Dexter Axle, a subsidiary of DexKo Global, this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The company was founded in 1960 in Elkhart IN—where it remains headquartered today—by Leonard Dexter, who wanted to serve the growing manufactured housing and RV markets. Dexter’s initial offering was limited to light-duty sprung axles and components, but the company’s growth strategy was to continually develop new products to expand the line while providing the highest level of customer service.
Staying true to that commitment, Dexter’s business grew through the years with product innovations such as medium-duty axles, Torflex rubber torsion suspension axles, E-Z Lube axle spindles, Nev-R-Lube sealed cartridge bearing system, E-Z Flex suspension system, Nev-R-Adjust trailer brakes, and specialty heavy duty axles & suspensions. By developing key distributor partnerships, Dexter’s products are available through a comprehensive network of more than 450 distribution points in North America, as well as internationally.
Consistent leadership has helped Dexter provide top-notch products and customer service. Initially led by Leonard Dexter, followed by Richard Dexter, Mike Jones, and now Adam Dexter, the company has benefited from their steady stewarship, allowing it to become one the most reliable companies in the marketplace.
Adam Dexter, grandson of founder Leonard Dexter, assumed the role of Dexter’s president and CEO in 2008. Since then, Dexter has completed 12 acquisitions in North America, broadening its geographic footprint and expanding its product offerings. Today, Dexter, which employs more than 2,400 people at 18 manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada, is a leading North American manufacturer of axles in the commercial, marine, RV and specialty heavy-duty markets; manufacturing a portfolio of axles, axle components, suspension products, leaf springs, fenders, brake actuators, disc brakes and other trailer accessory items.
In December 2015, DexKo Global was formed through the merger of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology, creating a global leader in highly engineered running gear. Dexter operates in North America as a subsidiary of DexKo Global. Today, DexKo has a global presence, operating in 23 countries and employing more than 7,400 individuals worldwide.
“We have achieved this significant milestone through the hard work and dedication of our employees, both past and present, our culture of providing excellent customer service throughout the organization, and our 60 years of dedication to product innovation and manufacturing the highest quality reliable products,” Adam Dexter said.
“Throughout 2020, we’ll celebrate this outstanding achievement with our dedicated employees, our valued suppliers and our customer partners.”