Powerbrace Corporation will celebrate 60 years of manufacturing trailer swing-door securement products in 2020.
The company’s door-securement legacy dates back further, all the way to 1913, when parent company Miner Enterprises developed and patented the first “lockrod” for rail cars. And then in 1960, Miner established the Powerbrace brand attached to lockrods, hinges and other products for trailer door locking systems.
“Powerbrace Corporation is extremely proud to be marking our 60th anniversary—a significant milestone that few organizations achieve,” said John Swezey, president and general manager at Powerbrace. “To our employees, customers, stakeholders and friends, we thank you for your continued commitment to Powerbrace Corporation.”
Constant innovation is a hallmark of Powerbrace, first in the truck-trailer/truck body industry, and then in horse, livestock and utility trailers. Today, Powerbrace is a premier manufacturer of lockrods, with more than 100 combinations for customers. As the “original” lockrod maker, with all models produced in America, Powerbrace can deliver customer products quickly – typically within 14 days, the company maintained.
There are many different models of cams and keepers in various combinations for both the top and bottom of a lockrod. All models are available in galvanized steel, some are available in polished stainless steel, and one is available in aluminum. Lockrod add-on options such as Anti-Rack rings and Midcams also are available.
Recognized as an industry leader, Powerbrace set the industry standard for lockrods with its zero-torque concept. The 1-inch, zero-torque design provides the strongest and safest cargo security available, the company said. The more pressure applied to trailer doors from the inside (such as when an animal shifts its weight against the door), the tighter the cams and keepers engage.
A ¾-inch steel or aluminum version is ideal for medium-duty applications. A space-saving, narrow keeper design allows lockrods to be mounted vertically or horizontally in almost any limited-space application.
“Powerbrace has long been a quiet resource for assistance and answers to questions for its customers,” said Brian Senn, director of business development at Powerbrace. “As part of our mission to help our customers solve door securement challenges, we are available to answer any and all questions they may have. We have an in-house staff of designers and engineers, who love to attempt to engineer a solution for unique challenges.”
Powerbrace engineers design products for a wide range of applications—from trailers with restroom/shower facilities to the less typical, malt house vat door. The company’s solutions work for applications from as small as nine inches to more than 200 inches. “Powerbrace’s innovative teams are available to help you solve any swing-door securement challenge or problem or to answer questions,” said Senn, who added the company can provide samples and CAD models.
“The achievements of this organization are the results of our combined efforts, and we look forward to continuing to provide engineered solutions and passionately answer the call to help identify opportunities and solve the challenges that present themselves within the markets we serve,” Swezey said.
“Here’s to another 60 fantastic years.”
For more information, visit powerbrace.com.