GARNER, Iowa — Stellar Industries, an employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of service trucks, has acquired Elliott Machine Works Inc., a maker of mobile fuel and lube service equipment.
Galion, Ohio-based Elliott Machine Works, founded in 1948, manufactures fuel trucks, lube trucks, water trucks, lube skids, vacuum tanks and other mobile service equipment.
"This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Stellar and we're so grateful for this incredible opportunity," Stellar President Dave Zrostlik said.
"By incorporating fuel trucks and lube trucks into our existing line of service trucks, we can now serve a broader mission, reach more customers and meet their needs even better by filling gaps in our offerings.
"We anticipate that our customers will start to send more opportunities our way, and we're ready to deliver. In addition, this acquisition strengthens our commitment to rural communities, ensuring we are making the biggest impact to the places our employees call home."
The acquisition will not only enhance Stellar's work truck product offerings but also benefit its vendors, distributors and customers by adding complementary products that serve many of the same markets, including mining, construction and oil and gas, the company said.
The Elliott manufacturing facility and main office will remain in Galion, where it will continue to manufacture the full lineup of specialized service trucks.
"By maintaining operations in Ohio and integrating Elliott's talented workforce, we are not only preserving jobs but also enhancing economic stability in the region," Zrostlik said. "This commitment reflects our dedication to supporting local economies and the communities we serve."
Brent and Brad Ekin, owners of Elliott Machine Works, added: "We are thrilled to keep our legacy moving forward with Stellar, a highly esteemed company that shares our values. This partnership is a great cultural fit for our employees, and we're excited for the new heights we can reach together.
"Stellar's strong distribution network will allow our exceptional products to reach more customers, and we are especially happy that Stellar's employee-owned structure means our employees will continue to thrive under new ownership."