Celebrating 80 Years of American Manufacturing
Ledwell is celebrating 80 years of building tough, dependable equipment for the industries that keep America moving. From equipment rental and transportation to agriculture and feed delivery, Ledwell has become a trusted name across sectors that rely on hardworking machines built to last.
What began in 1946 as a small operation building livestock racks has grown into one of the country’s leading custom truck body and trailer manufacturers. Still family-owned and based in Texarkana, Texas, Ledwell continues to engineer American-made solutions for customers nationwide.
Decades of Grit: Ledwell Through the Years
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.
Buddy Award Winners
The Buddy Award is an employee recognition program honoring individuals who embody Buddy Ledwell’s spirit. Recipients are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to our core values: Quality, Grit, Legacy, and Family.
These outstanding team members excel in their roles and inspire others. The Buddy Award is a testament to their hard work, integrity, and positive impact at Ledwell.
Romondo Carroll
Machine Shop
Kyle Hillis
Driver
Dylan Smith
Fabrication
Luis Rojas
Paint Department
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