Great Dane acquires Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies

Feb. 3, 2010
Great Dane Trailers announced that it has acquired Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, a manufacturer of insulated fiberglass refrigerated truck bodies and all-electric refrigeration systems.

Great Dane Trailers announced that it has acquired Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, a manufacturer of insulated fiberglass refrigerated truck bodies and all-electric refrigeration systems.

For Great Dane, the purchase of Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, founded in 1932 by the Johnson family and based in Rice Lake WI, is a strategic addition to the semitrailer manufacturer’s sales platform. By expanding its product offerings in refrigerated transportation equipment, Great Dane reinforces its commitment to fully serve the foodservice industry.

For Johnson, the significant overlap with Great Dane’s customer base will both support and expand the truck body manufacturer’s business. In addition, Johnson will have access to Great Dane’s network of distribution, parts, and service centers.

“Great Dane is pleased to join Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies in serving the complex needs of refrigerated customers,” said Phill Pines, Great Dane president and chief operating officer. “Both our companies and our customers will benefit from this partnership.”

Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies President Ron Ricci echoed the benefits of the acquisition, as well. “This is an exciting milestone for our company, and we look forward to scaling our growth as part of Great Dane,” he said. “Great Dane’s global reach, scale, widely recognized brand, and worldwide dealer and customer relationships make this the ideal partnership.”

Great Dane, a manufacturer of dry van, refrigerated and platform trailers, has division offices in Savannah GA and Chicago IL, with manufacturing plants throughout the United States. With distribution points across North and South America, Great Dane uses a network of company-owned branches and full-line independent dealers as well as parts-only independent dealers. Great Dane can be accessed at www.greatdanetrailers.com.

Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies builds custom fiberglass, specialized refrigerated truck bodies and trailers that range from 8 to 36 feet in length. Its markets include dairy, meat, frozen food, keg beer, live poultry, vending products, flowers and plants, and ice. The company can be accessed at www.johnsontruckbodies.com.

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