A northern Iowa company that manufactures heavy duty truck-mounted equipment has acquired a Minnesota firm that makes equipment for fire trucks.
Stellar Industries was founded in Garner 36 years ago. It’s the first manufacturer in the United States to design and produce a hydraulic hook lift that’s mounted on a truck chassis to hoist large containers, like dumpsters.
Stellar has acquired over half a dozen companies since its founding, and the latest is Midwest Fire in LuVerne, Minnesota.
The company has been making custom equipment for fire trucks since 1987. The products will still carry the Midwest Fire brand and will be made at the plant in southwest Minnesota. Stellar employs 800 people according to the company’s website and has been employee owned since 2023.
Stellar has locations in Garner and Kanawha along with a warehouse and parts distribution center in Mason City. They also operate facilities in Nebraska, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
