Guy Chollet, engineering manager, Jim Dondlinger, president, and Pete Taskovic, process manager, collaborate to ensure project success.
Automotive Resources International (ARI) has recently acquired the assets of Auto Truck Inc. As a part of Holman Enterprises, which includes over 25 operating companies, ARI has formed Auto Truck Group LLC by merging Fleet Body Equipment and Auto Truck’s assets. Jim Dondlinger, President of Auto Truck Group, along with his management team, will oversee the new operation.
In a recent interview, Dondlinger elaborates on the history of Auto Truck Group, their expanded capabilities for customer service, broader opportunities for his team, and industry trends.
WT: What changes do you foresee with the new ownership?
DONDLINGER: Holman Enterprises adopts a management style that empowers successful teams to manage their operations while offering financial control and resources for growth. This approach has benefitted Fleet Body Equipment and will similarly allow our ATG team to thrive. The existing management structure at ATG will stay in place, ensuring strong financial stability and access to technical support, enabling us to serve our customers better while offering growth opportunities to our staff.
WT: How will integrating Fleet Body Equipment enhance Auto Truck Group’s offerings?
DONDLINGER: Fleet Body Equipment brings valuable expertise and new capabilities that significantly enhance our organization. With facilities in Kansas City, MO, and Fort Worth, TX, we’ll strengthen relationships with OEMs in those regions, which will allow us to better serve our fleet, niche, and local markets.
WT: Can you share a brief history of Auto Truck Group?
DONDLINGER: Auto Truck Group originated as the Auto Truck Steel Body Company in 1918 and was acquired by my grandfather in 1927. After his passing in 1962, my father took over until his retirement in the mid-1980s when I became president. Over the decades, we expanded our facilities due to growth, eventually operating from seven locations and serving diverse customer types, including fleets, niche markets, and local clients.
WT: How critical is the interaction with fleet management companies (FMCs) for ATG?
DONDLINGER: FMCs have been integral to our business over the last 25 years, as they manage fleets that require our services. It is essential for us to provide them with integrity, exceptional service, and competitive pricing to maintain their trust.
WT: What upfitting capabilities does ATG offer?
DONDLINGER: Our upfitting services cater to the complexities associated with FMCs, including ship-thru pools, solid modeling, computer-aided design, fabrication, field service, and IT support, backed by our seven operational locations.
WT: How has the industry evolved recently, especially regarding manufacturers and supply chain issues?
DONDLINGER: The industry has seen significant consolidation, leading larger organizations to emerge. To compete, growth is essential. Size brings new opportunities in various areas beyond upfitting. This trend affects how we manage the upfitting process and highlights the increased sophistication required to serve global markets effectively.
