Manufacturing Superiority The History of Knapheide

The History of Knapheide
Manufacturing Superiority
Herman Heinrich Knapheide was a true craftsman
when it came to wagon building. Heinrich left his
native Germany, traveled up the Mississippi River
and settled in Quincy, IL. In 1848 Heinrich founded
the Knapheide Wagon Company and spent 42 years
at the helm of the business expanding the great
reputation of his quality wagons.
Assembly Process
In 1890 Henry E. Knapheide assumed the role of
President at Knapheide. Henry learned the business
at an early age working side by side with his father.
Henry’s ambition took the company to new heights.
Investing in the latest equipment enabled Henry to
mass produce wagons with consistent quality and
Knapheide became known for high craftsmanship and
specialization.
3rd Generation owner, Harold W. Knapheide, took on
the major shift from wagons to automobiles. In 1910,
Knapheide installed its first wagon body on a Ford Model
T chassis. The prosperous shift in business was shortlived with the onset of the Stock Market Crash in 1929
followed by the Great Depression. Knapheide sales were
dismal at best during this time, but Harold stressed the
importance of knowing his customer needs and delivering
them the right product. In 1937 the company was renamed
to The Knapheide Manufacturing Company.
Harold W. (Bud) Knapheide, Jr. joined his father at
Knapheide in 1938. A self-taught engineer, Bud had
major plans to expand and modernize manufacturing
operations and develop all steel-frame truck bodies. The
new innovative product line was very popular among
agricultural markets and by the 1960’s nearly every
Midwest farmer knew the Knapheide name. Bud opened
the West Quincy facility to help meet increased demand
from Knapheide’s growing distribution network.
Harold W. (Knap) Knapheide III was tested early in his
career by a major flood that engulfed the West Quincy
facility. Knap worked tirelessly to get the company
back on its’ feet. Knap was tasked with developing
and marketing the new Service Body product which
would prove to be a huge factor to the company’s
success. After another flood devastated West Quincy
in 1993, Knap made the decision to build the most
technologically advanced manufacturing facility in the
industry. The new facility has and will continue to carry
Knapheide into the future.
Sixth generation, Harold W. (Bo) Knapheide IV, began
working at an early age to learn the family business.
Since he has been with the company, Bo has worked
in various departments. Currently, Bo is the Senior
Vice President, Distributor and Fleet Operations.
After the fabrication of the parts is complete, the assembly
process begins. Knapheide’s assembly procedures and
multiple progressive lines are very flexible, highly efficient, and
produce the highest quality product in the industry. Knapheide
has a large offering of catalog products that are quickly
available. The Knapheide Manufacturing Company also prides
itself in its ability to build custom products that are designed to
meet specific customer requirements and needs. “Dream it,
and we will build it”.
E-Coat System
The flagship of our manufacturing process is our
automated “E-Coat” finishing system. E-coat is a
highly efficient electro-deposition coating process
that is widely used in the automotive industry.
Through this process, Knapheide is proud to offer
its customers the highest quality corrosion resistant
coating available.
Employees
Our dedicated manufacturing employees are a
huge asset to our company, and receive on-going
training for continuous improvement. Knapheide
delights in the fact that many of its employees are
multi-generational and have a long tenure with the
company. Knapheide’s training program for its
welding operations is second to none. Six AWS
certified CWI and CWE’s conduct a forty hour
program that all welders must complete prior to
joining the assembly team. Of its team of welders,
over 100 are AWS certified.
For more information:
The Knapheide Manufacturing Company
1848 Westphalia Strasse
Quincy, Illinois 62305
(217) 222-7131
www.knapheide.com
knapheide@knapheide.com
L84 10M 0114 A
Copyright© 2012 The Knapheide
Manufacturing Company
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Some models shown with optional equipment.
Providing customers with high quality, work ready
commercial vehicle solutions since 1848.
Service Bodies
• Open cargo area with lockable compartments on street and curb side for tool and equipment secure storage
• Service Bodies offer improved organization which results in increased efficiency on the jobsite
Dump Bodies
• Drop side and fixed side models available
• Dump Bodies compatible with Class 3-5 cab chassis
• Popular body for landscapers, contractors, municipalities, etc.
• Compatible with compact, full sized, and medium duty truck chassis
KUV Bodies
Forestry Bodies
• Enclosed cargo area with lockable compartments and conduit chutes for tool and equipment organization
• Lockable ladder box and pole pruner shelf for secure equipment storage
• Ideal work vehicle for HVAC, plumbing/
heating, electrical contractors and many more
• Different body configurations, body lengths, and body heights available for small to large chip capacity
• Body utilized among tree care/service companies, landscaping companies, and municipalities
Platform Bodies
Pick Up Accessories
• Available for cutaway chassis, cab chassis, and low cab forward chassis
• Rugged all steel construction for maximum durability and long platform life
• Choose from a variety of available styles and lengths to fit your jobsite application
• Steel stake racks, refuse sides, and solid sides available
Gooseneck Bodies
• Integrated hitch system with 25,000 lbs. hitch rating and 5,000 tongue weight rating for easy gooseneck trailer hauling
• Compatible with single rear wheel or dual rear wheel chassis
• Variety of models to choose from: PGNA, PGNB, PGNC, and Westerner Storage
• Toolboxes and caps available for more secure storage on your pick up
• Models available that are compatible with compact or full size pick ups
• Economic storage solution for many different vocations
Van Equipment
• Better organize your van and experience improved productivity on and off the jobsite
• Lightweight materials and construction for low impact to payload
• Packages available for full size and compact commercial vans
Mechanics Trucks
• Mobile mechanics shop with abundant secure storage space for tools, parts, etc.
• Corner mounted crane assists laborious and dangerous heavy lifting on the jobsite
• Auxiliary equipment including welders, generators, compressors and more
increases jobsite capabilities.
Fuel/Lube Trucks
• Mobile workstation, bring the shop to the equipment needing service
• Ideal vehicle for performing preventative maintenance and repairs to large construction, mining, and agriculture equipment
• Modular design offers flexibility in order to fit different applications
Water Trucks
• Variety of standard and custom tank sizes available along with both potable and non-potable tanks
• Utilized for dust control and water distribution
• Popular among construction and mining companies and municipalities