Manufacturing Superiority The History of Knapheide
Transcription
Manufacturing Superiority The History of Knapheide
The History of Knapheide Manufacturing Superiority Herman Heinrich Knapheide was a true craftsman when it came to wagon building. Heinrich left his native Germany, traveled up the Mississippi River and settled in Quincy, IL. In 1848 Heinrich founded the Knapheide Wagon Company and spent 42 years at the helm of the business expanding the great reputation of his quality wagons. Assembly Process In 1890 Henry E. Knapheide assumed the role of President at Knapheide. Henry learned the business at an early age working side by side with his father. Henry’s ambition took the company to new heights. Investing in the latest equipment enabled Henry to mass produce wagons with consistent quality and Knapheide became known for high craftsmanship and specialization. 3rd Generation owner, Harold W. Knapheide, took on the major shift from wagons to automobiles. In 1910, Knapheide installed its first wagon body on a Ford Model T chassis. The prosperous shift in business was shortlived with the onset of the Stock Market Crash in 1929 followed by the Great Depression. Knapheide sales were dismal at best during this time, but Harold stressed the importance of knowing his customer needs and delivering them the right product. In 1937 the company was renamed to The Knapheide Manufacturing Company. Harold W. (Bud) Knapheide, Jr. joined his father at Knapheide in 1938. A self-taught engineer, Bud had major plans to expand and modernize manufacturing operations and develop all steel-frame truck bodies. The new innovative product line was very popular among agricultural markets and by the 1960’s nearly every Midwest farmer knew the Knapheide name. Bud opened the West Quincy facility to help meet increased demand from Knapheide’s growing distribution network. Harold W. (Knap) Knapheide III was tested early in his career by a major flood that engulfed the West Quincy facility. Knap worked tirelessly to get the company back on its’ feet. Knap was tasked with developing and marketing the new Service Body product which would prove to be a huge factor to the company’s success. After another flood devastated West Quincy in 1993, Knap made the decision to build the most technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the industry. The new facility has and will continue to carry Knapheide into the future. Sixth generation, Harold W. (Bo) Knapheide IV, began working at an early age to learn the family business. Since he has been with the company, Bo has worked in various departments. Currently, Bo is the Senior Vice President, Distributor and Fleet Operations. After the fabrication of the parts is complete, the assembly process begins. Knapheide’s assembly procedures and multiple progressive lines are very flexible, highly efficient, and produce the highest quality product in the industry. Knapheide has a large offering of catalog products that are quickly available. The Knapheide Manufacturing Company also prides itself in its ability to build custom products that are designed to meet specific customer requirements and needs. “Dream it, and we will build it”. E-Coat System The flagship of our manufacturing process is our automated “E-Coat” finishing system. E-coat is a highly efficient electro-deposition coating process that is widely used in the automotive industry. Through this process, Knapheide is proud to offer its customers the highest quality corrosion resistant coating available. Employees Our dedicated manufacturing employees are a huge asset to our company, and receive on-going training for continuous improvement. Knapheide delights in the fact that many of its employees are multi-generational and have a long tenure with the company. Knapheide’s training program for its welding operations is second to none. Six AWS certified CWI and CWE’s conduct a forty hour program that all welders must complete prior to joining the assembly team. Of its team of welders, over 100 are AWS certified. For more information: The Knapheide Manufacturing Company 1848 Westphalia Strasse Quincy, Illinois 62305 (217) 222-7131 www.knapheide.com [email protected] L84 10M 0114 A Copyright© 2012 The Knapheide Manufacturing Company Specifications subject to change without notice. Some models shown with optional equipment. Providing customers with high quality, work ready commercial vehicle solutions since 1848. Service Bodies • Open cargo area with lockable compartments on street and curb side for tool and equipment secure storage • Service Bodies offer improved organization which results in increased efficiency on the jobsite Dump Bodies • Drop side and fixed side models available • Dump Bodies compatible with Class 3-5 cab chassis • Popular body for landscapers, contractors, municipalities, etc. • Compatible with compact, full sized, and medium duty truck chassis KUV Bodies Forestry Bodies • Enclosed cargo area with lockable compartments and conduit chutes for tool and equipment organization • Lockable ladder box and pole pruner shelf for secure equipment storage • Ideal work vehicle for HVAC, plumbing/ heating, electrical contractors and many more • Different body configurations, body lengths, and body heights available for small to large chip capacity • Body utilized among tree care/service companies, landscaping companies, and municipalities Platform Bodies Pick Up Accessories • Available for cutaway chassis, cab chassis, and low cab forward chassis • Rugged all steel construction for maximum durability and long platform life • Choose from a variety of available styles and lengths to fit your jobsite application • Steel stake racks, refuse sides, and solid sides available Gooseneck Bodies • Integrated hitch system with 25,000 lbs. hitch rating and 5,000 tongue weight rating for easy gooseneck trailer hauling • Compatible with single rear wheel or dual rear wheel chassis • Variety of models to choose from: PGNA, PGNB, PGNC, and Westerner Storage • Toolboxes and caps available for more secure storage on your pick up • Models available that are compatible with compact or full size pick ups • Economic storage solution for many different vocations Van Equipment • Better organize your van and experience improved productivity on and off the jobsite • Lightweight materials and construction for low impact to payload • Packages available for full size and compact commercial vans Mechanics Trucks • Mobile mechanics shop with abundant secure storage space for tools, parts, etc. • Corner mounted crane assists laborious and dangerous heavy lifting on the jobsite • Auxiliary equipment including welders, generators, compressors and more increases jobsite capabilities. Fuel/Lube Trucks • Mobile workstation, bring the shop to the equipment needing service • Ideal vehicle for performing preventative maintenance and repairs to large construction, mining, and agriculture equipment • Modular design offers flexibility in order to fit different applications Water Trucks • Variety of standard and custom tank sizes available along with both potable and non-potable tanks • Utilized for dust control and water distribution • Popular among construction and mining companies and municipalities
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