Wabash buys Benson's assets
equipment 28 Commercial Carrier Journal September 2008 Wrtie 235 on Reader Service Card FleetOne_CCJ0908.indd 1 8/19/08 10:33:07 AM uous dampening control (CDC) and pneumatic dampening control (PDC) systems and a linear steering system. The front suspension uses independent wheel suspension to reduce the overall area of unsprung vehicle mass, while the pneumatic spring mount with continuously variable, electronic dampening enhances the suspension's overall safety and driver comfort. The system is lighter and more compact than conventional rigid axle systems, ZF says, allowing it and the truck to respond better to rough roads while allowing more available space for the larger radiators required by low-emissions diesel engines. ZF's new rear axle suspension system uses a four-point link combined with a trailing arm for longitudinal, lateral and vertical load support. Additionally, the four-point system performs active roll stabilization. In essence, ZF claims, this one-link system performs many functions that on conventional suspensions would require separate longitudinal con-trol arms, wishbones, anti-roll bars and stabilizers. Wabash National Corp. announced it completed the acquisition of certain operating assets of Benson International a manufacturer of aluminum flatbeds, dump trailers and other truck bodies for about $5 million. Wabash says the transaction, financed from available credit facilities, also provides the company with a leased 180,000-square-foot manufactur-ing facility in Cadiz, Ky., an experienced work force and a strong dealer network. We now can offer a premier all-aluminum platform trailer line that pro-vides customers with a lower-weight, lower fuel-consumption alternative that complements our Transcraft portfolio of steel and combo flatbed offerings, says Wabash National President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Giromini. In addition, we gain access to the previously untapped dump trailer market, and now have the capability to produce a wide variety of custom-designed steel and aluminum dump trailers and platform bodies, all built to customer specifications. n Wabash buys Benson's assets (Continued from page 27)