Our History
Built on Trust. Built for Generations.
Since 1946, we have grown from a two-car garage to a modern manufacturing operation built on quality, work ethic and long-term relationships. Our history is a story of growth and proven performance.
1946–1949: The Beginning
- William R. Parkhurst founded Parkhurst Manufacturing Company after serving in the U.S. Navy
- Built the first two-wheeled utility trailer in a borrowed two-car garage
- Moved into a 4,000-square-foot facility and began producing the Parkhurst Farm Truck Body
- Expanded production to meet demand, adding stake racks, wagon boxes, van bodies and truck bodies
1950s: Early Growth
- Manufactured truck bodies and trailers for the rental industry, including Nationwide and One Way Trailers
- Began building wooden wagon boxes for Montgomery Ward
1960s: Expanding Capabilities
- Phased in steel stake racks with wood racks
- Began building parts in-house, starting with a 6,000-pound brake press
- Built a full machine and tool and die shop
- Purchased property for what would become our 325,000-square-foot manufacturing facility
- Ran three shifts, producing 25,000 EZ Haul trailers and 3,000 platform bodies per year
1970s: Scale and Diversification
- Produced 62 grain bodies per day
- Operated a fleet of 12 tractor-trailers for deliveries and inbound materials
- Added a subsidiary to manufacture our own steel
- Diversified during the 1974 recession, earning our first military contract for 4,000 trailers
- Produced baggage carts for Trans World Airlines (TWA)
1980s: Government and Commercial Contracts
- Built truck bodies and trailers for government contracts including quarter ton, one-and-a-half ton and fire combat trailers
- Manufactured trailers for GTE under what was then the largest contract in U.S. Army history
1990s: Modernization and Focus
- Delivered contracts for reverse osmosis water treatment and field laundry units for the U.S. Army
- Refocused on truck body manufacturing as demand surged
- Transitioned office operations from hand-written ledgers to computers
- Rob Parkhurst, William R. Parkhurst’s grandson, took over operations in 1991
2010s: Efficiency, Innovation and New Ownership
- Combined manufacturing facilities under one roof to increase efficiency
- Began production of our own hoist line and added waterjet capabilities
- Expanded fabrication work for other companies as capabilities grew
- Sam Trelow and Laurie Boer began training for leadership roles, joining Mike Harris in operations in 2012
- In 2017, the Parkhurst family sold the company to longtime employees Sam Trelow, James Trelow and Toby Pierce
2020s: Growth and What’s Next
- Introduced the Dovetail Landscape body in 2021
- Modernized paint process with Graco plural-component paint systems, a state-of-the-art paint booth and an upgrade to Sikkens coatings
- Expanded production space and constructed a new office building in 2025
- Celebrated 80 years and introduced the HD Contractor body in 2026
What Our History Means for You
- Proven manufacturing experience and consistent build quality
- Capability to support standard, specialty and custom solutions
- Continuous improvement in equipment, processes and efficiency
- A team that stands behind what we build and supports long-term relationships
Built on Trust. Built for Generations.
Whether you're a distributor or hardworking professional, Parkhurst Manufacturing is a team you can trust. Since 1946, our legacy has been built across generations on hard work, honest relationships and quality truck bodies and equipment.
