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Boost Your Productivity with a Hooklift: The Ultimate Solution for Versatile Operations

In today’s world, efficiency and versatility are vital to achieving optimal productivity. We at Ledwell constantly search for innovative solutions to boost your company’s capabilities. Enter the next Ledwell product offering, game-changing equipment designed to take your productivity to the next level — Stellar NXT Series Hooklift.

 Unparalleled Flexibility and Efficiency:

One of the best features of a Stellar Hooklift is its unique bolt-on body lock system, which provides universal adjustment for inside and outside locks. With just one truck and one operator, you can handle multiple capacities, body types, and sizes. Say goodbye to time-consuming setup changes and hello to increased efficiency.

 Advanced Hooklift Design for Enhanced Performance:

The NXT Series boasts various design innovations contributing to its exceptional performance. The telescopic jib, featuring a lightweight yet robust multi-plate design, allows for handling different body lengths. Whether dealing with smaller or larger containers, the telescopic jib provides a reliable and secure structure, ensuring smooth, streamlined operations.

 Industry-Leading Features for Precision Control:

Ledwell understands the importance of accuracy and ease of operation. We partnered with Stellar to bring their job-ready service trucks on board, also seizing the chance to present the NXT Series with various features to our customers. The universal latching system, with adjustable body locks, enables operators to match the lift bar height of a fleet of containers, ensuring seamless hook deployment and minimizing challenges.

Plus, the electronic controls with programmable logic and the wireless remote control deliver precision and convenience at your fingertips. Whether inside the truck’s cab or outside, you can easily control and deploy the hooklift, increasing efficiency and saving valuable time.

 Unmatched Versatility for Diverse Applications:

These hooklifts excel in various industries and applications, offering flexibility for countless tasks. From agriculture to utilities, construction to landscaping, and even city and government services, the NXT Series has proven to be a reliable workhorse. With over 100 different applications, including equipment transportation, waste collection, recycling, and more, Stellar Hooklifts can adapt to meet the unique demands of your business.

Reach out to us at Ledwell today to see how we can help.

Your Solution for On-The-Go Fleet Maintenance

When your equipment requires service after a long day in the field, the traditional approach often involves a time-consuming trip back to a service center, leading to downtime and increased expenses. However, Ledwell has your fleet maintenance solution – the Ledwell Lube Buddy.

The Lube Buddy is your mobile lube service center, ready to transform how you handle fleet maintenance.

Designed with the versatility of light-duty pickup trucks in mind, it’s a compact yet powerful solution that can also double as a service center right on the job site. Say goodbye to the back-and-forth trips and get your vehicles back in action faster.

The Ledwell Lube Buddy comes equipped with a range of features:

Fresh and Waste Multi-Tank Configurations:

The Lube Buddy keeps your fluids organized and separate for optimal performance.

Metering Nozzle with Quick Connects:

Accurate measurements and easy connections streamline maintenance tasks.

Spill & Overflow Pans:

Maintain a clean and safe workspace, reducing the risk of accidents.

Easy Installation:

Setting up your Lube Buddy is a breeze thanks to its simple installation process.

In a world where every moment counts, the Ledwell Lube Buddy is here to revolutionize how you handle fleet maintenance and lube services. No more wasted time and money on trips to centralized service centers. Instead, choose the Lube Buddy that fits your needs and experience the future of fleet maintenance today.

It’s time to work smarter, not harder, with the Ledwell Lube Buddy by your side.

Cultivating Excellence: Unveiling the SEED Program

In 2023, Ledwell began a program to strengthen the company’s next generation of leaders. The Skill Enhancement & Employee Development Program, also known as the SEED Program, is an initiative providing insights and connections among participants.

The SEED Program centers on equipping employees with an understanding of Ledwell’s products and processes, ensuring the continuation of the legacy established in 1946 by Buddy Ledwell and his father.

More than just a learning opportunity, the program fosters a bond among participants, creating an environment where individuals and departments consult easily.

Sessions are held every other week to discuss various shops and departments. Some sessions, like those in the Machine Shop and Engineering, provide participants with eye-opening experiences. Several graduates enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the Machine Shop process, emphasizing how it unveils the journey of parts through various stages.

Others highlighted the importance of understanding the intricacies of engineering, enabling participants to make informed decisions that uphold Ledwell’s commitment to quality.

The SEED Program’s impact extends beyond the sessions, as graduates bring newfound knowledge back to their roles, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting cross-departmental collaboration. It also reinforces Ledwell’s commitment to continuous improvement and the development of a closely knit family within its workforce.

Shining a Light on Manufacturing Day: Ledwell’s Commitment to Inspiring Future Innovators

Panel of manufacturing industry leaders in Texarkana

Every year, on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is celebrated across the United States, reminding us of the vital role manufacturing plays in our economy and society. It’s a day to acknowledge the manufacturing industry’s significance and inspire the next generation of makers, creators, and innovators.

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce selected Ledwell to host a panel of local professionals from six manufacturing facilities for 60 students from four local high schools: Arkansas, Liberty-Eylau, Premiere, and Redwater. This event exemplifies the commitment of local businesses to invest in the future workforce and promote careers in manufacturing.

Panel of manufacturing industry leaders in Texarkana

The panel of local professionals represented the diverse careers available within manufacturing. Hailing from six different manufacturing facilities in Texarkana, they shared their journeys, challenges, and accomplishments, offering valuable insights to the eager young minds in attendance. From journeymen and foremen to human resources and owners, the panel embodied diverse opportunities in manufacturing.

The panel discussion was an informative experience for the attending students. They discovered diverse career paths, made real-world connections, and gained insight into the skills and qualifications needed for manufacturing careers.

Manufacturing Day is not just another date on the calendar. It’s a day to celebrate innovation, technology, and the people who drive the manufacturing industry forward.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to invest in our youth and nurture their passion for manufacturing, ensuring a bright and innovative future for this vital sector.

Manufacturing Plant tour at Ledwell
Manufacturing Tour with local students at Ledwell

Why Manufacturing Day is important:

Raising Awareness:

Manufacturing Day creates awareness about the manufacturing sector’s importance to the economy, job creation, and technological advancements.

 

Changing Perceptions:

It helps change the outdated perception of manufacturing careers by showcasing modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and diverse job roles.

 

Inspiring the Youth:

It inspires young students to consider careers in manufacturing by exposing them to real-life success stories and role models.

Ledwell hosts Manufacturing Week student tour

Fostering a Community of Growth

Ledwell hosts signing day

Ledwell takes great pride in its commitment to the growth and development of the Texarkana community. To showcase this dedication, our Education Outreach Team organized a signing day that served as a platform to welcome talented individuals who will join Ledwell this summer.

Signing Day was a special event celebrating the achievements of high school graduates pursuing a manufacturing career.

Ledwell hosts signing day for local high school students
Ledwell attends Pleasant Grove signing day

Deoriq Dixon, Xavier Nash from Atlanta High School, John Calvin, and Perry Hack from Pleasant Grove High School were among those we welcomed into the Ledwell family. These talented individuals have shown exceptional promise and dedication, making them stand out in their pursuit of a career in the industry.

The company’s innovative approach to recognizing high school graduates entering the manufacturing workforce serves as an inspiration to the next generation. The achievements of these four individuals demonstrate that success is attainable through alternative educational pathways.

The hope is that this event sends a powerful message to young individuals that they can build a fulfilling and prosperous career in manufacturing, utilizing their unique talents and skills.

Ledwell welcomes these new employees with open arms, ready to support and empower them on their journey to success.

Atlanta Texas High School Senior at Ledwell Signing Day
Atlanta High School Senior at Ledwell Signing Day
PG High School Senior at Ledwell Signing Day

Ledwell Celebrates Manufacturing Space Expansion

Ledwell Celebrates new manufacturing space with ribbon cutting

Ledwell recently announced the expansion of its manufacturing space with the addition of 66,000 square feet to supplement the existing twelve acres of space under roof.

With this significant expansion, Ledwell aims to add new jobs and increase efficiencies by focusing on technological refinements to its production line and engineering.

Ledwell Celebrates new manufacturing space with ribbon cutting
Ledwell celebrates additional 66,000 square feet of manufacturing space
Ledwell celebrates additional manufacturing space
Ledwell celebrates additional manufacturing space in 2023

Ledwell hosted a ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, May 18th, 2023, to celebrate. The Ledwell workforce in Texas and members of the community attended the event. The celebration was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Ledwell team.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Lesley Ledwell, President, who expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported the company over the years. “We would not be where we are today without the support of our customers, employees, and community.”

Ledwell is known for meeting customer challenges with innovative solutions. This time, the solution is a brand-new manufacturing facility with endless possibilities. The new facility will offer the flexibility to fabricate and enhance its diverse product offering.

Ledwell add more manufacturing space in 2023
Aerial view of Ledwell's newest manufacturing shop
Lesley Ledwell speaking at ribbon cutting celebrating new manufacturing space at Ledwell
Ledwell ribbon cutting

Putting the Woman in Manufacturing

Girl Power to the Max Competition Winners

What comes to mind at the mention of women in manufacturing?

Rosie the Riveter, perhaps?  Our minds revert to a throwback from the early 1940s.  The only reason we have that icon is because men were off to war and someone—women—had to do the job.  Once the necessity was over, the Rosies went back to non-manufacturing duties.  Subsequent potential Rosies were prohibited or, at the very least, discouraged from taking technical and skilled trade classes. 

Today, a smaller percentage of women are choosing to be Rosies than the originals, despite the evolution of STEM and manufacturing.  Fortunately, an initiative is growing to put more girls in contact with manufacturing equipment.

Girl Power to the Max Competition Judges
Girl Power to the Max Competition
Girl Power to the Max Competition Organizers

In partnership with three regional Arkansas education cooperatives, Ledwell kicked off Women’s History Month by hosting a manufacturing competition for high-school girls.  The “Girl Power to the Max” event, held on March 1, showcased the entries of 21 finalists.  Similar to applying for a job, the finalists were judged on creativity, construction design, technical skill, and interview responses.

The winners, including Kinlee Stivers, Mallory Abercrombie, and Emily Lewis, received trophies from Boss Laser, cash awards, and $500 tuition waivers from the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.

Girls from De Queen-Mena, South Central, and Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperatives created projects, ranging from decorative to functional, using CNC cutting and lasering with an emphasis on welding and power structural systems.  CNC, or computer numerical control, involves using specific computer-programming language to control the movement of factory machinery. 

Essentially, it is modernized manufacturing and applicable STEM.

The goal of the competition is to increase the number of females seeking and qualifying for high-paying, high-demand, and highly skilled innovative construction/manufacturing occupations.   Forty girls participated in last year’s competition, but that number increased to 125 this year. 

Not only did more students enter the contest, more girls surveyed after the event answered that they would be interested in working toward a future in STEM or manufacturing.  This is a big win for the competition!

Another win for the program includes significant grants from the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Career and Technical Education that have been awarded to districts without the latest CNC and laser equipment.  Therefore, students will be learning to use machines that are being used in today’s manufacturing workforce. 

Girl Power to the Max Competition Winners

Technical teachers are also receiving professional development led by welding instructors to update their skills and knowledge.  Ledwell has offered to be in partnership in this endeavor.

With its educational outreach and in conjunction with “Girl Power to the Max” organizers, Ledwell plans to put more Rosies in the manufacturing workforce.  Rosie will no longer be an image from the past but a trailblazer of the future.

Proof is in the Patent

Ledwell Gull Wing
tilt deck trailer with Ledwell maxtilt

Innovation is a marker of success at Ledwell. Ledwell holds numerous patents for its unique designs of individual parts as well as entire apparatuses to make work more efficient for its customers.

Among the first patents applied for by the company in 1974 was for a chicken harvesting and transportation system. More recently in 2022, Ledwell obtained patents for original features found in its Gull Wing, HydraTilt Truck, and the MaxTilt Trailer.

When Ledwell discovered that the kind of hydraulic cylinders that lift weather-resistant doors of its Gull Wing was the only product of its kind produced in the United States by an American manufacturer, the company filed for a patent, which covers a complete truck body package. The Gull Wing provides convenient loading and unloading, protecting users and products from less favorable weather conditions and keeping them safe.

Patents can also pertain to specific aspects of designs or machines. In Ledwell’s case, a unified hinge used in HydraTilt Trucks and MaxTilt Trailers is covered by a patent. This part of the design is essential to raising the main decks to an unmatched level of up to 32 degrees of tilt.

Ledwell designed and Ledwell made—American protected.

Manufacturer Ledwell Patented Equipment

Manufacturing the Future

Ledwell is expanding!

An additional 66,000 square feet of manufacturing space will be added to the existing 12 acres of space under roof.

To support growing industries, the company’s new state-of-the-art facility will offer the flexibility to fabricate, produce, or enhance machinery. Ledwell hopes to increase production efficiency by creating 100 or more jobs and adding more automation with the expansion.

“The expanded building is not just adding production capacity for our customers; it is also a strategic step toward enhancing our skilled workforce with innovative manufacturing technologies and advancements in automation, robotic welding, and material handling, “ says Michael Hawkins, Director of Operations.

Ledwell is known to meet customer challenges with innovative solutions – this time, the solution is a brand-new shop with endless possibilities.

Engineering Advancements

Manufacturer Ledwell Engineering Advancements
Manufacturer Ledwell Engineering Advancements

ENGINEERING THEN

In Ledwell’s early years, engineers created line drawings by hand with pencil and paper. Engineers used huge pieces of drafting paper and kept the drawings on hand to reference when needed.

Even when computers and electronics became available, the drawings were still 2D, and those engineering advancements were not as detailed as the electronic drawings we have today.

Ledwell engineer

ENGINEERING NOW

Ledwell’s engineering department has come a long way in 75 years. Today, engineers use software that allows them to draw equipment and parts using exact measurements. They can add chassis to truck
bodies to determine the weight of a finished product.

They can even go as far as moving axles to meet bridge laws in certain states. These drawings give a 360-degree view of a completed piece of equipment. Documents like the one below are sent to each shop to guide them through cutting and constructing components.

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