway Equipment Co has named Grant Milne regional manager responsible for maintaining and developing dealer relations in Canada. Most recently, he was territory manager for Westlock, Alberta, Canada-based AgriTrac Equipment Ltd.

Vince Lombardi has joined Heil Trailer International (HTI) as director of specialty polishing services. He has 20 years of tank polishing experience and previously spent 15 years managing his own company, Clearshine International.

Benson International has named Travis McCloud director of engineering. He most recently was chief engineer for Heil Trailer International.

American LaFrance LLC has hired Gene Parker as vocational products national sales manager responsible for the Condor sales team. He comes from Sterling Truck Corp, where he also handled the Condor product while American LaFrance manufactured that line for Sterling.

Mark Holtz has joined East Manufacturing as vice-president of sales and marketing. For the past five years, he was manager of marketing and technology for the Alcoa Commercial Vehicle Wheel business group in Cleveland OH.