Hevi-Haul: A History of Innovation
Since 1938, the dedicated team of material moving experts at Hevi-Haul has felt a sense of pride in delivering the very best machinery skates and structural moving skates, as well as custom skates and high-quality parts to the world. Our innovation and manufacturing excellence is fueled by a few basic beliefs, including a belief in being the very best. We do every job with a fine attention to detail, rooted in a belief of giving our customers the quality service and products we would expect if we were the customer who depended on the product. We believe that every member of the company actively contributes to making the product line better, the customers satisfied, and the company a fun place to work through thoughtful communications and mutual trust and respect. These tenets, along with a belief in being a responsible member of the community, enable Hevi-Haul to be the best a what we do: build products that move the world.
Our rich history in innovation started with the debut of our first skates to the industry in 1938 by Paul J. Kordes, marketed under the name Skid-Rol Dollies. Due to the post-WWII manufacturing boom, the heavy rigging and material handling industries experienced tremendous growth, leading to increased demand for our products. Our name was already synonymous with quality and rugged durability, and our dollies proved to be a much-needed tool for professional machinery movers, riggers, and structural movers.
A young Army veteran spurred on by his grandfather, a manager at Paul J. Kordes, came on board with a determination to take the company to the next level. Dan Knaebe, through tenacity and innovative thinking, built the distribution of Skid-Rol Dollies to the point that he was eventually able to purchase the company. After a reorganization effort in the mid-1970s, a production expansion led to the company rebranding to Hevi-Haul International, a name that encapsulates the strength and capability of the products we produce.
Dan continued to grow the company. Upgrading machinery, manufacturing methods, process improvements, and taking a critical look at our products through engineering analysis and refined product testing along the way. New products were developed and existing designs and manufacturing processes were refined and perfected. Dan’s son, David, grew up in the business and eventually joined the company as a welder, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of the company. Showing the same hard work and business acumen exemplified by his father, David worked his way up to his current position as General Manager of Hevi-Haul. David strives to lead Hevi-Haul into new frontiers, with a humble appreciation of the trust that Hevi-Haul’s customers continue to place in the company. From major multi-national companies to small machinery moving companies, Hevi-Haul continues our mission to manufacture and deliver the highest quality skates available.
Contact us today to learn more
Hevi-Haul Skates have been trusted by professional rigging companies and machinery movers for over 80 years as the premier family owned American brand machinery dolly. Contact us today for a personal answer to all your inquiries.
