March 9, 2023
Dakota Bodies announced Tuesday night it has been acquired by Texas company ATW Truck Equipment.
A newly formed business unit of ATW, ATW Truck Equipment is based in Richardson, Texas. According to a press release, the parent ATW company is the largest and most diversified manufacturer of professional and consumer-grade trailers, parts and accessories in North America.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Lydia Newman, Dakota Bodies marketing manager, said all current jobs will be retained and Dakota Bodies will continue hiring.
According to the release, Dakota Bodies was founded in 1997 in Watertown and has grown to be one of the industry’s top manufacturers of service and utility truck bodies. The company is one of Watertown’s top employers and currently manufactures out of its state-of-the-art production facilities in Watertown and Liberty, Missouri.
ATW Truck Equipment’s purchase of Dakota Bodies marks the latest step in a longstanding partnership. For several years, Dakota Bodies has partnered with ATW and its truck bed manufacturer, CM Truck Beds.
“Joining forces with ATW affords us the resources and expertise to further grow what we’ve built at Dakota Bodies. We’re excited about the partnership and the many opportunities it presents,” said Jeff Orthaus, CEO of Dakota Bodies.
“By bringing (Dakota Bodies) into the ATW portfolio, we can more effectively combine their experience and technology with ATW’s scalability and commercial expertise,” Steve Courreges, president of ATW Truck Equipment, added.
Dakota Bodies joins CM Truck Beds under the leadership of Courreges. ATW is continuing to gain attention as the company increases its reach and reputation for engineering and manufacturing of truck equipment.