NATDA Magazine Sept/Oct 2018 NM_Sept2018 | Page 20

UTC Group Sells Cargo Group Division to American Cargo Group, Inc. American Cargo Group, Inc. (ACG) announced the acquisition of Universal Trailer Cargo Group (UTCCG), a division of Universal Trailer Corporation (UTC), for an undisclosed amount. ACG is a new Indiana corporation owned by the Kaufman Trailers Organization, which is headquartered in Lexington, North Carolina. Robb Kaufman, the owner of Kaufman Trailers, states: “I am truly excited about the opportunity to own these great brands! Haulmark held the number one selling position in cargo trailers for many years. It has recently lost that title. We will invest whatever human and financial resources are necessary to restore Haulmark to the number one volume position. Wells Cargo is an iconic brand. It was my privilege to recently meet Jeff Wells. He is absolutely a fine gentleman and built a great brand. Wells Cargo trailers have always been known for their quality, durability, and attention to detail. We commit to maintaining, enhancing, and building on that reputation. While the Kaufman Trailers Organization will own the companies, there will not be any integration of the new cargo companies into the Kaufman organization. Kaufman is a direct marketing organization. It will continue that selling method as it has for its 31-year history. All Haulmark and Wells Cargo trailers produced, except for UltraLav Trailers, will continue to be sold exclusively through the established network of independent Haulmark and Wells Cargo dealers – now and in the future. ACG, the holding company purchasing the assets, will add other cargo manufacturing companies to its portfolio as the right opportunities come along. ACG CEO, Tom Lilly, and President, Gary Mackelprang, are operational professionals in the trailer industry. There is a lot of work to be done, but I have every confidence that they will make this venture a success for the hard-working employees of Haulmark, Wells Cargo and the network of great dealers who sell the products. If you are coming to the NATDA show at Indianapolis this September, you will have the opportunity to get to know them. We welcome the challenge and opportunity of earning your trust and support!” Gary DiCamillo, the CEO of Universal Trailer Corporation said, “I am very pleased with this transaction as I believe we have transitioned the company, its well-known brands, its employees, and its dealers to excellent hands.” ACG’s corporate offices will be established in Elkhart, IN. 20 NATDA Magazine www.natda.org