Great Dane Trailers is one of the leading manufacturers of trailers in North America. The company has a long and rich history, dating back over 120 years. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of Great Dane Trailers.
The Early Years
Great Dane Trailers was founded in 1900 in Savannah, Georgia, by J.P. Wheless and T.H. McMillan. The company started as a small repair shop for horse-drawn wagons, but quickly grew into a manufacturer of high-quality wagons and carriages.
In the 1920s, Great Dane began to transition to the production of trailers for the transportation industry. The company quickly gained a reputation for building durable, reliable trailers that could withstand the rigors of long-haul transportation.
The 1930s and 1940s
During the 1930s and 1940s, Great Dane continued to expand its product line and grow its business. The company introduced a range of new products, including refrigerated trailers for transporting perishable goods and livestock trailers for transporting animals.
During World War II, Great Dane played an important role in the war effort, producing trailers for the military. The company’s trailers were used to transport troops, supplies, and equipment across the United States and around the world.
The 1950s and 1960s
During the 1950s and 1960s, Great Dane continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company introduced a range of new products, including flatbed trailers for transporting heavy equipment and bulk commodity trailers for transporting grain and other agricultural products.
In the mid-1960s, Great Dane merged with Pines Trailer Corporation, another leading trailer manufacturer. The merger allowed Great Dane to expand its manufacturing capabilities and offer a wider range of products to its customers.
The 1970s and 1980s
During the 1970s and 1980s, Great Dane continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company introduced a range of new products, including double-deck trailers for transporting automobiles and intermodal trailers for transporting shipping containers.
In the late 1980s, Great Dane was acquired by the Chicago-based investment firm CC Industries. The acquisition allowed Great Dane to continue to invest in new technology and expand its product line.
The 1990s and 2000s
During the 1990s and 2000s, Great Dane continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company introduced a range of new products, including lightweight trailers for increased fuel efficiency and trailers with advanced safety features.
In 2007, Great Dane was acquired by the private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners. The acquisition allowed Great Dane to continue to invest in new technology and expand its manufacturing capabilities.
Today
Today, Great Dane is one of the largest manufacturers of trailers in North America, with a wide range of products for the transportation industry. The company continues to innovate and invest in new technology, with a focus on quality and reliability.
In conclusion, Great Dane Trailers has a long and rich history in the transportation industry. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it to become one of the most trusted brands in the industry. With a focus on continued growth and expansion, Great Dane is poised to remain a leader in the industry for many years to come.
Contact Apple Truck and Trailer to find our more about Great Dane Trailers!
