East Manufacturing celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008. And the original aluminum trailer that started it all will be part of the celebration.
In 1968, East's first customer, Tom Shields, opted for what then was very unique – a trailer made of aluminum – in part because his 1964 steel body had virtually rusted away. “Aluminum was the way to go at that time. Still is,” said Shields. He hauled coal with this trailer for about ten years before trading the trailer in on – you guessed it – a new East trailer. Shields has purchased a new East trailer about every ten years. “They really hold up!” he said.
The amazing thing about this original East aluminum trailer is that, at the time East bought it back, it was still operating. It has been cleaned and refurbished, but there was no need to rebuild it. The original welds are still in place. The frame and floor were in very good shape, but we decided to replace the tailgate. The tailgate still functioned, but let's face it - after 40 years of steady use, it's taken a beating.
Since the beginning of our company, we've built aluminum trailers to outperform and outlast the competition. The original East trailer has held up amazingly well over its four-decade working life – living up to the lifetime ROI claims we make today. You can cite this trailer as an example of how well East aluminum trailers really do keep working – and making money – for their owners year after year! |
