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About

A world leader in developing and producing safe, reliable trailer components.

60 years strong

Take a glimpse into Dexter Group’s history and our proven commitment to growth.

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1960
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Dexter Axle founded

Dexter Axle was founded in Elkhart, IN by Leonard Dexter. The initial product offering was limited to manufactured housing and recreational vehicle axles but the company's growth strategy was to expand the line and provide the highest level of customer service possible.

Philips Industries acquired Dexter Axle

Philips Industries, a publicly traded company with headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, acquired Dexter Axle. During Philip's ownership, Dexter Axle continued to grow through product development, expansion, and acquisitions.

Plant Opened in Albion IN

Opened a plant in Albion, IN, which began with just 28,000 square feet, growing to 580,000 square feet today with some of the industry's most advanced technologies - stamping, automated welding, and robotic material handling.

390 distribution points in North America and internationally

Developed key nationwide distributor partnership leading to the most comprehensive network with over 390 distribution points in North America as well as internationally.

Torflex rubber torsion suspension axles introduced to market

Introduced Torflex rubber torsion suspension axles, the first product branded by Dexter and one of the most successful new products engineered and launched. In later years, Dexter introduces additional brands - 

E-Z Lube axle spindles, Nev-R-Lube sealed cartridge bearing system, E-Z Flex suspension system, Nev-R-Adjust trailer brakes, and Airflex air ride suspension - all commonly recognized in the trailer running gear and RV industry today.

Tomkins acquired Philips Industries

Tomkins acquires Philips Industries, Dexter's parent company, and Dexter joined the Tomkins platform. During the Tomkins ownership, Dexter continued to expand the company's manufacturing capacity through plant acquisitions.

Adam Dexter, assumes the role of President and CEO of Dexter Axle

Adam Dexter, grandson of founder Leonard Dexter, assumes the role of President and CEO of Dexter Axle. Adam previously served as President of Dexter Chassis Group from 2005 - 2008 and held various manufacturing positions with Dexter from 1998 - 2005.

Dexter Axle acquired Ventline

Dexter Axle acquired Ventline an entrance door business, which supplied vent and door products to the RV, utility trailer, livestock trailer, and housing industries from Philips.

Dexter Axle, Ventline, and Dexter Door portion of the Tomkins businesses sold to the Sterling Group, L.P.

Tomkins sold the Dexter Axle, Ventline, and Dexter Door portion of the Tomkins business to the Sterling Group, L.P. Under Sterling's ownership Dexter continued the company's long-standing success through market share gains, implementation of lean operating practices, and introduction of new products.

Dexter Axle ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Dexter Axle successfully completed the ISO 9001:2008 certification process, confirming Dexter's commitment to quality and their customers. While Dexter has used the ISO 9001 Quality System Standard as a framework for their quality system for over 15 years, passing the audit verifies that they meet or exceed the worldwide standard for repeatable quality.

Dexter Axle acquired UFP

At the end of 2013, Dexter Axle acquired Unique Functional Products (UFP), a leading innovator and provider of trailer axles, brake systems, and components to the recreational boating trailer market. Leveraging UFP's product designs offered a more diverse and comprehensive product line to a broader customer base. UFP has manufacturing facilities in Winchester, TN and San Marcos, CA.

Dexter Axle acquired the North American assets of AL-KO Axis, Inc.

Dexter Axle acquired the North American assets of AL-KO Axis, Inc. AL-KO Axis is a manufacturer of axles and other components for trailers and towable equipment in the utility, recreational vehicle, heavy-duty, manufactured housing, agricultural, marine, and specialty markets.

Dexter Axle acquired AL-KO Vehicle Technology from AL-KO Kober SE

At the end October, Dexter Axle announced the agreement to acquire AL-KO Vehicle Technology (VT) from AL-KO Kober SE. Headquartered in Kütz, Germany, AL-KO VT is the leading European designer and manufacturer of trailer axles, trailer and caravan components, chassis and motorized chassis. The company operates from 20+ locations around the world, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, China, and South America.

The transaction closed on December 31, 2015. As a result of combining Dexter and AL-KO VT, DexKo Global Inc. was formed as the parent company. DexKo Global Inc. is majority owned by funds managed by The Sterling Group, Dexter's current majority owners.

Dexter Axle acquired Titan International's brake and actuator business

Dexter Acquires Titan International's brake and actuator business. Titan has a rich heritage in the hydraulic brake and actuator industry and manufactures an extensive line of brakes, actuators, couplers, and hubs designed to serve a wide variety of trailer applications.

Dexter Axle acquired Rockwell American

DexKo Global Inc., a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear and chassis assemblies and related components, announced that Dexter has acquired Rockwell American, based in Azle, Texas, from American Industrial Partners. Rockwell has been a leading supplier of trailer axles, leaf springs, fenders, and other trailer components, serving multiple market segments across North America for over 35 years. Rockwell has 5 manufacturing locations and operates 16 distribution branches across the United States. Rockwell American will operate as a division of Dexter.

DexKo Global Inc., acquired Melbourne Trailer and Caravan Supplies (MTCS)

DexKo Global Inc., global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear and chassis assemblies and related components, is expanding its Australian operations, announcing it has signed an agreement to acquire Melbourne Trailer and Caravan Supplies (MTCS). MTCS is an Australian family-owned business and supplier of caravan and trailer axles, leaf springs, and other trailer components, serving multiple market segments across Australia since 1968. It has also been the Australian, distributor for the Dexter Axle product range for over 30 years.

Dexter Axle Acquired Ingersoll Axles

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear and chassis assemblies and related components, announced that Dexter has acquired the heavy-duty axle and suspension manufacturing assets of Ingersoll Axles, along with the light-duty axle manufacturing assets of Standen's from the IMT Group. Ingersoll Axles has been a leading supplier of specialized heavy-duty trailer axles and suspensions across North America for over 55 years. Dexter has acquired manufacturing locations in Ingersoll, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; and Indianapolis, IN.

Dexter Axle acquired Tie Down Engineering, Inc.

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, is pleased to announce that Dexter has acquired the axle, brake, and actuation business assets from Tie Down Engineering, Inc. (Tie Down) located in Atlanta, GA. Tie Down was founded in 1969 by Chuck MacKarvich, serving the construction, utility, industrial, and marine markets. Tie Down will continue to operate, providing products and services from their manufactured housing, roofing, marine, and industrial laser divisions.

KPS Capital Partners, LP acquired DexKo Global Inc.

KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS") announces that, through a newly formed affiliate, it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DexKo Global Inc. and its affiliates. DexKo Global is the leading global supplier of highly engineered running gear technology, chassis assemblies and related components with over 130 years of trailer and caravan componentry experience. DexKo Global was formed at the end of 2015 through the combination of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. The Company is headquartered in Novi, Michigan and employs over 4,500 employees with 39 manufacturing facilities and 25 distribution centers across the globe

Dexter Axle Acquired Henderson Wheel and Trailer Supply Inc.

Dexter Axle agreed to acquire Henderson Wheel and Trailer Supply Inc., based out of Salt Lake City, UT. Henderson is a manufacturer of sprung and torsion axles and fenders as well as a distributor of axles, trailer components and fenders. The addition of Henderson product and manufacturing strengthens Dexter's presence in the Western U.S.

Dexter Axle acquired Kodiak

Dexter Axle acquired Kodiak, based out of Ft. Worth, TX. Kodiak is a manufacturer of light and medium duty axle brakes serving the marine, RV, horse, commercial, industrial, cargo, and select military market segments. Kodiak has built a recognized brand, positioned as a leader of disc brakes. Adding these additional products to the Dexter line up further enhancing our ability to service our customers.

Dexter Launched Long-term Brand Strategy

Dexter launched a long-term brand strategy offering trailer and vehicle components under the trusted brand, Dexter. Dexter's past several years of strong growth and product diversification has lead to an opportunity to expand our brands. Based on customer feedback, Dexter decided to reduce the complexity of our brand portfolio. Products will be manufactured and sold under the umbrella of Dexter, a brand customers know and trust. During the next several months, legacy branded products will transition to Dexter. This includes UFP (Unique Functional Products), Titan brakes & actuators, Tie Down Engineering axles, brakes and actuators, Dexter Door, and Ventline. The new brand structure brings much needed clarity, making it easier to navigate our product offering.

Rockwell American Acquired Fenders N' More

Rockwell American acquired Fenders N' More from C. Wolfe Industries, Inc. located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Fenders N' More, has served utility, horse, cargo, and boat trailer manufacturers for over 30 years with a complete line of quality fenders.

Dexter Axle acquired Silent Drive

Dexter Axle acquired Silent Drive, located in Orange City, Iowa in January 2020. Since 1953, Silent Drive has served the specialty heavy duty suspension market offering air suspensions for liftable tags and pushers, drive axle suspensions, as well as primary and auxiliary lift axles on trailers. Silent Drive is known as an innovative leader in the specialty heavy duty suspension industry, serving customers in the United States and Canada.

Dexter Axle Company Acquires Redneck Inc. and Redline Products, LLC.

Dexter Axle Company (“Dexter”) has acquired 100% of the equity interests in Redneck Inc. and Redline Products, LLC (collectively, “Redneck”) headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. The partnership between Dexter and Redneck offers opportunities to enhance service with an expanded geographical footprint, provide better coverage to customers with a diverse product portfolio, and offer greater value to our business partners. The combination of these two great companies will provide unparalleled service to the trailer industry and will further enhance the ability to satisfy the needs of our customers

DexKo Global Acquires National Trailer Parts Warehouse, Ltd.

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, announces today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Dexter Axle Company (“Dexter”) has acquired National Trailer Parts Warehouse, Ltd. (“National Trailer Parts”) located in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

National Trailer Parts supports manufacturers, dealers, and service centers in Western Canada offering the top brand trailer components in the industry. Employing over 20 people, National Trailer Parts services customers directly from their warehouse in Swift Current with their own fleet of trucks focusing on offering a wide selection of top brand trailer components with a knowledgeable, professional staff.

DexKo Global Acquires Progress Mfg. Inc.

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, announces today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Dexter Axle Company (“Dexter”) has acquired Progress Mfg. Inc. (“Progress”), located in Provo, Utah.

Progress is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom-engineered, safety-critical towing and trailering products, such as integrated sway control and weight distribution hitches. Progress’ well-known brand names Equal-i-zer® Hitch and Fastway® Trailer Products are sold through an extensive dealer network in North America. For over 75 years, Progress has been focused on designing and making award-winning towing products such as hitches, ball mounts, wheel chocks, and other trailer accessories that keep travelers safe on the road.

Dexter, a Subsidiary of DexKo Global Inc., Announces Distribution Brand Strategy

Dexter’s steady growth has added new teammates, new customers, and new product offerings. To reduce the complexity of Dexter’s brand portfolio, we are rebranding our Rockwell American and Redneck Trailer Parts distribution branches to Dexter. Additionally, Rockwell American manufactured fender and spring products will be sold as Dexter products, a brand customers know and trust.  

DexKo Global Acquires The Expediter, LLC

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, announces today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Dexter Axle Company (“Dexter”) has acquired The Expediter, LLC (“The Expediter”) located in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

A premier source for wholesale trailer parts, braking systems, towing solutions, suspensions, and trailer electrical parts, The Expediter has been supplying dealers, wholesale and OEM customers with quality trailer parts since 1979, with a particularly strong presence in Utility, Industrial, RV and Boat Trailer replacement parts.

Dexter Acquires HiSpec Wheel & Tire, Inc.

DexKo Global Inc., the global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, and related components, announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dexter Axle Company (“Dexter”) has acquired HiSpec Wheel & Tire, Inc. (“HiSpec”) located in Mishawaka, IN.

Established in 1995, HiSpec designs and provides aluminum and steel wheels, tires, and related accessories to the RV, trailer and transportation industries. The company has earned a reputation for offering the safest and most

Dexter Acquires Business of Premium Supply Ltd.

DEXTER Axle Company LLC (“DEXTER”), has acquired the business and assets of Premium Supply Ltd. For over 25 years, Premium Supply has specialized in custom trailer hoists, hydraulic kits, pumps, controls, and accessories. The Company has distributed these quality products and kits to the tilt, dump, and utility trailer markets from a warehousing and kitting facility in Greenville, TX.

Dexter Acquires Business of TexTrail Trailer Parts

DEXTER Axle Company LLC (“DEXTER”), has acquired the business and assets of TexTrail Inc. from American Trailer World (“ATW”). This also includes two other entities that TexTrail acquired in 2022 - Wholesale Trailer Supply, LLC, a Sacramento, California-based trailer parts and accessories distributor, and Marius Garon Inc., a distributor of trailer parts and towing accessories based in Quebec City, Quebec. Established in 1980, TexTrail has more than 30 locations throughout North America and supplies trailer parts, accessories, tires and wheels to trailer manufacturers, dealers, and repair shops.

Dexter Acquires Business of Horizon Plastics & Engineering, Inc.

DEXTER Axle Company LLC (“DEXTER”), has acquired the business and assets of Horizon Plastics & Engineering, Inc. Established in 1983, Horizon Plastics & Engineering provides plastic injection molded components serving multiple industries. Horizon Plastics has been a long-term, reliable supplier to Dexter’s door and vent manufacturing plant located in Bristol, IN. Today, Horizon Plastics operates out of a 15,000+ sq. foot facility employing nearly 20 people. Horizon Plastics & Engineering joined the Dexter family in April 2023.

Dexter Acquires Business of Cerka Industries Ltd. (“Cerka”)

DexKo Global Inc. has acquired the business and assets of Cerka Industries Ltd. (“Cerka”). Established in 1976, Cerka specializes in manufacturing trailer axles and distributing trailer components to dealers and OEMs across Canada. Today, Cerka operates out of Milton, Ontario, where they manufacture trailer components. Cerka joined the Dexter family in January 2024.

Dexter Acquires Business of City Spring Ltd.

DexKo Global Inc. has acquired the business and assets of City Spring Ltd. Established in 1956, City Spring & Axle Ltd. specializes in distributor of truck & trailer parts, axle and spring manufacturing, and also offers service for trucks & trailers across Western Canada. Today, City Spring operates out of 4 locations in Western Canada. City Spring joined the Dexter family in March 2024.

Leadership

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