GALION — Stellar Industries, of Garner, Iowa, has announced the acquisition of Elliott Machine Works, Inc., a family-owned manufacturing company based in Galion.

Stellar bills itself as a 100% employee-owned and operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanical and service trucks, cranes, service truck tires, forklifts, trailers and truck and service van accessories.

This strategic investment is aimed at enhancing Stellar’s growth, expanding its product offering and providing greater opportunities for Stellar’s distributors, customers and employee-owners, the company said in a press release on Friday.

Elliott Machine Works has been manufacturing mobile fuel and lubricant service equipment since 1948 and is known for its innovative and high quality products.

Their portfolio includes fuel trucks, lube trucks, water trucks, lube trucks, vacuum tanks and other mobile service equipment.

I offer more through rural investment

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Stellar and we are so grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Dave Zrostlik, Stellar’s President.

“We are excited to have Elliott products as part of the Stellar product offering. Elliott’s great people and great products are a natural fit for Stellar.”

Zrostlik emphasized the importance of the acquisition and its impact on Stellar’s offerings.

“By incorporating fuel and lubricant trucks into our existing line of service trucks, we can now fulfill a broader mission, reach more customers and better meet their needs by filling gaps in our offerings.

“We expect our customers to start giving us more opportunities and we are ready to deliver. Additionally, this acquisition strengthens our commitment to rural communities, ensuring we have the greatest impact in the places our employees call home.”

Benefits for sellers, distributors, customers and employees

The acquisition will not only enhance Stellar’s work truck product offerings, but will also benefit its dealers, distributors and customers by adding complementary products that serve many of the same markets, including mining, construction and oil and gas.

The Elliott manufacturing facility and headquarters will remain in Galion, where it will continue to manufacture the full range of specialty service trucks.

“By maintaining operations in Ohio and integrating Elliott’s talented workforce, we are not only preserving jobs, but also increasing economic stability in the region,” noted Zrostlik.

“This commitment reflects our dedication to supporting local economies and the communities we serve.”

Brent and Brad Ekin, owners of Elliott Machine Works, expressed their excitement about the acquisition.

“We are excited to continue our legacy with Stellar, a highly regarded company that shares our values. This partnership is a great cultural fit for our employees, and we are excited about the new heights we can reach together,” the Ekins family said in a press release.

“Stellar’s strong distribution network will allow our exceptional products to reach more customers, and we are particularly pleased that Stellar’s employee-owned structure means our employees will continue to thrive under new ownership.”

Commitment to employee ownership

As an employee-owned company, Stellar is committed to fostering a workplace where every employee-owner has a stake in the company’s success. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) structure allows employees to become beneficial owners of the company, aligning their interests with Stellar’s overall performance and growth.

This alignment not only fosters a culture of collaboration and shared success, but also motivates employees to actively contribute to the company’s innovation and quality initiatives.

Through the ESOP, Stellar empowers its workforce by ensuring that employees are directly rewarded for their contributions, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the company’s future.

New opportunities for Elliot employees

Additionally, joining the Stellar team opens the door to exciting new growth and career development opportunities for Elliott employees.

With access to a wider network, expanded roles, and additional resources and training, employees will benefit from Stellar’s commitment to professional advancement.

Onboarding brings exposure to various projects and new markets, creating plenty of opportunities for career advancement and personal development within the organization.

Ensuring seamless integration

Stellar is dedicated to ensuring a seamless integration during the acquisition of Elliott Machine Works.

“Preserving the strengths of both Stellar and Elliott remains a top priority. We are committed to maintaining a positive work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive,” Zrostlik said.

“The leadership of both organizations will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition, promoting open communication and supporting all employees throughout this process. We aim to create an even stronger organization that benefits everyone involved.”

Looking ahead

Stellar looks forward to serving existing and new customers with an enhanced product line while welcoming Elliott employees to the Stellar family, all under a continued commitment to innovation and quality.

For more information, visit stellarindustries.com.

Stellar was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, and has since expanded its operations to multiple locations across the US.

Stellar is a 100% employee owned and operated manufacturer of high quality work trucks and trailers, in addition to truck and service van accessories.

Through its innovative, growing product line and an expanding distribution network, the company has gained an international presence and become the no. 1 in productivity in many markets.