The Ledwell company history is a story built on hard work and a commitment to doing things the right way. What began in 1946 with Buddy Ledwell hauling lumber in Texarkana, Texas, has grown into a family-owned American manufacturer trusted across industries for tough, dependable trucks and trailers. Through every decade, Ledwell has answered real world challenges with equipment built to last, swift support when it matters most, and innovation grounded in experience. This timeline traces the milestones that shaped Ledwell into what it is today, and continues to move the world forward.
1940’s
1946 Buddy Ledwell and his father started hauling lumber in Texarkana, Texas.
1950’s
1950 Ledwell shifted from hauling to building pick-up racks.
1955Ledwell began manufacturing dump trucks.
Moved to the Waco Street shop.
1957 First Feed Body sold & delivered 100 miles away—Ledwell started expanding reach.
1960’s
1963 Became a Bobcat Dealer.
1970’s
1971 Built Satellite Antenna and shipped to South America in sections.
1972–1976 Ledwell Film Distribution helped release:
Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
Bootleggers (1974)
Winter Hawk (1975)
1976 HydraTail Trailer was introduced.
1977 First Water Trucks were built.
1980’s
1980Invested in CNC Machine
First step in automating parts production.
1990’s
1990 Machine Shop was modernized, and production capacity expanded.
1999 Products began shipping internationally.
2000’s
2008 North Carolina Office opened.
2009 Ledwell Machinery opens, offering Bobcat, Toro and Argo equipment.
Partnered with First Response Team of America.
2010’s
2010 Entered Vacuum Truck industry.
2012 Ledwell Office opened.
2013 First Truck Mounted Attenuator was built.
2016 First Gull Wing was manufactured.
2017 Added Powder Coating facility.
First Robot Welder was installed.
2019 Built first HydraTilt Truck.
2020’s
2020 MaxTilt Trailer was released.
Solar Lift Loading Ramp won Innovation Award.
2022 Patent was received for Gull Wing, HydraTilt Truck & MaxTilt Trailer.
2023 Manufacturing expanded by 63,000 sq. ft.
2025 Opened Ledwell Advanced Imaging.
