Great Dane names new EVP of manufacturing

Great Dane has hired Bill Davidson as the executive vice president of manufacturing. In this role, Davidson will work to improve safety, quality, and cost efficiencies in manufacturing plants, while overseeing sustainable practice initiatives, Great Dane said.

Davidson most recently served as president and CEO of All States Ag Parts, where he was responsible for business growth and profitability, which included a lean transformation as the business integrated new acquisitions, teams, and locations.

“It has been a challenging manufacturing environment over the past several years, but we are continuously making improvements and have an excellent roadmap for moving forward in our commitments to build and deliver high-quality trailers,” said Rick Mullininx, president and COO of Great Dane. “We are excited to have Bill join the Great Dane family. He is a polished leader with recurring success for improving business performance and building teams for excellence.”

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.