WITH trailer shipments sizzling this year, the atmosphere was understandably upbeat as the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association held its 64th annual convention at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.
Many trailer plants are percolating at record levels, and the industry as a whole is enjoying one of its best years in history. As such, industry companies brought good news to the opening of the convention April 5. And when they left to go back home April 9, they carried with them reasons to believe that the good times will continue.
The optimism, however, was based on realism, rather than unjustified euphoria. Demand for truck trailers is not without its challenges, TTMA speakers observed — including a huge shortage of drivers and no shortage of price increases for diesel fuel. But for a number of reasons (not withstanding a number of caveats), it is reasonable to expect continued prosperity in the trailer industry for short and mid term.
Menno Eby, M H Eby Inc, completed his term as chairman of the board during this year's convention. TTMA's new chairman is Bill Greubel, Wabash National Corp. A full list of the association's officers, directors, and committee chairmen can be found below.
TTMA will hold its 65th annual convention at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort in Aventura, Florida, May 16-20, 2007. But for now, the following pages contain the highlights of this year's event.
TTMA OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board
Bill Greubel
Wabash National Corp
Lafayette, Indiana
Vice-chairman of the Board
Dave Shannon
Beall Corp
Billings, Montana
Treasurer
Don Wahlin
Stoughton Trailers
Stoughton, Wisconsin
President
Dick Bowling
TTMA
Alexandria, Virginia
Chairman, Policy Committee
Charles Dutil
Manac
Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Vice-chairman, Policy Committee
Menno Eby
M H Eby Inc
Blue Ball, Pennsylvania
Chairman, Tank Conference
Andy Fincher
Heil Trailer International
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Vice-chairman, Tank Conference
Bruce Yakley
Brenner Tank LLC
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Chairman for Associates
Steve Robinson
Alcoa Wheel Products
Barberton, Ohio
Vice-chairman for Associates
Denny Weisend
Hayes Lemmerz International
Northville, Michigan
Immediate Past Chairman for Associates
Jim Hutchison
Alcoa Fastening Systems
Waco, Texas
TTMA DIRECTORS
Randy Arlt
Polar Tank Trailer LLC
Northbrook, Illinois
Bruce Black
Trailmobile Trailers
Northbrook, Illinois
Glenn Chambers
Fontaine Trailer Company
Haleyville, Alabama
Bob Friehe
Reinke Manufacturing Co
Deshler, Nebraska
Mark Kulyk
Rogers Brothers Corporation
Albion, Pennsylvania
Rick Mullininx
Great Dane Trailers
Savannah, Georgia
Rick Odle
Talbert Manufacturing
Rensselaer, Indiana
Jordan Owens
Vanguard National Trailers
Monon, Indiana
Bill Persinger
Wilson Trailer Company
Sioux City, Iowa
Jeff Pitts
Pitts Trailers
Pittsview, Alabama
Ray Schaffer
Weld-It Company
Los Angeles, California
Scott Semlinger
Lufkin Trailers
Lufkin, Texas
Grant Smith
West Mark
Ceres, California
David Tate
East Manufacturing
Randolph, Ohio
Jeff Thompson
Timpte Inc
David City, Nebraska
Densil Williams
Strick Corporation
Monroe, Indiana