CM Trailers

Source: Manufacturing Digital

Date :18/02/2008 04:19:50

CM Trailers is never one to stop pushing boundaries, developing in the process a comprehensive line of robust and very popular trailers. Exec looks further at the history of this Oklahoma manufacturer

Written by Ian Armitage and produced by Kristin Hurley

In 1990 Contract Manufacturer, LLC began manufacturing trailers under the trade name CM Trailers. Why? Well, owners Ronald and Kay Jackson recognized a need within the industry at the time for a quality built, economically priced trailer, which was durable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Jacksons felt they could produce a trailer to fill that gap – and set about doing so. The success the company today enjoys is proof they did it.

CM Trailers President and CEO Ronald Jackson has over forty years experience in trailer manufacturing and his extensive expertise has become a considerable asset to both CM and to the trailer industry. He has served as President of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) for two terms and has also served on the NATM Board of Directors and as chairman of the NATM Technical Committee. Mr. Jackson even played an active role in the production and implementation of the “Recommended Manufacturers’ Guidelines and Procedures Manual” published by NATM for its members, which emphasizes safety in manufacturing and hauling for the end user. In 2001, the NATM awarded him with their prestigious “Bill Bernhardt Award” for his outstanding contributions to the trailer industry.

Fitting all needs and wants

Located in the trailer capital of the world, Madill, Oklahoma, CM today prides itself on a trailer product line that fits all possible needs and wants. It is now one of the highest volume producers of diversified trailer lines in the industry, manufacturing an all steel line of horse, stock, cargo and utility trailers. It is also renowned for its range of aluminum exterior steel frame horse and cargo trailers, all aluminum horse and stock trailers, and a complete range of truck beds. Optional equipment is available too, designed to help customize each model to suit specific, individual needs.

“We know you need a lot out of a trailer,” says the company’s corporate website. “You need a trailer that will fit your lifestyle and your budget, but still be a quality product that you can be proud of. At CM, each one of our trailers rolls off the line with all the durability and value you need, as well as all the style and quality you want as standard.”

Proven quality

In the past, CM has proven that quality products, consistently fair pricing and a strong working relationship with the dealer network promote rapid growth. The company, which for its first four years in existence was listed as a member of the INC 500 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the US, is proof that with focus and dedication, you can achieve almost anything.

According to CM Trailers, much of its success is down to a strong dealer network. Ronald and Kay Jackson insist on and maintain a good working relationship with their dealers. Each value the dealers’ input and considers every single dealer to be part of the winning CM team.

CM knows that the satisfaction of the end user is of the utmost importance. The team puts great emphasis on the feedback customers give about a product. Since most of CM’s designs and new product ideas are also inspired by the end user, CM attends various trade shows to keep in touch with the customer and their needs.

Of course, you can’t obtain success without a productive, loyal workforce – CM Trailers is no different. The Jacksons have strong family values and a strong commitment to employees. This commitment comes in the form of encouragement of training and knowledge, lucrative benefits and competitive wages. This helps attract and retain quality employees, who make for consistent, quality products.

The Jacksons also have a commitment to the surrounding community, and continually support and contribute to almost every worthwhile community project in their area.

Not one to stop

With a real passion for progress, CM is constantly pushing the boundaries for trailer design and manufacture. The company’s 243,735 square foot manufacturing facility opened in 1998, streamlining the assembly process – a practice that continues to this day. CM never stops researching better and more efficient manufacturing methods, and in the spring of 2004, it began implementing the “world class enterprise” philosophy throughout its entire corporate and manufacturing facility.

Thus far CM Trailers has had an exciting history, and it anticipates the future will bring yet more success. With every accomplishment though, says CM, there are people to credit and the company gives such credit where and when it is due. In the words of one of its ads: “Every once in a while it is nice to do a little bit of reflecting. To think back on where we’ve been, where we’re going, who has taken us along for the ride, and how to reach the next destination. At CM, we reflect a lot because we know that without our workforce, our product and our customers we would be nothing. So thanks to everyone out there who has made us what we are and to all those who’ll be onboard with us for the future journeys.”

New dawn

In September 2007, Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing Inc. announced that an agreement had been reached to acquire CM Trailers. As a vital new member of the Big Tex Family, CM is confident that it will maintain its history of growth and that the CM Trailers name will continue to stand for innovative products and a high quality trailer produced by great people.