In a significant development for the heavy-duty aftermarket industry, FleetPride, Inc., the United States’ largest independent distributor of aftermarket heavy-duty parts and services, has announced the acquisition of the assets of Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service. This acquisition is poised to significantly bolster FleetPride’s operational capabilities and service offerings across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, as well as to trailer and specialty equipment OEMs nationwide.

Founded in 1961, Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service has established itself as a reputable third-generation family business, led by Steven P. Stich. The company’s robust infrastructure, comprising six retail parts locations, two service centers, one distribution center, and the Wheelco Manufacturing Components OEM division, underscores its pivotal role in the heavy-duty aftermarket sector.

Steven P. Stich, reflecting on the acquisition, expressed his enthusiasm for joining forces with FleetPride, highlighting the aligned customer-centric philosophies of both companies. “Wheelco has prided itself on being a customer-driven company for over 62 years…and I’m very excited to join forces with a company like FleetPride that does the same,” Stich remarked, emphasizing the shared values and customer service ethos that underpin this strategic partnership.

Mike Harris, president of FleetPride, echoed Stich’s sentiments, welcoming the Wheelco team into the FleetPride family and acknowledging the cultural and operational synergies between the two entities. Harris noted, “With such a strong culture, this is a high-fit business which will make FleetPride stronger end to end.”

This acquisition not only increases FleetPride’s market density in existing regions, with 18 locations in South Dakota and Minnesota alone, but also reinforces the company’s commitment to keeping the country running through its extensive parts and service network. Furthermore, the integration of Wheelco’s service technicians into FleetPride’s educational ecosystem, including FleetPride Tech University, signifies a substantial investment in skill development and technical excellence.

A notable aspect of this acquisition is the formation of the new FleetPride OE Solutions division, a strategic move to consolidate FleetPride’s and Wheelco’s strengths in the OEM segment. Harris outlined the vision for this division, aiming to deliver innovative air brake axle assemblies, suspensions, and kitting solutions tailored to the OEM market. This initiative represents a fusion of experience and innovation, promising to elevate production efficiencies and customer satisfaction in the OEM sector.

The acquisition of Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service by FleetPride marks a pivotal moment in the heavy-duty aftermarket industry, signaling FleetPride’s ambitious expansion and diversification strategy. By leveraging Wheelco’s established market presence and combining it with FleetPride’s vast resources and technical expertise, this merger is set to create a formidable entity capable of delivering unparalleled service and solutions to the heavy-duty truck and trailer market. The strategic foresight in forming the OE Solutions division showcases a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions, ensuring that FleetPride remains at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

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