Join host Kurt Moreland , associate publisher with Utility Fleet Professional, for a special "Under the Hood" episode live from the floor of the Utility Expo. Kurt sits down with Mandar Dighe in the company's outdoor tent to discuss adaptation and growth in a volatile market.

They explore the company's incredible 177-year history , which started with building wagons for the Oregon Trail, and how that legacy of adaptation informs their current strategy. Mandar explains how the company is positioned against tariffs thanks to its high US content (96-97% in service bodies) and stateside-sourced metal. The discussion also covers their close technical relationships with major truck OEMs , a recent 150,000-square-foot plant expansion designed to reduce lead times , and the "mission specific" advantages of steel versus aluminum truck bodies.

Insulated from Tariffs: The company is well-positioned against tariff situations. Their service bodies are 96-97% US content , and even their metal is sourced stateside , insulating them from some global supply chain volatility.

OEM Collaboration: They maintain strong personal and technical relationships with all major OEMs, including the "Big Three" (GM, Ford, Stellantis) and heavy-duty manufacturers. This data sharing is crucial for ensuring their upfits are safe, compliant, and productive.

Massive Plant Expansion: To address stretched lead times seen since the pandemic, the company completed a 150,000-square-foot expansion. This new space includes state-of-the-art robotics and automation to be ready for the next market boom.

Material Options: The choice between steel and aluminum depends on the customer's "mission specs". Aluminum offers light weight and corrosion resistance , while steel is the "workhorse of the industry" that provides great flexibility for customization.

Rust Prevention: The company utilizes a 100% electrostatic deposit coat (E-coat) dip tank to protect its steel bodies. It is one of the largest E-coat tanks in North America.

Strategic Location: Their Quincy, Illinois, headquarters is described as the "middle of everywhere" , providing a central location that is advantageous for servicing customers coast to coast.

#UtilityExpo #UtilityFleet #WorkTrucks #TruckBodies #Upfitting

#MadeInUSA #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #OEM #FleetManagement

Get under the hood with Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, in this special episode recorded at Old World Industries’ Peak Racing Event at Joliet Speedway. Kurt sits down with NHRA Funny Car driver “Fast” Jack Beckman and automotive media personality Alex Taylor, co-host of Hot Rod Garage, for in-depth conversations on the extreme maintenance demands of 12,000-horsepower dragsters, shop management tips, and the culture of high-performance racing.

Listen as Jack breaks down the 36-minute rebuild cycle between runs—including $900 tires and 16 spark plugs swapped every race—while Alex shares her drag racing journey from age 16, her favorite nostalgic builds, summer fleet maintenance tips, and her work on the Peak 63 Bel Air Wagon. A must-hear for fleet managers, shop techs, and racing fans alike!

• Drag Racing Maintenance: Jack Beckman explains the full tear-down and rebuild process after every run, highlighting costs, time, and meticulous teamwork.

• Fleet Summer Prep Tips: Alex Taylor shares practical advice for shop and fleet managers, including coolant checks and washer fluid recommendations for bug-heavy routes.

• Behind the Scenes at Peak Racing: Insight into Old World Industries’ Peak products, event sponsorship, and the unique experience of standing behind 12,000-HP machines as they launch.

• Alex Taylor’s Career & Builds: From racing at 16 to building the Peak 63 Bel Air Wagon on Hot Rod Garage, Alex describes the creative process, favorite nostalgic cars, and her busy shop life.

#FleetMaintenance #DragRacing #UtilityFleet #ShopTalk #UFP

In this special edition of Under the UFP Hood, host Kurt Moreland, Associate Publisher of Utility Fleet Professional, sits down with Ashley Matyas of Royal Truck & Equipment on the floor of ATSSA 2025. Together, they discuss the critical role of attenuator trucks in protecting highway workers, Royal Truck’s decades-long commitment to innovation in road safety, and how strategic partnerships are shaping the future of traffic control. Ashley also highlights the company’s wide range of safety vehicles, their nationwide presence, and how shows like ATSSA drive product development. Recorded live from a light-duty truck basket, this episode offers a grounded and insightful look into the companies building America’s work zone safety.

• Royal Truck & Equipment manufactures a wide array of highway safety vehicles, including attenuator trucks featuring the iconic yellow Scorpion.

• The company produces 300–400 attenuator trucks annually and is part of the larger Alamo Group, which allows for nationwide support and distribution.

• Partnerships, such as with Traffic Devices, help ensure compliance with increasing regulatory standards while offering flexibility like Metro attenuators for urban use.

• ATSSA remains a vital show for connecting with safety professionals, sharing ideas, and sparking innovation.

• Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, and Royal’s mission is to protect both equipment and lives on the road.

• Ashley encourages donations to the ATSSA Foundation, which honors fallen roadway workers.

#HighwaySafety #WorkZoneProtection #UtilityFleet #AttenuatorTrucks #TrafficControl #FleetInnovation