Business was booming , especially with the addition of SH Distributing ’ s new aquatic line . To keep manufacturing going , Harklau is in the process of constructing a new building and has brought in a set of robotic weld cells to automate production .
“ As we speak , the facility is being built ,” Harklau divulged . “ We ’ re really expanding . Previously , we ’ d only sold to the tri-state area , but there ’ s more demand than ever now . We have a lot of new areas to expand to .”
The manufacturer ’ s expansion is no coincidence . The company offers a three-year warranty , confident enough in its product to offer a longer warranty than most . Trailers feature luxury details like an all-aluminum , fully welded tube frame , LED lights , integrated tie downs and high-quality axles .
SH Distributing ’ s manufacturing process is not the only thing growing within the company , though . When asked about his staff , Harklau beams with pride .
“ I started the place , but my sons , Ben and Dustin Harklau , and a kid I call my stepson , Tanner Thompson , have run it since high school ,” Harklau smiled . “ It ’ s what sets us apart . With their passion and expertise , our service is second to none .”
To combat the industry ’ s labor shortage , Ben , Dustin and Tanner invented an incentive program for SH Distributing ’ s employees . In addition to hourly wages , the team installed televisions in each building to show , by the minute , how many trailers make it out the door , and pay bonuses based on that . According to Harklau , employee pay has increased while cost per trailer has gone down – a win for everybody .
“ It ’ s been a great deal for our employees and customers ,” he declared .
SH Distributing ’ s production output is increasing through measures like robotic weld cells and employee incentives , which are helping to decrease lead times for its dealers . Harklau is confident in the team ’ s ability to be signing on new dealers at the 2022 NATDA Trailer Show .
Shown by measures like high-quality products , increased communication and ease of doing business , Harklau has created a company to be proud of with a great group of dealer partners .
“ They ’ re little things ,” Harklau reckoned , “ but they do make a difference .”
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