14.06.2004

Original Grove business changes hands

Oshkosh Truck has announced that it has agreed to acquire Jerr-Dan of Greencastle Pennsylvania, a manufacturer of tilt back beds for trucks, towing and recovery equipment. The Tilt back truck has become the transport of choice for many small to midsized Access rental companies and Jerr Dan is the market leader.

Grove introduced the tilt back truck bed in 1959, when it was still producing farm wagons as well as hydraulic cranes. The Tilt back was originally used for delivering farm equipment but went on to far greater success as a transport unit for delivering self propelled aerials and for moving cars. When the crane business really took off in the early 1970’s Grove sold the farm equipment and tilt back business to Jerr-Dan. The company is located barely two to three miles from Groves Shady Grove facility.

“The acquisition will help Oshkosh, a manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies, expand its product lines and distribution network”, said Robert Bohn, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh. Bohn said there are opportunities for cross-market technology integration between Jerr-Dan and Oshkosh because of Jerr-Dan’s specialization in aluminum carrier decks, independent underlifts and composite bodies and Oshkosh’s wrecker sales to the military.

Jerr-Dan will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck, and will be part of the corporation’s fire and emergency business. The acquisition is expected to be complete by July 27.