“We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Goodyear,” said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global supply chain at Wabash. “This agreement strengthens our supply chain with a premium brand, enhances customer support and contributes to the continued growth of the Wabash ecosystem. We look forward to building on our shared commitment to industry innovation and exceptional service.”

Goodyear has been a trusted supplier to Wabash for more than 15 years, playing a key role in supporting its trailer product lines as Wabash has expanded its equipment offering. This renewal leverages Goodyear’s extensive network of company-owned locations and dealerships, helping enable streamlined tire management and service access for Wabash customers and increased uptime and operational efficiency.

“Goodyear's collaboration with Wabash underscores our combined focus to deliver high-quality, innovative products and seamless, end-to-end services to van, tank and platform trailer customers,” said Joe Burke, vice president of Goodyear’s North America Commercial business. “We are excited to continue advancing solutions that enhance the Wabash customer experience and help ensure they carry their cargo with confidence.”

Wabash’s network of authorized dealers serves as the backbone of the company’s aftermarket support, providing expert service, maintenance and Wabash Genuine Parts to keep fleets operating efficiently. In addition to Wabash’s established dealer channel, the company has introduced 14 new locations to its Preferred Partner Network, expanding the availability of Wabash Genuine Parts in areas not currently served by Wabash van trailer dealers. The new members are:

• Blaine Brothers of Blaine, MN
• Blaine Brothers of Clearwater, MN
• Blaine Brothers Truckaline of Columbus, MN
• Blaine Brothers of Scanlon, MN
• Blaine Brothers of St. Paul, MN
• Blaine Brothers of Baldwin, WI
• Great Western Trailer of Albuquerque, NM
• Great Western Trailer of Oklahoma City, OK
• Great Western Trailer of Tulsa, OK
• Great Western Trailer of Houston, TX
• North American Trailer of Inver Grove Heights, MN
• North American Trailer of Stanley, ND
• North American Trailer of Chippewa Falls, WI
• U.S. Trailer Parts & Supply of Chicago, IL

Wabash Parts was created in 2022 to unify and expand Wabash’s tech-enabled parts distribution capabilities across all of its Transportation Solutions product lines—van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers and truck bodies—while ensuring immediate scalability. This single distribution channel utilizes Wabash’s extensive network of equipment dealers’ service capabilities, along with the infrastructure of industry-leading partners in national wholesale distribution for aftermarket heavy-duty truck and trailer parts, using multiple distribution centers across the United States and Canada.

The continued growth of Wabash Parts’ Preferred Partner Network enhances the company’s ability to deliver superior parts availability and customer service capabilities across North America with a seamless full-service network.

“When it comes to keeping trailers and truck bodies on the road, Wabash Parts delivers unmatched reliability and quick access through a rapidly expanding and integrated network across North America,” said Dan Millar, managing director of Wabash Parts. “Our highly skilled Wabash dealers are the cornerstone of our aftermarket support, providing expert service and genuine parts. Our Preferred Partner Network further enhances parts availability in regions where coverage is limited, ensuring that all customers receive the dependable support they need to maximize uptime and keep their operations running smoothly.”

Customers can purchase Wabash Genuine Parts through authorized Wabash dealers or preferred partners. To find a location near you, visit findwabash.com.

The three-year project, set to begin next year in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials, focuses on integrating high-efficiency solar energy into refrigerated trailers and truck bodies. This innovation will play a pivotal role in making zero-emission mid-mile transportation a commercially viable option.

“This project has the potential to revolutionize refrigerated transport by reducing reliance on the electrical grid and minimizing overall emissions,” said Michael Bodey, director of technology discovery and innovation at Wabash. “While many of today’s zero-emission products focus on tailpipe emissions, they still draw power from energy grids, which often rely on non-renewable sources. Our goal is to offer a truly green solution—a well-to-wheel approach—that accounts for the full life cycle of energy consumption, from production to usage.”

Wabash will use its proprietary EcoNex™ Technology, a composite material designed to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while the University of Delaware will contribute its proprietary TuFF technology, which utilizes recycled aerospace-grade carbon fiber, to strengthen and lighten the trailers and truck bodies.

“By incorporating lightweight solar panels and utilizing EcoNex Technology in refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, we are addressing two of the most significant barriers to electrification: weight and energy consumption,” Bodey explained. “EcoNex not only improves the insulation and performance of the trailers but also contributes to overall weight reduction, making the solution even more efficient.”

Batteries powering heavy trucks can weigh between 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, often limiting the payload capacity and drawing significant energy from the electrical grid when charging. The goal of this project is to develop enabling technologies that reduce the weight and energy needs of these vehicles while offering fleet customers greener, more efficient transportation options.

“TuFF is the world’s strongest short fiber composite that is reciprocal with sustainable solutions to the mobility industry. It’s great to collaborate with Wabash on building the most sustainable solar panel integrated refrigerated trailer for the trucking industry,” said Srikanth Pilla, UD PI and director of the Center for Composites Materials at the University of Delaware.

Wabash is the only trailer and truck body original equipment manufacturer (OEM) selected for this government grant, highlighting its unique leadership position in sustainability and innovation. By focusing on mid-mile transportation, the project seeks to create a flexible solar energy system that can be CARB-compliant across different vehicle types, without requiring fully electric platforms to meet compliance.

This initiative is part of the DOE’s Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-use Photovoltaics Incubator Funding Program, which supports advancements in PV technology across the supply chain and fosters new markets for American products. The outcomes of this project will help Wabash continue to evolve its technology ecosystem and green its supply chain to better serve its customers’ sustainability goals.

“There is a saying that the best way to predict the future is to create it. That’s what leaders do. Wabash values our transportation, logistics and distribution ecosystem to navigate industry shifts and seize emerging opportunities,” said Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Page. “Connecting across the ecosystem enables all of us to tackle complex and nuanced issues effectively. This year’s theme—‘Stronger Together’—underscores the necessity of collaboration as we face technological, economic and geopolitical forces that are reshaping how we move goods. Only through strong partnerships can we truly innovate and navigate these challenges.”

Throughout Ignite 2024, experts will lead sessions addressing critical challenges, trends, and innovations, with a focus on themes such as the integration of connected and autonomous technologies, the electrification of trailers, sustainable practices in freight mobility, strategies to enhance cold chain logistics, transforming B2B relationships into strategic partnerships, fostering people-first work cultures, navigating market complexities, and harnessing digital advancements for a more connected and efficient ecosystem.

By fostering collaboration and innovative thinking, Ignite 2024 equips participants and their organizations with the insights and strategies needed for long-term success in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Event participants will also preview the latest innovations and commercial developments from Wabash, including:

• What’s next for its Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠ offering, which enables companies to unlock new revenue streams with its fully maintained trailer capacity subscription.
• New developments in dry van and tank trailer technology.
• A next-generation medium-duty Acutherm™ Refrigerated Freight Body with EcoNex™ Technology that can help carriers of temperature-sensitive freight reduce fuel costs and enhance sustainability.
• The latest in its Marketplace digital platform designed to connect businesses with comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions.

Stay on top of what’s happening at Ignite 2024 by following Wabash on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X.

“We are excited to formalize our long-standing relationship with Steel Dynamics,” said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global supply chain at Wabash. “This agreement fortifies our supply chain with high-priority capacity during critical demand periods, ensuring our ability to meet customer needs without the constraints often faced by other manufacturers.”

Steel Dynamics has been a trusted supplier to Wabash for 14 years, playing an essential role in supporting all product lines as the company has expanded its equipment offering. This agreement not only guarantees high-priority capacity but also includes backup supply from multiple Steel Dynamics facilities, ensuring a robust and reliable domestic steel supply chain. With this secured supply, Wabash is uniquely positioned to continue providing uninterrupted service to its customers, especially during periods of heightened demand.

“Having collaborated for many years, we are pleased to extend our partnership with Wabash through this long-term agreement,” said Barry Schneider, president and chief operating officer of Steel Dynamics. “We strive to be our customers’ preferred partner, through providing high-quality steel products and innovative solutions that meet and exceed expectations. This agreement aligns both of our companies to better serve the future demands of the commercial transportation industry, providing stability to our mutual customers.”

With this agreement, Wabash reinforces its commitment to long-term demand planning and leveraging partnerships with top industry leaders like Steel Dynamics. Alongside similar agreements with Rockland Flooring, Ryerson, J.B. Hunt, and Hydro, this partnership positions Wabash to lead the industry in supply reliability and operational excellence.

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, is pleased to announce that Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a leading autonomous trucking company, has entered into a partnership with Wabash to utilize Wabash’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠ offering. Wabash’s TaaS will provide Kodiak a flexible solution with access to a growing fleet of safe, reliable trailers nationwide.    

Wabash’s TaaS offering provides Kodiak with a holistic solution that supports the full life cycle of the trailer, from acquisition to maintenance and uptime management. Unlike traditional leasing, TaaS delivers fully maintained capacity with new or certified trailers, ensuring minimal downtime through Wabash’s managed care services. With a subscription that includes maintenance, repair and managed care support, Kodiak can focus on developing the Kodiak Driver, the company’s industry-leading autonomous technology. Wabash’s hyperfocus on offering the best-maintained trailers aligns with Kodiak’s high maintenance standards, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kodiak, a leader in autonomous trucking, as they integrate Wabash’s Trailers as a Service into their operations,” said Mike Pettit, Wabash’s chief growth officer. “Our TaaS offering provides the flexibility and comprehensive support that aligns perfectly with Kodiak’s goals, ensuring they can focus on innovation and efficiency. We’re excited to collaborate with Kodiak and co-learn as we develop trailer solutions that support autonomous long-haul trucks and pave the way for a safer, more efficient future.”

Utilizing Wabash’s nationwide dealer network, Wabash will provide the critical managed care needed to ensure continuous trailer uptime. Wabash’s managed care team, leveraging the company’s self-diagnosing trailers, will proactively monitor and maintain the fleet, guaranteeing uptime and helping Kodiak provide its customers with excellent customer service. This partnership will not only improve operational reliability, but also promises to enhance road safety through highly-maintained trailers.

“We value our partnership with Wabash as we continue to expand our autonomous fleet,” said Michael Wiesinger, VP Commercialization & GM Transportation Sector, Kodiak. “Wabash’s TaaS solution offers us a reliable and flexible approach to trailer management, allowing us to focus on our core mission of advancing autonomous trucking while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.”           

Wabash will be showcasing its TaaS trailer at its Ignite ecosystem event for customers, dealers, suppliers and technology partners taking place in Louisville, Ky., from September 30 to October 2. Customers interested in seeing how TaaS operates in the broader Wabash Marketplace to deliver an optimized shipping network and continuous uptime support are invited to attend. Register at wabashignite.com to attend or for more information on TaaS visit https://marketplace.onewabash.com/trailers-as-a-service. 

Wabash earned a rating of four-and-a-half out of five stars and stands among only two heavy duty vehicle manufacturers featured on the list. It is also one of five Indiana-based companies out of 400 total companies to make the list, showcasing its leadership not only in the commercial transportation and logistics sector but also as a key employer in the state.

“We are incredibly proud to be named one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces,” said Chief Administrative Officer Kristin Glazner. “At Wabash, we continuously strive to build a workplace that champions innovation, growth and a supportive culture where every employee can thrive. This recognition is a testament to the strength of our people and the strides we’ve made together.”

Newsweek and data research firm Plant-A Insights compiled the “America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2025” list based on a survey of more than 250,000 U.S. employees across various industries and more than 1.5 million company reviews. The survey evaluated key factors including corporate culture, work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities, with more than 168,000 respondents identifying their preferred employers.

This accolade follows other notable third-party recognitions of Wabash’s performance and people-first culture over the past year, including being named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, USA Today’s Climate Leaders 2024, Forbes’ Best Small-Cap Companies 2024, and receiving two Plant Safety Awards from the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association.

“As we continue to innovate in the transportation, logistics and distribution industries,” Glazner added, “we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, grounded in respect for people, knowing that true success is built on the well-being and engagement of our team members.”

Newsweek’s America’s Most Admired Workplaces list is available at newsweek.com/rankings.

“While this was a tragic accident, we respectfully disagree with the jury’s verdict and firmly believe it is not supported by the facts or the law,” said Wabash’s General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer Kristin Glazner. “No rear impact guard or trailer safety technology has ever existed that would have made a difference here.”

The accident occurred nearly two decades after the trailer involved was manufactured by Wabash in compliance with all existing regulatory standards.

Additionally, despite precedent to the contrary, the jury was prevented from hearing critical evidence in the case, including that the driver’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit at the time of the accident. The fact that neither the driver nor his passenger was wearing a seatbelt was also kept from the jury, even though plaintiffs argued both would have survived a 55-mile-per-hour collision had the vehicle not broken through the trailer's rear impact guard.

Wabash stands firmly behind the quality and safety of all its products, and this ruling will not prevent the company from continuing to provide its customers with products that contribute to safer roads.

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the innovation leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, today announced a series of strategic executive leadership changes designed to position the company for continued success. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2024.

Mike Pettit will transition from his current role as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer. In this new capacity, he will focus on driving growth initiatives, expanding market reach, and enhancing the company’s Parts and Services business through the merging of physical and digital technologies. His extensive experience in finance and operations will be instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth.

Patrick Keslin is promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer from his previous role as Vice President, Finance. With 23 years of financial experience and a proven track record in roles of increasing responsibility during his seven years at Wabash, Keslin brings a deep understanding of the company’s financial operations. He will be responsible for overseeing Wabash’s financial strategy, reporting and performance. Keslin’s extensive experience and strategic insight will ensure a seamless transition and continued fiscal responsibility as the company continues to expand across products, services and customer bases.

Donald Winston is promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Operations from his previous position as Vice President, Global Operations. Winston has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational acumen. In this expanded role overseeing global procurement in addition to leading manufacturing and supply chain operations, he will continue to drive operational efficiencies and excellence across the company with a focus on safety, productivity and quality across all North American manufacturing sites.

Drew Schwartzhoff is promoted to Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing from his previous position as Vice President, Marketing. Schwartzhoff’s role will expand to include product management in addition to his existing responsibilities leading marketing and communications. His vision will drive the integration of marketing and product strategies to enhance customer experience and market penetration.

“These leadership changes reflect our commitment to developing top talent and aligning our organization to drive future growth,” said President and CEO Brent Yeagy. “Mike, Pat, Donald, and Drew have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver results, and each of them brings unique strengths and experiences that will help us continue to deliver value to our customers. I am confident in their ability to further strengthen Wabash’s position as a visionary leader in the transportation, logistics and distribution industry.”

Additionally, Dustin Smith will step down from his role as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. He will transition to a senior advisory role to ensure a smooth transition until December 1, 2024. This planned transition allows Smith to assist with ongoing projects and support the leadership team during this period.

Yeagy commented, “Dustin has been an invaluable part of our organization for 17 years, contributing greatly to Wabash’s growth and transformation. His unwavering commitment, strategic vision and dedication have made a lasting impact, and his leadership has been instrumental in driving excellence across the entire organization. Dustin’s collaborative spirit and genuine care for the people at Wabash have made him not just a respected leader, but a truly valued member of our team. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter.”

For more information about Wabash’s executive leaders, please visit onewabash.com. 

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Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements convey the Company’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, all statements regarding the Company’s outlook for trailer and truck body shipments, backlog, expectations regarding demand levels for trailers, truck bodies, non-trailer equipment and our other diversified product offerings, pricing, profitability and earnings, cash flow and liquidity, opportunity to capture higher margin sales, new product innovations, our growth and diversification strategies, our expectations for improved financial performance during the course of the year and our expectations with regards to capital allocation. These and the Company’s other forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Without limitation, these risks and uncertainties include the highly cyclical nature of our business, uncertain economic conditions including the possibility that customer demand may not meet our expectations, our backlog may not reflect future sales of our products, increased competition, reliance on certain customers and corporate partnerships, risks of customer pick-up delays, shortages and costs of raw materials including the impact of tariffs or other international trade developments, risks in implementing and sustaining improvements in the Company’s manufacturing operations and cost containment, dependence on industry trends and timing, supplier constraints, labor costs and availability, customer acceptance of and reactions to pricing changes, costs of indebtedness, and our ability to execute on our long-term strategic plan. Readers should review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in this press release and in the Company’s reports to its stockholders and periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q.

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, today announced it has earned two 2023 Plant Safety Awards from the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA) for its manufacturing operations in San José Iturbide, Mexico, and Cadiz, Kentucky.  

“At Wabash, safety is core to how we show up to work every day. Our teams are constantly seeking innovative ways to engineer safety into our products and designing operating environments that put people first,” said Vice President, Global Operations Donald Winston. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication to operational excellence demonstrated by our employees across Wabash. On behalf of the entire Wabash team, I share my congratulations and gratitude to our entire team for their continued efforts in upholding our safety values and ensuring a safe workplace for all.”

The company’s tank trailer operation in San José Iturbide, Mexico, was recognized in the Tank Category A for plants that reported more than 750,000 man-hours. The company’s platform trailer operation in Cadiz, Kentucky, was recognized as the Most Improved Trailer Plant.

“Our Cadiz operation, in particular, is a shining example of how a transformation in workplace culture can yield significant results,” Winston added. “The dedication of our entire team in Cadiz to our ‘Respect for People’ ethos has resulted in a remarkable 81% reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) from 2022 to 2024. This extraordinary improvement is a testament to the commitment of every manager and department, and I commend Plant Manager Michael Almy and EHS Manager Logan Choat for their exceptional leadership in driving these outstanding outcomes within a short period of time.”

Award determinations are based on a direct comparison of injury data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Annual Summary Form 300A, the same data used by the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Awards are given to trailer manufacturers based on the number of man-hours worked.

TTMA is a member-based organization established to build confidence between manufacturers of truck trailers, cargo tanks, intermodal containers and their suppliers to bring about a mutual understanding of the problems confronting all manufacturers.

“Our suppliers are invaluable partners in our journey to deliver breakthrough, cost-effective solutions to our customers," said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global procurement for Wabash. “Their support and collaboration are instrumental in overcoming both near- and long-term supply chain challenges. We deeply appreciate the relationships we have built, as they enable us to continuously innovate and meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

Wabash presents annual awards to top suppliers for excellence in supply chain performance, considering criteria such as innovation, quality, delivery, cost and service. The company’s highest honor is its Pinnacle Award, which recognizes the company’s supplier of the year. 

This year’s Pinnacle Award winner is Webb Wheel OEM of Tell City, Ind., a Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway company that manufactures brake drums, hubs, calipers, and rotors for medium and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and buses. The company’s commitment to quality is strengthened by continuous improvement in both products and processes. This marks Webb Wheel’s ninth overall Wabash supplier award and first Pinnacle Award.

“For over 15 years Webb Wheel has been a key supplier of brake hubs and wheel drums for Wabash’s van and platform trailers,” Mansilla added. “Webb Wheel is a consistent leader in on-time delivery, quality and continuous improvement. Last year, in particular, they held true to their commitment to keeping Wabash supplied by being adaptable and agile through periods of constraints.”

“We very much value the strategic partnership we have with Wabash, which goes well beyond simply selling them products,” said PJ Caplan, vice president of sales and marketing at Webb Wheel’s OEM business unit. “Being presented with this prestigious award is recognition of the commitment and hard work that every employee at Webb Wheel has invested in serving one of our most important customers. We are humbled to be recognized in this manner.” 

Thirty-two companies earned Platinum Awards for excellence in supply chain performance. These select group of suppliers have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence and logistics optimization that support Wabash’s growth and accelerating innovation.

 Platinum Award winners are (in alphabetical order):

In addition, BCM One, G & W Products, Hendrickson, Hutchens Industries, NKR Product Development Solutions LLC, Sanco Services, SKF, Southeastern Commercial Fabricators and Transglobal received Distinguished Supplier Awards for outstanding customer service, business responsiveness and performance.

Newsweek partnered with global research and data firm Statista to recognize the top 600 most responsible companies, focusing on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers all three pillars of ESG: environment, social and corporate governance.

Wabash President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy expressed the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, stating, “We understand our responsibility to positively impact our communities through environmental and social initiatives. As members of the communities where our employees and their families live and work, we push ourselves to earn our reputation as a good neighbor through our efforts and actions.”

Wabash was the only trailer and truck body manufacturer to be honored, and this recognition marks the second time in three years that Wabash has made the annual rankings. 

“While we strive to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners, Wabash will continue to embrace innovations that help our customers reduce their environmental impact and improve their businesses,” Yeagy added.

The Statista analysis is based on over 30 key performance indicators of the top 2,000 public companies headquartered in the U.S. and a public survey. The rankings span 14 diverse industries, including automotive, transport and logistics, financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, retail and technology.

To view the full list, visit Newsweek's list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top small-cap companies in the country. This achievement is a testament not only to the hard work of our Wabash employees, but also to the partnerships we’ve strengthened with customers, dealers and suppliers across our connected ecosystem,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “By fostering innovation across our organization, we strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders.”

This marks the second consecutive year that Wabash has earned a spot on Forbes’ list. The ranking was based on earnings growth, sales growth, return on equity and total stock return for the latest 12 months available (as of November 3, 2023) and over the last five years. Forbes’ evaluation places significant emphasis on the latest year’s data in determining the rankings.

The full Forbes 2024 America’s Best Small-Cap Companies list is available at forbes.com/lists/best-small-cap-companies. For more information about Wabash and its connected solutions, please visit onewabash.com.

Wabash and Fernweh, an investment firm specializing in the industrial technology sector, have entered into a 49:51 joint venture that will accelerate Wabash’s development and growth of an end-to-end digital platform that enhances the overall experience for dealers, customers and suppliers through the ease, speed and convenience of a connected partner ecosystem. Ayna.AI will serve as the implementation partner for the joint venture as it embarks on a journey to scale-up over the coming years.

“The transportation, logistics and distribution industry continues to experience a rapid pace of change,” said Brent Yeagy, Wabash president and chief executive officer. “In 2020 we made a strategic pivot to transform the company so Wabash would be ready to meet the needs of the future, including shifting resources to lead the end-to-end digital transformation of our industry. This joint venture with Fernweh is the next step in that transformation and will allow Wabash to experiment, learn and iterate with speed.”

The initial growth of the digital platform will be through the continued expansion of parts availability at parts.onewabash.com, scaling of TaaS capabilities, as well as new value-added services for dealers and customers that may include new bespoke partnerships with technology or logistics providers.

Wabash’s TaaS offering, designed to give carriers and shippers the capacity they need to maximize operational and freight efficiency, provides access to trailers and maintenance and repair services through the company’s extensive dealer channel and parts distribution network.

Fernweh was selected for this joint venture because of their experience working with industrial companies looking to expand digital capabilities as well as their unique Engaged Investor Operator Model. The partnership allows Fernweh and Wabash to experiment with the speed of a start-up firm and the knowledge base of an entrenched industry leader.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Wabash team for trusting us as their partner to scale this platform,” said Nick Santhanam, Fernweh chief executive officer and co-author of The Titanium Economy: How Industrial Technology Can Create a Better, Faster, Stronger America. “We see the digital platform as the next evolution in Wabash’s TaaS offering, adding value to all stakeholders by connecting Wabash’s dealers, customers and suppliers to facilitate interactions across the transportation ecosystem in a one-stop shop. We look forward to helping Wabash accelerate its technology roadmap by expanding partnerships with third parties in the logistics ecosystem that reduce customer and supplier friction in the exchange of services and solutions.”

“We’re pleased to expand on our long-standing relationship with Rockland Flooring by executing our first long-term agreement for wood flooring for dry van trailers,” said Richard Mansilla, vice president of global procurement at Wabash. “As our new dry van trailer manufacturing facility reaches full capacity in 2024, poised to yield an additional 10,000 units annually, this agreement will allow us to secure wood flooring above what we can produce out of Wabash’s wood flooring production facility in Harrison, Arkansas.”

Rockland Flooring has been a Wabash supplier for 15 years and is a five-time Wabash supplier award winner. This mutually beneficial agreement is designed to generate long-term value by optimizing the supply footprint and collaborating on innovation and continuous improvement. With five plants in the United States and Canada, Rockland Flooring’s domestic location helps ensure supply of wood flooring, which is a historically constrained material in the trailer industry.

“Having worked together for many years, we are pleased to formalize our working relationship through this long-term agreement with Wabash,” said Chris Wolford, chief sales officer of Rockland Flooring. “This agreement is an important step in aligning our companies to better serve the future needs of our mutual customers in the transportation industry.”

This new long-term agreement with Rockland Flooring follows similar announcements with J.B. Hunt, Ryerson and Hydro, which serve as examples of how Wabash is strategically positioning to meet customers’ needs with long-term demand planning.

More than 150 people attended the event to mark this milestone in the company’s history, including dealers, customers, suppliers, state and local elected officials, and community partners. The conversion of Wabash’s Lafayette-based South Plant from refrigerated trailer capacity to dry van capacity is the largest investment Wabash has made in a single operation in the company’s 38 years.

“Today is special because the culmination of this massive project represents what we can achieve at Wabash when we allow ourselves to re-imagine what’s possible in manufacturing,” said Wabash President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy. “We had 100 or more Wabash team members touch this expansion project over the last two years. I could not be more proud of the way they stuck with the mission to upgrade our dry van manufacturing for both capacity and efficiency, as well as worker safety.”

Wabash’s new facility features advanced manufacturing technology that improves the worker experience while providing a more repeatable process. Production began several months ago, and once the plant is fully ramped, the company will have doubled production at its Lafayette South Plant with the same facility footprint and workforce.

Announced in July 2021, the strategic capacity expansion can produce an additional 10,000 dry van trailers annually. The company expects the full impact of this additional capacity to be notably realized in 2024.

“Wabash has strategically executed on this investment to change the way they reach customers,” said Mark Hall, General Manager – Trailers for Stoops Trailer, a dealership based in Indianapolis. “This will be a gamechanger in our industry, and we have come to expect nothing less from Wabash.” 

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, announced today that its President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy has been recognized on IBJ Media’s second annual Indiana 250, a list of the state’s 250 most influential business and community leaders.

According to IBJ Media, influential leaders are identified as those “that others in the state, community or an industry look to for leadership; the people who are making the biggest difference in Indiana and who are known to be influential, visionary and impactful in their work.”

Yeagy was recognized in the manufacturing, logistics and transportation category, which is one of 10 industry categories that constitute the complete list.

“Although I’m honored to be selected for the Indiana 250, there are many people at Wabash who contribute as much to the progress of our industry,” Yeagy said. “Wabash has a vast pool of remarkable individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership in the way we drive innovation, solve problems, and effect positive change for our customers and local communities. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Wabash community.”

Reporters and editors who work at IBJ’s three news brands – Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer – compiled the list after reviewing nominations, researching organizations and interviewing leaders across the state.

Visit Indiana250.com to view the 2023 Indiana 250 list.

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, today announced it was recognized among Newsweek’s list of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters 2023.”

Wabash was awarded four out of five stars on its score and is the only trailer or truck body manufacturer to be recognized. It is one of seven Indiana-based companies to make the list.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters,” said Kristin Glazner, senior vice president, general counsel and chief human resources officer. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our employees, especially those just starting their careers. We believe that investing in our people not only benefits them personally, but also drives the success of Wabash as a whole. This recognition validates our efforts and inspires us to continue creating a positive workplace culture that empowers our employees to grow and thrive in their careers.”

As part of the company’s commitment to learning, Wabash offers a variety of development opportunities for employees, including welding and skills training courses, self-directed learning modules and targeted development programs through external partnerships, all at no cost to employees.

Wabash employees have on-demand access to thousands of courses through the company’s customizable Learning Management System — Wabash U — which offers self-directed and instructor-led online coursework on a variety of professional development topics. In addition, targeted learning and development opportunities are created through external partnerships, including special development programs for front-line leaders.

For employees interested in pursuing a degree program or certification at an accredited college or university, Wabash offers the Accelerator tuition reimbursement program. The Accelerator program not only eases the financial burden of certifications and undergraduate and graduate degree studies, it also connects employees with a personal education advisor to guide them through the selection process to ensure they find the right program for their needs. Their assigned advisor remains connected to the employee throughout the learning experience to help ensure individual success.

To underscore its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, Wabash offers an Emerging Leaders Development Program (ELDP) that aims to cultivate a sense of community and belonging among new college graduates. This program is tailored to their needs and interests, allowing them to gain exposure to various roles within their respective fields and facilitating their career growth. Through ELDP, Wabash aims to provide its emerging leaders with the resources and support they need to thrive in their careers and feel valued as members of the team.

Finally, for aspiring professionals looking to enter the workforce, Wabash provides an immersive summer internship program that offers valuable work experiences and networking opportunities. In fact, the company will welcome 28 college interns to its Indiana, Arkansas and Kentucky operations this month.

Newsweek and data research firm Plant-A Insights compiled the “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 for Job Starters” list by conducting a large employer survey with respondents who have working-experience of five years or less, working in the U.S. for companies with at least 1,000 employees. The study collected over 146,000 reviews of companies in total based on criteria such as company image, corporate culture, working environment, work-life balance, training and career progression, compensation and benefits, sustainability awareness and proactive management of the diverse workforce.

“Our America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters ranking highlights the companies that care about providing a positive working environment and career progression,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek's global editor in chief. “Congratulations to everyone at Wabash for earning this recognition.”

Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Job Starters list is available at newsweek.com/rankings.

To explore career opportunities at Wabash, visit onewabash.com/careers.

“We are pleased to receive recognition from TTMA once again for our exceptional safety performance, which underscores our unwavering commitment to safety at Wabash,” said Vice President, Manufacturing Brian Bauman. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication to operational excellence demonstrated by our employees every day. On behalf of the entire Wabash team, I extend my congratulations and gratitude to our entire team for their efforts in upholding our safety values and ensuring a safe workplace for all.”

This is the 16th year Wabash has received a plant safety award from TTMA. The award was presented to Wabash on April 20 at TTMA’s 81st Annual Convention.

Award determinations are based on direct comparison of injury data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Annual Summary Form 300A, the same data used by the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Awards are given to tank and trailer manufacturers based on the number of man-hours worked. The company’s operation in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, won in Tank Category B for plants that reported between 300,000 and 750,000 man-hours. The company’s operation in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, won Most Improved Tank Manufacturing Plant.

TTMA is a member-based organization established to build confidence between manufacturers of truck trailers, cargo tanks, intermodal containers and their suppliers to bring about a mutual understanding of the problems confronting all manufacturers.

Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, congratulates Vice President, Global Procurement Richard Mansilla who is recognized by Supply & Demand Chain Executive as one of the winners of the 2023 Pros to Know award.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only publication covering the entire global supply chain. The annual Pros to Know award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chain for competitive advantage. Winners are selected based on their professional achievements, innovations and solutions.

“This year’s list is filled with supply chain professionals whose achievements and success stories have helped move the needle in the supply chain. They promote safety, sustainability and workforce development. They work toward helping heal the supply chain,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “We received close to 400 nominations this year, the highest number of nominations ever for this award. It’s proof that today’s supply chain professionals are doing great things for the supply chain. They embody what a true leader should be. And, without their initiatives, programs and collaborative efforts, today’s supply chains would be in worse shape.”

“I’m honored to represent Wabash in the global supply chain and to be selected as a Pro to Know, but I didn’t get here alone,” Mansilla said. “We have a great team at Wabash that works hard to advance the company’s vision to provide solutions in transportation, logistics and distribution that move the business of transport forward. We do this important work every day by nurturing supplier partnerships and working together to grow our businesses and build stability in an industry that is sensitive to change. I’m humbled to accept this award, but the credit goes to the Wabash team.”

Mansilla was recognized this week at ProMat 2023 in Chicago. View the full list of 2023 Pros to Know winners at https://sdce.me/4ss5cl.

Work Truck Week, hosted by NTEA — the Association for the Work Truck Industry, is North America's largest work truck event. Wabash will exhibit its future-forward solutions that can uniquely transform how fleets do business.

As power gets heavier, Wabash’s solutions are being engineered to get lighter. Attendees will see how Wabash is lightweighting equipment without sacrificing durability in both dry and refrigerated freight by utilizing proprietary advanced composite technologies and lighter, high-strength steel. In addition, the company will showcase its approach to helping fleets reduce carbon emissions via hybrid steppingstone technologies.

“At Wabash we’re focused on pragmatic, scalable solutions that meet customers’ needs in today’s dynamic logistics environment,” said Tim Griesgraber, vice president, sales and marketing. “Final mile customers are becoming increasingly interested in improving their carbon footprint. With new alternative energy technologies coming on the market every year, we’re focusing our efforts on engineering bodies that can scale to any chassis—conventional or nonconventional. Wabash’s advanced composite technologies are uniquely suited to counter heavy power.”

Wabash’s Class 2-5 equipment on display at Work Truck Week include:

• Acutherm™ Refrigerated Freight Body with EcoNex™ Technology
• Acutherm Refrigerated Delivery Body with EcoNex Technology
• Dry Freight Body with DuraPlate® Technology on an electric chassis
• Cargo Body with DuraPlate Technology

In addition to experiencing the latest light- and medium-duty solutions from Wabash, attendees will hear from a team of engineers, parts and service representatives, and sales leaders on a variety of topics during these in-booth presentations:

• “The Real Deal: Wabash’s Comprehensive and Unrivaled Service Offering”
• “Bodies and Bailments: Quick, Mountable Solutions without the Hassle”
• “Upgrade the Trade: Rapid and Robust Contractor Vehicle Transformations”
• “Now and Forever: Evolving EcoNex and DuraPlate with Your Future in Mind”
• “Solidarity is Smart: Serving You Better with the One Wabash Strategy”
• “It’s Not About Me: You-Driven Initiatives to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint”

Visit booth #4933 at Work Truck Week or go to onewabash.com to learn more about Wabash’s final mile solutions that meet today’s dynamic market conditions.

Yeagy, in his presentation titled “Understanding the Dynamic Changes within Logistics that Are Altering the Future of the Trailer and Truck Body Markets,” will discuss how changing supply chain dynamics, the rise of e-commerce and a growing desire for sustainable business models are impacting the outlook for transportation equipment.

“We can no longer look at the past to predict the future of the trailer and truck body markets,” Yeagy explained. “We are looking ahead to better understand the demands of the customer and the overall markets we serve. At Wabash, we’re focused on pragmatic solutions with our business partners that get to the heart of the real problem we’re trying to solve. Spoiler alert: the engine is becoming considerably less relevant.”

ACT Research’s seminars are held twice each year for clients and the larger transportation, logistics and distribution industry. Attendees are industry leaders and decision makers representing C-suite and upper management of OEMs, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, autonomous and electric new entrants, fleets, dealers and financial institutions. OUTLOOK Seminar 68 will center on the theme of “Driving Decarbonization: The Future of Commercial Vehicles.” Learn more at actresearch.net/seminar-68.

LINK 2023 is an event for retailers, consumer product manufacturers, and service providers designed to help retail teams shape their supply chains to be stronger, smarter and sustainable.

Wabash will have an information and product exhibit to show its customer-focused solutions, from groundbreaking technology in refrigerated transport to upfitting options and fleet management services.

“Having transformed the way our traditional customers have been doing business for decades, we look forward to introducing Wabash to the broader retail supply chain industry,” said Tim Griesgraber, vice president, sales and marketing. “Wabash’s innovative, end-to-end solutions and approach to strategic partnerships are designed with the entire supply chain in mind, or what we refer to as our ecosystem. Although we offer a full portfolio of first-to-final mile solutions, at LINK 2023 we’ll be featuring the latest in future-forward cold chain solutions, sustainability-focused dry freight delivery, and fleet management efficiency that leverages technology to connect the dots across the entire transportation system.”

On display will be Wabash’s Acutherm™ Refrigerated Delivery Body with EcoNex™ Technology, part of the company’s Acutherm portfolio of intelligent thermal management solutions. This high-performance delivery body upholds food integrity with built-in sustainability. Wabash’s proprietary EcoNex Technology is being engineered for improved thermal performance and weight reduction. With the Acutherm Refrigerated Delivery Body with EcoNex Technology, customers may increase their payload while lowering fuel cost and TRU hours, which can help reduce their carbon footprint and total cost of ownership. Wabash’s refrigerated delivery body is being engineered to also accommodate a customer’s interest to equip an all-electric fleet, as the lighter weight composite is being designed to offset the additional weight of battery packs.

In the pursuit of a zero-emissions solution for medium-duty vehicles, Wabash will also show its Dry Freight Body with DuraPlate® Technology on a Class 4 electric chassis. This product features next-generation panel technology that reduces weight and increases strength through composite technology advancement in core and skin alternatives, with recycling and repurposing in mind.

LINK attendees can discuss their retail logistics challenges with Wabash representatives and see a sampling of the company’s product solutions and fleet services in booth #2331. Visit onewabash.com to learn more.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Forbes in the top 100 of the country’s best small companies,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “This recognition is a testament to how we’ve grown and structured the company to serve customers across product classes from first to final mile. Coming off a record year in 2022, we credit our strong financial performance to our refreshed growth strategy and, importantly, commercial execution. I would like to thank all of our employees for their hard work and commitment to customers that serves as the foundation of our success.”

Forbes used data from FactSet to compile its annual list of America’s Best Small Companies. It screened more than 1,000 companies with a market value between $300 million and $2 billion to identify 541 companies that had positive sales growth over the past 12 months and a share price of at least $5. The America’s Best Small Companies ranking is based on earnings growth, sales growth, return on equity and total stock return for the latest 12 months available (as of November 11, 2022) and over the last five years. More weight was given to the latest year’s data in the ranking.

The full Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Companies list is available at forbes.com/lists/best-small-cap-companies.

Wabash is one of the largest North American manufacturers of transportation solutions that span from first to final mile, including dry and refrigerated trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, flatbed trailers and tank trailers. Under this agreement, Ryerson will be a key supplier to Wabash for steel, stainless steel and aluminum products used across Wabash’s full portfolio.

“We selected Ryerson as a strategic supplier partner because their footprint and business strategy is aligned with our vision,” said Richard Mansilla, Wabash’s vice president, Global Procurement. “We believe this partnership with Ryerson will help us address our wide range of metal needs in the short to medium term to aid in Wabash’s production of DuraPlate^® dry van trailers, Acutherm™ refrigerated trailers and truck bodies with EcoNex™ Technology, tank trailers and platform trailers.”

Ryerson has supplied Wabash with steel, stainless steel, and aluminum for over 10 years and is a three-time Wabash supplier award winner. This mutually beneficial agreement will focus on generating long-term value by optimizing the supply footprint and collaborating on innovation and continuous improvement.

“Ryerson is honored to enter into this agreement with Wabash,” said Jeff Redfield, Ryerson’s president, North Region and Canada. “Through over a decade of collaboration, Ryerson has worked closely with Wabash to recognize synergies in geography and identify opportunities to build a stronger supply chain, capitalizing on Ryerson’s relationships with domestic mills. Our value-added network of interconnected service centers has enabled Ryerson to reach Wabash wherever they are located. We look forward to providing customized metal solutions to Wabash for years to come.”

This long-term agreement with Ryerson is another example of how Wabash is continuing to leverage its strong supplier relationships to add value for customers. This is the second 10-year supply agreement Wabash has secured with a key supplier in the last 18 months and follows on the heels of a new long-term agreement with strategic customer J.B. Hunt.

This marks a strategic shift in how Wabash is intentionally building a backlog with strategic customers who are interested in jointly planning demand for a period that looks beyond the next 12 months.  

“Wabash has undergone substantial change over the last two years to create the right organizational structure to enable this type of strategic progress that positions Wabash to create value at the center of an ecosystem of customers, suppliers and partners,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “The collaborative nature of multi-year demand planning builds upon our improved pricing construct to generate another important proof point of how we are structurally improving the foundation of our company by smoothing out demand cycles that drive unnecessary variability through the entire supply chain. We’re strategically managing our backlog and enabling our customer’s success from first to final mile, and we’re pleased to start this new path forward with J.B. Hunt.”

“The trailers provided by Wabash over the next few years will help us expand capacity available for services like private fleet outsourcing and drop-and-hook freight,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “With an additional 15,000-plus trailers, we can improve the efficiency of our equipment so that assets are in the right place at the right time for available drivers. It's essential to our mission of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America.”  

This long-term order agreement with J.B. Hunt couples with Wabash’s 10-year aluminum supply agreement with Hydro, strategically coordinated to provide certainty that Wabash can meet pent-up demand as its additional dry van capacity comes online in early 2023.

Through this partnership, Wabash will donate $150,000 this year in support of mobile food pantries, which are crucial to increasing the distribution of fresh and healthy food in vulnerable communities.

“Wabash is committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we’re excited to scale up our efforts to help end food insecurity in partnership with Feeding America,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy.

According to the USDA, nearly 34 million people, including more than 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. Wabash employees have selected fighting hunger as a cause they would like to personally support through donations, volunteer efforts and their work at Wabash.

Wabash donations will be directed to mobile food pantries that serve communities with high food insecurity rates, where Wabash facilities are located. In the first year of this partnership, funds will be allocated to five Feeding America member food banks. Wabash hopes to scale these efforts in the years to come, which may include supplying Wabash Acutherm refrigerated vans and truck bodies to keep food fresh while transporting and delivering it to communities in need.

“Feeding America and member food banks across the country are working hard to meet the increasing demand for food assistance,” said Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. “No one should have to worry about where they will find their next meal. In our fight against hunger, we’re grateful to Wabash for their generous donation that will help our neighbors in need across the country.”

This national partnership is an expansion of the work Wabash has done over the past 20 years on a local level with various Feeding America member food banks, such as Food Finders Food Bank Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, where the company is headquartered. Wabash plans to continue to grow its partnership with Feeding America to serve all communities where Wabash facilities are located.

“In these changing times, Wabash’s culture of innovation is amplified by our supplier relationships,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “We work with the best of the best to bring new ideas forward, exploring solutions to complex problems that will advance our industry.”

Wabash presents the annual awards to top suppliers for excellence in supply chain performance, considering criteria such as innovation, quality, delivery, cost and service. The company’s highest honor is its Pinnacle Award, which recognizes the company’s supplier of the year. 

This year’s Pinnacle Award winner is Steel Dynamics, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Ind. The Fortune 500 company produces steel using recycled ferrous scrap as the primary raw material. With their innovative culture, circular manufacturing model, and use of electric arc furnace steelmaking, Steel Dynamics is an industry leader in sustainable steelmaking.

“For over 12 years Steel Dynamics has been a key mill-directed material source for our numerous supplier service centers, touching all our product lines,” said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global procurement for Wabash. “Most recently, their ability and willingness to become our single-sourced painted coil supplier for DuraPlate products has created stability that we can count on, even during this challenging period of tight material supply.”

“We are honored to be the recipient of the Pinnacle Award,” said Mark D. Millett, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Steel Dynamics. “Our recognition is a result of the extraordinary passion and spirit of excellence exhibited by our teams. Their drive, innovation, and commitment have helped successfully grow our company and serve our customers, creating innovative products and supply chain solutions.”

Twenty-eight companies earned Platinum Awards for excellence in supply chain performance. These select group of suppliers have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence and logistics optimization that support Wabash’s growth and accelerating innovation.

“We value the relationships with our suppliers and the support they provide to help Wabash deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for our customers,” Mansilla stated. “In today’s environment where the supply base can be constrained, these partners consistently did their part to keep our production lines running at all of our locations across the United States and Mexico.”

In addition, Conaway Electrical Service, Havco Wood Products, Landstar System, Linde Gas & Equipment, and Phillips Industries received Distinguished Supplier Awards for outstanding customer service, business responsiveness and performance.

Awards were presented to suppliers at Wabash’s new business conference, Ignite, where senior leaders from more than 148 companies representing Wabash’s suppliers, customers, dealers, and partners came together to reshape and reimagine the future of transportation, logistics and distribution under the theme of the 2022 conference — Lead the Change.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Sep. 19, 2022 – Wabash (NYSE: WNC) and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Trent Broberg to the company’s Board of Directors as well as the Finance and Nominating, Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committees.

Mr. Broberg has extensive experience with major carriers, as well as with the digital and technology nuances of transportation management. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of ACERTUS, an automotive logistics as a service platform; and a member of the Board of Directors of DiCentral LLC, a global EDI software service provider helping organizations optimize their supply chain. 

Prior to joining ACERTUS, Mr. Broberg served as Chief Operating Officer at Truckstop.com, where he led over five M&A transactions, strategy, and product development. In the two years leading up to his tenure at Truckstop.com, Mr. Broberg served as General Manager for Real Time Freight LLC, which was later acquired by Truckstop.com in 2016.

Mr. Broberg also holds a wealth of marketing, sales and operations knowledge as a result of his early career experience serving as Director of Marketing at DB Schenker and Swift Transportation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Trent to the Board of Directors of Wabash,” said Larry J. Magee, Wabash Chairman of the Board. “He’s a valuable addition to the Board and an excellent choice to represent our shareholders. We look forward to his contributions.”

The appointment of Mr. Broberg brings Wabash’s Board of Directors to eight members. With the exception of Wabash’s President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy, the directors qualify as independent directors under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and the company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Wabash Acutherm thermal solutions provide enhanced levels of thermal efficiency and management for both hot and cold applications. With superior thermal capability and structural integrity, temperature states can be maintained regardless of application or environmental conditions.

“Wabash Acutherm is a testament of our commitment to meeting the demands of the cold chain market, as well as other areas of transportation where temperature control is critical to food safety and consumer health,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy. “We’re keeping a close pulse on the evolving needs of our customers for superior thermal solutions that deliver versatility and, ultimately, operational and financial benefits.”

Currently, this product line consists of Wabash Acutherm refrigerated van trailers with EcoNex™ Technology, Acutherm refrigerated freight delivery bodies, Acutherm refrigerated freight delivery bodies with EcoNex Technology, Acutherm sanitary tank trailers and Acutherm refrigerated cargo van inserts. The company expects to add more thermal solutions under the Acutherm sub-brand in the future.

Wabash Acutherm solutions maintain desired temperature state regardless of application or environmental conditions. Whether you need to keep hot things hot or cold things cold, Wabash Acutherm ensures thermal consistency over time. Importantly, Wabash Acutherm solutions with EcoNex Technology take this performance to the next level, providing superior sustainability benefits. Their lighter weight, thermal advantages and insulative benefits do not require sacrifice in structural integrity—making ideal substitutes for thermal products constructed with traditional materials such as steel, aluminum and wood.

Wabash Acutherm’s debut follows the company’s expansion of EcoNex Technology production at its Little Falls, Minn., facility earlier this month, which includes a $20 million investment and more than 200 new jobs by the end of 2023.

Customers can learn more about Wabash Acutherm solutions at onewabash.com.

Two of the largest dealers in the Northeast, Bergey’s Truck Centers and Allegiance Trucks, will be full line dealers of Wabash parts, services and equipment, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies and platform trailers.

“By further developing our dealer relationships, Wabash can build off of our brands to grow our footprint and further connect our products and services to improve the operations of our customers,” said Kevin Page, Wabash’s senior vice president, customer value creation.

“Wabash has been expanding its dealer network for over a decade. Both Bergey’s Truck Centers and Allegiance Trucks have extensive expertise and a long history of providing effective transportation solutions to their customer base,” said Todd Chrzan, senior director of strategic dealer accounts at Wabash. “We are pleased to welcome them to the Wabash community as we continue to expand our dealer network to provide the level of quality support that today’s customers demand.”

Based in Stamford, Conn., Allegiance Trucks is one of the fastest growing commercial truck dealers in the country with over 41 locations in nine states. Allegiance Trucks offers new and used medium- to heavy-duty trucks, parts, and services, providing a one-stop solution to address customer needs, reduce downtime and keep trucks on the road. Allegiance Trucks will be representing Wabash in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island as well as parts of New York and New Jersey.

“As one of the largest full-service truck dealerships on the East Coast, the expansion of our relationship with Wabash, with its portfolio of trailers and truck bodies, better positions Allegiance Trucks to service our customers,” said Chad Schrempp, chief operating officer at Allegiance Trucks. “We value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with Wabash, because they understand that providing customers the best equipment, parts and services are foundational to our combined success.”

Bergey's is a family-owned company operating 15 truck centers and eight truck parts locations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, as well as a heavy-duty parts warehouse in Telford, Pennsylvania. In addition, Bergey’s also operates 10 automotive dealership locations, extending their commercial offerings to include automotive and light duty pick-up trucks and vans.

“Bergey’s is excited to embrace this opportunity to build on Wabash’s history of success and innovation,” said CEO Mark Bergey. “By learning from each other and leveraging our combined resources, we can offer a wide range of effective commercial solutions to our customers.”

Building off one of its strategic growth areas, Wabash continues to extend its reach and invest in a greater portfolio of offerings, including more seamless digital systems and its newly created Wabash Parts distribution. Launched in May 2022, the Wabash Parts distribution network leverages the company’s position at the intersection of suppliers, dealers, and customers to have the most comprehensive and innovative set of solutions to meet the needs of its customers and partners from first to final mile.

“We are going to continue to make moves to bring customer centricity and alignment to the forefront of our commercial and manufacturing operations,” Page said. “Our organization is committed to seeking out partners and opportunities that better align with the dynamic nature of how we will meet demand from first to final mile over the coming years.”

As part of this expansion, Wabash is investing an additional $20 million at its 53-acre facility in Little Falls, Minn., and adding over 200 jobs by the end of 2023.

EcoNex Technology is Wabash’s proprietary, next-generation molded structural composite that utilizes environmentally conscious materials aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on non-renewable energy. A refrigerated trailer with EcoNex Technology is estimated to save up to 13.5 metric tons of CO2e per year compared to Wabash’s former ArcticLite^® refrigerated trailer made with conventional materials.

“Although Wabash developed EcoNex with trailers in mind, its scalability across our portfolio is substantial,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “At the end of 2021, we announced the launch of our refrigerated home delivery vehicle, and our initial backlog of $10 million for these new vehicles doubled in the following 90 days.”

Yeagy added, “What’s more, we think EcoNex has applications beyond our core markets because of its superior thermal capability, weight and strength. Our investment to expand EcoNex capacity, which we discussed at our May investor meeting, is intended to serve our trailer and truck body customers while we scale EcoNex in adjacent industries.”

EcoNex Technology boasts greater thermal capability while being lighter weight, and Wabash believes this technology substantially reduces corrosion and extends asset life. This is a sustainability advantage that is additive to our customers’ environmental objectives. Wabash has demonstrated the unique, value-add properties of EcoNex Technology with over 30 million miles of actual use.

“Whether we are transporting frozen vegetables in the heat of summer or fresh fruit in the cold of winter, EcoNex Technology assures the temperatures inside the trailers are consistent,” said Ken Johnson, chief executive officer at Leonard’s Express, Inc.

“I admire Wabash’s commitment to corporate citizenship and am proud to see the incredible impact this expansion will have on our local economy and community,” said Mayor Greg Zylka of Little Falls. “We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with Wabash to continue to expand opportunities and help our great community grow and prosper.”

FreightVana X, a nationwide gray-pool trailer offering, is a key component of FreightVana’s varied transportation and technology products. FreightVana’s trailer pools are constructed to remove inefficiencies from the supply chain, delivering optimized movements and profit enhancement for its partner carriers, while introducing diversity, service consistency, and budget savings for its shippers across any freight cycle.

“We’re excited to see the growth in power-only models that use trailers in new and interesting ways to solve for persistent driver shortages, detention times at shippers’ docks, and an overall lack of network fluidity,” said Brent Yeagy, Wabash president and chief executive officer. “The transportation and logistics markets are changing, and Wabash intends to remain at the forefront of this change as a thought leader and technology partner. We’ve built a strong collaborative relationship with the team at FreightVana over the last year, and we believe, together, we can solve some of the transportation industry’s most meaningful challenges.”   

FreightVana’s strategic trailer pools enable small trucking companies nationwide, who would otherwise be incapable of supporting many large shipper’s trailer requirements, an opportunity to build networks of consistent freight, typically dominated by only the largest for-hire carriers in the country. Trailer access allows these carriers to minimize costly dwell time at shipping locations and save on capital investment, earning more on each route, while charging less. Shippers, in turn, are able to put in place sizable, uniform trailer pools at their desired locations, unlocking the long-tail of carrier capacity nationwide, hence introducing more competition and optionality into their overall supply chains.

Wabash is supporting FreightVana with trailer availability and services through the company’s Trailers as a Service (TaaS) platform. TaaS provides access to trailers with worry-free maintenance and repair provided by Wabash’s national dealer network. Supported by Wabash’s recently announced parts distribution network, this rapidly evolving ecosystem is a key element of Wabash’s Parts and Services growth strategy and provides a new stream of recurring revenue.

“Trailers are a strategic linchpin to unlocking the efficiencies and capacity that shippers and small carriers covet. While nearly all traditional non-asset participants select to save their capital for other purposes, we have planted our flag in support of asset investment, clearly seeing its merits long-term,” said Shannon Breen, FreightVana Co-CEO & Founder. “Through this unique partnership with Wabash, we are better able to merge our 3PL vision for radical alignment and transparency with the prowess of America’s leader in commercial transportation manufacturing.”

The FreightVana X fleet is on track to have over 1,000 trailers deployed by the end of 2022 with plans to grow to over 3,000 units by the end of 2023. The teams at Wabash and FreightVana are excited to offer this new and innovative approach for carriers and shippers in the months and years ahead.

This reveal comes after Wabash announced a rebrand of the corporation, uniting its products and services, employees, customers and business partners as ‛One Wabash’ earlier this year.

“Our family of brands is stronger together and it’s exciting to see this vision brought to life on our trailers today,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy.

The rebrand follows other key milestones in Wabash’s strategic growth, including rallying employees around a new purpose of Changing How the World Reaches You®; leveraging the Wabash Management System to scale excellence; reorganizing into a customer-centric operating model; and aligning the company’s financial reporting structure with the new organizational design and go-to-market strategy.

“The entire city of Lafayette joins Wabash in celebrating today,” said Tony Roswarski, Mayor, Lafayette. “The new blue Wabash logo is a sign of Wabash’s continued commitment to innovation and community, and we are so glad that Wabash calls our great city of Lafayette ‘home.’”

Wabash’s entire line of industry-leading van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, truck bodies, process systems, and parts and services are also scheduled to be rebranded with the new Wabash logo by the end of the year.

“As an end-to-end solutions and service provider, we’re able to offer customers the convenience of working with a one-stop-shop through the entire product lifecycle,” said Nick Adler, vice president of Wabash Parts and Services. “We’re excited to bring our customers best-in-class parts and services including a simplified experience, an extensive selection of well-stocked parts, and faster deliveries — all through Wabash.”

This single channel distribution network will, over time, include the entire Wabash aftermarket portfolio as well as a wide range of transportation parts with increased inventory and faster shipping. Wabash Parts distribution will utilize the company’s extensive network of equipment dealers’ service capabilities, as well as the infrastructure of industry-leading partners of national wholesale distribution for aftermarket heavy-duty truck and trailers parts, using multiple distribution centers across the country.  

“This new distribution offering from Wabash really simplifies things for us. In a time of supply chain challenges around us, we appreciate being able to count on Wabash having parts in stock that we need and getting them to us quickly to keep our customer’s equipment on the road,” said Jamey Vaughn, president at Twin State Trailers.   

Wabash continues to invest in a greater portfolio of offerings, more seamless digital systems, and a market-leading value proposition for its partners. Wabash Parts and Services distribution capabilities currently serve van trailer and truck body customers and dealers. Parts distribution for other Wabash product lines will phase in throughout 2022.

“We are excited to be a part of the Wabash Parts distribution network. The new capabilities that Wabash is developing create new growth opportunities for their dealer partners like us and help us better support our fleet customers,” said Mark Hall, general manager at Stoops Freightliner – Quality Trailer. 

“Wabash is connecting across the transportation ecosystem to facilitate interactions and improve operations,” said Adler. “The new Wabash Parts distribution network will support Wabash’s position at the intersection of suppliers, dealers and customers, while increasing the distribution capabilities needed to enhance speed and availability to market.”

The company’s 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report provides an overview and assessment of the ongoing environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives that demonstrate Wabash’s commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and sound management practices. These components of the company’s strategy are also represented in Yeagy’s letter to stockholders, which was issued in the company’s 2021 Annual Report.

“Wabash has always led the industry in product design,” Yeagy wrote to stockholders, “and in recent years we set our focus on environmental impact, which has gained customers’ attention as they work toward meeting carbon reduction goals.”

In his comments in the Corporate Responsibility Report, Yeagy goes on to say, “This is more than a report. This is and always has been an integral part of who we are and what we do. I am proud of the progress our team has made to drive long-term positive change for Wabash and all our stakeholders. Wabash is committed to Changing How the World Reaches You, and that commitment extends beyond the boundaries of our day-to-day business. As an innovator in transportation, logistics and distribution, we know the changes and improvements we make in the way we work can drive change throughout the industry.” 

Wabash’s 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and using relevant Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) baseline metrics. The preparation of the report was conducted by a cross-functional team of subject matter experts and overseen by the company’s executive officers and Board of Directors.

The full 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report and Letter to Stockholders in the 2021 Annual Report are available at ir.onewabash.com.

Wabash will no longer go to market as Wabash National® or with certain trade or brand names that it acquired over the last 16 years, including Benson®, Brenner®, Bulk Tank, Supreme®, Transcraft® and Walker™. The company and its industry-leading van trailers, platform trailers, tank trailers, truck bodies, process systems, and parts and services will be rebranded and marketed as Wabash®.

 “The decision to rebrand the company and our family of brands was a strategic choice that will help the company in its long-term growth strategy,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy. “There is a momentous transition happening in transportation, logistics, and distribution as the industry adapts to a compilation of forces. At Wabash, we see a different future reality than our competition, and we’ve chosen to go down a substantially different path to re-shape the industry and pull that future forward for our customers. This rebrand reflects our own transformation and unites our legacy brands as ‛One Wabash’—the visionary leader in transportation, logistics and distribution that is making sweeping changes to prepare our customers for a very different world.”

The rebrand comes after nearly four years of organizational change that includes rallying the organization around a new purpose of Changing How the World Reaches You™; leveraging the Wabash Management System to scale excellence; reorganizing into a customer-centric operating model; and aligning the company’s financial reporting structure with the new organizational design and go-to-market strategy.

In addition to the rebrand, Wabash is also introducing the brand name for its proprietary molded structural composite used in refrigerated transportation: EcoNex™ Technology. EcoNex Technology, formerly referred to as MSC Technology™, is one of the most environmentally conscious materials in the transportation market, designed to advance sustainability throughout the transportation, logistics and distribution industry. This technology has already been recognized in the industry with several awards for advancing sustainability in commercial transportation.

The company’s rebrand includes the launch of its new website at OneWabash.com.

Wabash will remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WNC. The rebrand and elimination of legacy sub-brands does not change legal entities of the company, nor affect contracts, terms, or conditions in place with customers, dealers, suppliers or other stakeholders.

The list recognizes the top 499 most responsible companies in the United States spanning 14 industries, including automotive, transport and logistics, financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, retail and technology.

This recognition marks Wabash’s debut on Newsweek’s third annual rankings. Wabash was one of nine Indiana-based companies to make the list. The company ranked 18th in the Automotive and Components category, and was the only trailer and truck body manufacturer to be recognized.

“We take seriously our responsibility to be good corporate citizens, which is why corporate responsibility shows up in all parts of our strategic plan, from the people we hire to the products we design,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brent Yeagy. “For starters, we know the single most important ingredient to our success is our people, and we believe the rich range of individual differences and unique perspectives leads to innovative ideas and better decisions for our company and our customers. We are committed to having a workforce that is diverse and embraces inclusion at all levels, reflecting the diversity of our customers and the communities in which we operate.”

Yeagy continued, “Additionally, one of the most impactful ways we contribute to a better world is through the design and engineering of sustainable solutions in transportation, logistics and distribution. Our proprietary molded structural composite technology that is used in refrigerated long-haul and home delivery solutions is helping some of North America’s largest fleets reduce their carbon footprints.”

Statista, a leading global provider of market and consumer data, provided the analysis for Newsweek. Newsweek notes that its America’s Most Responsible Companies list is “based on a holistic view of corporate responsibility” and equally considers the three ESG areas—environment, social and corporate governance—combined with perception survey results from 11,000 U.S. citizens to formulate a final corporate social responsibility score that is used to rank companies.

According to Newsweek, the list “highlights those companies that take their environmental and social responsibilities … more seriously than others.”

Wabash focuses on four target areas to positively impact the world: sustainability, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and targeted community outcomes. The company was selected for Newsweek’s list following a four-phase review of the 2,000 largest public companies in the United States. The evaluation was based on publicly available information as of June 30, 2021, which included Wabash’s 2019 Sustainability Report. The company’s 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report had not been published at that time and was not considered in the 2022 evaluation.

View Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2022.

Wabash has entered into a five-year agreement with Purdue as its research and development partner at a time when logistics disruption from ecommerce and home delivery is colliding with transportation changes driven by electrification, autonomous driving and a heightened focus on sustainability. 

“The pace of change within transportation, logistics, and distribution has accelerated meaningfully in the past two years. Wabash’s capabilities within research and development, as well as commercialization of new products, has to match this increased speed,” said Robert Lane, vice president of innovation at Wabash. “As the visionary leader in our industry, we’re continually pursuing design and engineering innovations within our industry-leading first to final mile product portfolio. With Purdue’s partnership we can move more quickly to help our customers solve problems that derive from the intersection of logistics changes, emerging technologies and environmental consciousness.”

This multiyear venture connects Wabash to Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships, allowing the company to leverage the university’s resources ranging from advanced engineering and quantum computing power to material sciences and emerging EV technology, to deliver new or improved sustainability-focused solutions to the transportation, logistics and distribution industries.

Wabash is engaging in rapid development concept and design in collaboration with EDAG Group, a leading engineering services provider to the global automotive and commercial vehicles industry. Wabash and EDAG are contributing their expertise in body and cab design, respectively, to create a next-generation walk-in van.

“With the introduction of a walk-in van body, Wabash adds a product line critical in supporting key customer efforts to efficiently scale home delivery driven by ecommerce,” explained Kevin Page, senior vice president – customer value creation. “The industry-leading breadth of our first to final mile portfolio allows us to offer ease of doing business to our customers and also positions us to partner with customers to develop innovative solutions to solve the biggest problems they face within a rapidly changing logistics environment. Our portfolio of solutions, capacity for innovation and customer-centric structure are critical inputs that combine to allow Wabash to fulfill our purpose of Changing How the World Reaches You™.”

A new walk-in van body will add to the company’s existing solutions in dry and refrigerated freight, parcel delivery and curtainside. This announcement comes on the heels of Wabash’s recent launch of a new home delivery refrigerated truck body that features the company’s patented molded structural composite (MSC) technology, creating one of the most sustainable solutions in the market.

Page added, “Advanced material technologies, lightweight designs, and electric vehicles are just a few of the areas we think customers can leverage to stay competitive in the rapidly changing transportation, logistics and distribution space. Wabash is the visionary leader that can turn these breakthrough ideas into practical solutions.”

Wabash expects to begin production of the new walk-in cargo van by the end of 2022, after validation and testing with key pilot customers.

Wabash’s new home delivery refrigerated truck body is designed to maximize both cargo capacity and delivery productivity on sub-10,000 GVWR chassis. The purpose-built design facilitates a rack and tote system unique to the food distribution industry while creating easy access to separate temperature zones for fresh and frozen goods. The design features walk-in side doors that provide cargo access for the driver. 

Additional engineered solutions for the refrigerated home delivery market are currently in development, as Wabash anticipates an increasing need from customers to compete in a changing logistics and distribution environment fueled by ecommerce disruption.

“Collaborating with our customers on innovative efforts to improve grocery home delivery has been a rewarding journey,” said Kevin Page, Wabash’s senior vice president – customer value creation. “As a visionary leader in our industry, our approach is different because we’re different. We begin all of our R&D efforts with our eyes on what customers will need in the future. Over the last year, we saw the need to deliver a sustainable solution that helps grocery retailers meet home delivery goals while reducing their carbon footprints. This is one way Wabash is fulfilling its purpose of Changing How the World Reaches You™.”

The new light-duty refrigerated truck body features Wabash’s innovative MSC technology, which improves thermal efficiency up to 30%, reduces weight and provides a longer asset life. The improvement in thermal efficiency, compared to conventional refrigerated product designs, coupled with a lightweight design allows the operator to achieve better fuel efficiency as the refrigeration unit draws less energy to maintain temperature. In addition, the lightweight properties of Wabash’s MSC technology can facilitate the adoption of an electric chassis in a refrigerated application.

“Our MSC technology has undergone careful development, including extensive on-road testing to document the composite material’s ability to maintain temperature efficiently, reduce weight and lengthen asset life,” Page added. “The time is right to scale production of this technology for the refrigerated transportation space. Customers are realizing that sustainability initiatives help their bottom line, and Wabash is moving quickly to provide solutions that improve asset performance while reducing environmental impact.”

Wabash National is one of the largest North American manufacturers of transportation solutions that span from first to final mile, including dry and refrigerated trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, flatbed trailers and tank trailers. Under this agreement, Hydro will be a key supplier for Wabash National’s demand for dry van trailers, refrigerated trailers with molded structural composite (MSC) technology, flatbed trailers, and truck bodies for the next 10 years (through 2031). This agreement also covers requirements of new products Wabash National may release through 2031.

The enhanced supply couples with Wabash National’s recent announcement of additional dry van capacity, which is set to come online at the beginning of 2023, as well as future capacity of MSC Technology™ products.

Importantly, Wabash National and Hydro enter into a mutually beneficial business relationship that aligns both companies on a shared long-term vision of delivering sustainability to customers through continued collaboration and innovation.

“We selected Hydro as a strategic supplier partner because we share the same values and vision for where our industry is headed,” said Richard Mansilla, Vice President, Global Supply Chain. “We believe this partnership with Hydro will help us address our aluminum supply needs in the near term to aid in Wabash National’s ability to increase production of dry van trailers and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies with MSC Technology. Additionally, in the longer term, we plan to work more closely together on innovation and footprint optimization, all to the benefit of our customers, employees and shareholders.”

With operations in 40 countries, Hydro has supplied Wabash National with aluminum extrusions for over 12 years. The company is a three-time Wabash National supplier award winner and was named Supplier of the Year in 2020.

“As long-standing business partners, we’re excited to work more closely with Wabash National on our common passion for sustainability and innovation,” said Jerrod Hoeft, Hydro’s VP National Accounts, Transportation. “At Hydro, we support industries that matter through the development of innovative products and solutions. Wabash National demonstrates the kind of visionary leadership that we desire in a strategic partner, and we look forward to creating breakthrough customer value under this expanded relationship.”

The IMA’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards highlight Indiana companies and individuals for the exceptional contributions they make to the industry and their impact on the future of manufacturing in Indiana. Wabash National was chosen from a select group for its achievements in the category of Innovation Excellence.

“Our patented MSC technology is bringing new levels of thermal performance to commercial transportation in a way that allows fleets to reduce their carbon footprints,” said Kevin Page, senior vice president, Customer Value Creation. “The cost to operate and maintain a diesel reefer system can total hundreds of millions of dollars for U.S. fleets. Our MSC technology is enabling battery-powered refrigeration and solar technology from our partners for the most thermally efficient, eco-friendly refrigerated haul available on the market.”

Wabash National’s MSC technology products offer a new approach to addressing equipment challenges that refrigerated carriers have been facing for years: thermal efficiency, strength, weight and longevity. The unique chemistry of this advanced composite material improves thermal efficiency by up to 28% and reduces weight by up to 20% compared to traditional refrigerated trailer designs. The lightweight properties of MSC, coupled with improved thermal performance, make this advanced composite material more practical for carriers looking to reduce their greenhouse emissions with electric-powered solutions.

Wabash National’s MSC technology was recognized as a top 20 product by Heavy Duty Trucking magazine earlier in the year.

“The Indiana Manufacturers Association instituted the Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame Awards in 2015 to help bring awareness and recognition to the many positive contributions of Hoosier manufacturers. We added the Manufacturing Excellence Awards in 2019 to focus and honor companies in specific areas of achievement,” said IMA President and CEO Brian Burton. “We congratulate Wabash National for their outstanding work and continued dedication to making Indiana manufacturing a positive and driving force for the state.”

Manufacturing Excellence Award recipients were recognized on October 14, 2021, at the IMA’s Manufacturers Hall of Fame Luncheon in Indianapolis.

Wabash National commercialized its zero-emission composite refrigerated trailer in 2020. This all-electric refrigerated trailer leverages MSC technology to downsize the energy required to keep produce cold. The lightweight MSC technology enables battery-powered refrigeration and solar technology from partners like eNow and Carrier Transicold for the most thermally efficient, eco-friendly refrigerated haul available on the market.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized in the transportation, logistics and distribution industry with this Top 20 Products award,” said Sr. Director of Product Development Mark Ehrlich. “The trucking industry has long been looking for viable zero-emission solutions. Until now, there hasn’t been a trailer manufacturer that could demonstrate a roadworthy solution that encompasses thermal efficiency and alternative energy, as well as lower operating costs, in a reefer. Wabash is the visionary leader that can deliver sustainable solutions. This is the first time a major trailer innovation has been coupled with a major alternative energy innovation that results in breakthrough customer value and reduces fleets’ carbon footprints. We’re excited to see more of these trailers hit the highways.”

HDT’s Top 20 Products are chosen by Heavy Duty Trucking’s editorial team with input from the HDT Editorial Advisory Board. Products are evaluated in three areas: innovation, ability to address important industry issues, and potential to improve a fleet’s bottom line. To be considered for the 2021 awards, a new product must have been reported on by HDT’s editors, either online or in print, between November 15, 2019, and November 15, 2020. Products must be commercially available or scheduled to become so within the year. HDT has been awarding its Top 20 Products honors since 2011.

Customers can learn more about Wabash’s MSC reefers with solar-electric TRUs by contacting a Wabash National sales representative at 855-530-3870 or sales@wabashnational.com.

The new facility at 5825 Green Pointe Drive, Groveport, will service all brands of cargo van and truck body and install a variety of products. Upfit solutions will include shelving for package delivery, trade-specific packages, aluminum and steel flatbed bodies, hitches, thermal solutions, liftgates, telematics, backup camera systems and more, from some of the most popular brands in the industry, including Maxon, Ranger Design, Safe Fleet and WALTCO.

The site will also stock Supreme truck bodies that are ready for on-site mounting, along with Gruau insulated inserts for cargo van refrigeration conversions. It will carry original equipment parts for Supreme and Wabash National products, and is an authorized service facility for Maxon and WALTCO liftgates.

“We are building a culture around speed and safety, and we want to extend that to customers who are seeking solutions to improve productivity and keep their business moving,” said Nick Adler, Vice President – Parts and Services. “With the support of our supplier partners, we are expanding our capabilities to provide first to final mile upfitting solutions to our customers faster and configured to their specific needs.”

The company plans to hold an open house in early 2022 for customers to learn more about product and service offerings at its new facility. Customers can contact the Wabash service center at 614-878-6088.

“As we’ve seen over the past decade, the logistics landscape is fundamentally changing, and it requires a visionary leader to drive that change in ways that move the entire industry forward. Wabash National is that visionary leader,” said Brent Yeagy, president and CEO. “We believe visionary leadership in this day and age requires a commitment to corporate responsibility. Our values and culture inspire us to continually look for ways to improve our products and solutions in ways that will fulfill our purpose of Changing How the World Reaches You™.”

The 2020 report is the second annual corporate responsibility report the company has released. It highlights some of the key corporate responsibility initiatives across Wabash National, including:

• Product design innovations and solutions that contribute to a lower-carbon future in transportation, logistics and distribution;
• Standards for waste reduction and material procurement in the company’s operations;
• Investments in the communities in which Wabash National operates; and
• Efforts to develop the next generation of visionary leaders who will continue Wabash National’s legacy of Changing How the World Reaches You.

Wabash National’s 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and using relevant

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) baseline metrics. To read the full 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report, please visit ir.wabashnational.com.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by TTMA once again for exemplary safety performance. Safety is a top priority at Wabash National, and this recognition is a testament to the operational excellence our employees deliver every day,” said Vice President Dave Nick. “I congratulate our entire team for a job well done.”

This is the 14th year Wabash National’s Tank Trailer business has received a plant safety award from TTMA. The award was presented to Wabash National at TTMA’s 79th Annual Convention in April.

Award determinations are based on direct comparison of injury data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Annual Summary Form 300A, the same data used by the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Awards are given to tank and trailer manufacturers based on the number of man-hours worked. The company’s operation in San José Iturbide, Guanajuato, Mexico, won in Tank Category A for plants that reported over 750,000 man-hours. The company’s operation in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, won in Tank Category B for plants that reported between 300,000 and 750,000 man-hours.

TTMA is a member-based organization established to build confidence between manufacturers of truck trailers, cargo tanks, intermodal containers and their suppliers to bring about a mutual understanding of the problems confronting all manufacturers.

First shown as a zero-emission trailer at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting in February 2020, the Wabash MSC refrigerated trailer with solar-electric TRU is now commercially available as a road-ready solution.

Although solar-electric solutions aren’t new to the trucking industry, they haven’t been widely adopted because no manufacturer has been able to demonstrate real viability of a roadworthy solution.

“We haven’t seen high demand for zero-emission trailers for refrigerated hauls due to the location and size of batteries,” explained Robert Lane, Wabash National’s vice president, product innovations. “This is the first time a major trailer innovation has been coupled with a major TRU innovation that results in breakthrough customer value in a sustainable format. Our Molded Structural Composite (MSC) technology provides a unique platform for electric powered TRUs. The large gain in thermal efficiencies allow a customer to either downsize the batteries required to haul cargo or increase the run time on a battery setup.”

The cost to operate and maintain a diesel reefer system can total hundreds of millions of dollars for U.S. fleets. With Wabash National, eNow and Carrier Transicold, customers get a zero-emission refrigerated transportation solution that is more energy efficient and has a lower operating cost.

• The Wabash National MSC Refrigerated Trailer is the most thermally efficient, lightest and most durable reefer on the road. The company’s proprietary MSC technology sets new standards in efficiency with significant thermal performance, maximized payload capacity, corrosion resistance and the industry’s highest standard floor rating.


• The eNow Rayfrigeration™ System is a solar-electric power system that enables a full 12-hour route duration without employing a diesel engine to power the TRU. It can cut operating costs by over 50% compared to diesel reefers.


• Carrier Transicold’s engineless Vector™ 8100 unit, is a highly efficient and uniquely all-electric trailer refrigeration system that brings benefits of reduced maintenance and noise, while eliminating emissions and fuel consumption associated with traditional diesel TRUs.

“We are excited about our partnership with Wabash,” said eNow President Jeff Flath. “Our combined technologies should have a major impact in reducing operating cost.”

Customers can learn more about Wabash National’s MSC Reefers with solar-electric TRUs by contacting a Wabash National sales representative at 855-530-3870 or sales@wabashnational.com.

The Brewers Association recommends keeping beer around 38° from the barrel to the customer’s hand. However, local delivery trucks are one link in the supply chain least likely to follow this recommendation if they aren’t outfitted with proper equipment.

Supreme^® by Wabash offers innovative solutions for your climate-controlled transportation needs. In addition to industry-leading refrigerated truck bodies, Supreme offers state-of-the-art cargo van insulated inserts available for all of the major OEMs through a partnership with Gruau.

The Gruau insert is a complete refrigeration upfit solution that includes lightweight, low-profile modules designed for efficient climate control while retaining maximum cargo space and preserving the van’s exterior. The system improves thermal efficiency up to 20 percent compared to other refrigerated van insert models, and increases the life of the reefer unit through more efficient temperature maintenance.

In addition, since the insert is a modular system, there is no mold or foam degradation to worry about. That’s why customers choose Gruau’s refrigerated insert system as their FSMA-compliant delivery solution for vans.

“For more than 40 years, Supreme by Wabash has delivered industry-leading custom truck bodies. Now we’re giving customers more choices for longer-lasting equipment with the Gruau refrigerated insert solution for cargo vans,” said Jerry Hughes, product manager at Wabash National – Final Mile Products. “We believe customers will find the Gruau system holds temperature better than other refrigerated van inserts, has better durability, and provides a lower total cost of operation for our customers.”

Other upfit solutions include shelving, partitions, roof racks, hitches, liftgates, telematics, backup camera systems and accessories.

Make your vehicle work for you. Learn more about refrigerated solutions for final mile delivery in Wabash National’s booth #6033 at the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in San Antonio April 20-22, 2020.

“The Supreme brand our customers have trusted for more than 40 years is better than ever as part of the Wabash National family. By combining Supreme’s 40+ years of extensive knowledge in the final mile industry with Wabash National’s R&D capabilities, advanced composite technologies and manufacturing excellence, we’re able to deliver engineered solutions built to perform and last longer,” said Tim Marling, vice president of product and business development for Wabash National’s Final Mile Products business.

The new Kold King refrigerated truck body is 200 pounds lighter and up to 25 percent more thermally efficient, delivering more payload, less fuel consumption and fewer TRU hours. In addition, its smooth, seamless interior liner provides a brighter, more durable food-grade surface. The overall design significantly reduces potential leak points and water intrusion, and its damage-resistant, one-piece header reduces downtime.

In addition to industry-leading refrigerated truck bodies, Supreme offers state-of-the-art cargo van insulated inserts available for all of the major OEMs through a partnership with Gruau. The Gruau insert is a FSMA-compliant, complete refrigeration upfit solution that includes lightweight, low-profile modules designed for efficient climate control while retaining maximum cargo space and preserving the van’s exterior. The system improves thermal efficiency up to 20 percent compared to other refrigerated vans and increases the life of the reefer unit through more efficient temperature maintenance. In addition, since the insert is a modular system, there is no mold or foam degradation to worry about. That’s why customers choose Gruau’s refrigerated insert system as their FSMA-compliant delivery solution for vans.

“We work alongside our customers to deliver the best-fit solutions for their operations because our mission is to enable customers to succeed with breakthrough ideas and solutions that help them move everything from first to final mile,” Marling said. “The new Kold King truck body and Gruau insert are just the latest in our commitment to changing how the world reaches you.”

Learn more about refrigerated solutions for final mile delivery in Supreme’s booth #1531 at the Work Truck Show or visit SupremeCorp.com.