 Triple
T Sales Montana Tractors
I've owned several loader tractors
in my decades on the farm, backhoe business & custom haying.
Montana's have what I look, solid easy to maneuver tractor.
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An interview with Universal Trailer
Investor and Board Member Paul Zepf
CINCINNATI, Ohio/May 30, 2008
In February 2008, Universal Trailer
Corporation President and CEO Tom Frey announced that Corporate Partners
II [CP] had invested $45 million in newly issued equity of Universal
Trailer Corporation [UTC], thereby becoming UTC’s largest shareholder.
UTC is the largest
specialty trailer manufacturer in North America. The Company
manufactures a wide selection of trailer and motorcoach products. Its
brands are Haulmark, Haulmark Motorcoach,
Featherlite, Exiss, Sooner and Miley. Paul Zepf, a Managing Principal of
CP, talks about his firm’s recent investment in UTC. Mark Wicks of
GateHouse Media Inc. is the interviewer. Below is a summary of Paul
Zepf’s remarks (edited for clarity).
GateHouse Media:
How do you view Corporate Partners II’s [CP] relatively
new status as majority shareholder of Universal Trailer Corporation [UTC]?
Paul Zepf:
After its first hundred days as UTC’s largest shareholder, Corporate
Partners II has seen a unique strength emerge through the alliance of a
large investment firm and the leading American specialty trailer
company. From a number of perspectives, including capital resources,
having an investment fund the size of Corporate Partners’ in support of
Universal Trailer is unique in the industry.
GateHouse Media:
What attracted CP to an investment in this trailer
company?
Paul Zepf: We
were attracted to UTC based on the strength of the company’s products
and management, and its leading market positions.
GateHouse Media:
The overall economy being what it is, how has UTC
performed?
Paul Zepf:
Despite a difficult economy and high commodity prices since we first
made our investment, UTC is performing in‐line with our expectations,
largely the result of the steps management has taken to adjust to the
current environment.
GateHouse Media:
What stands out since CP entered into the relationship?
Paul Zepf: In
the past four months UTC has showcased new product innovations at each
of four dealer conventions, launched national retail promotions and
brought greater efficiencies to its manufacturing facilities in seven
states.
GateHouse Media:
How does CP function managerially with UTC?
Paul Zepf: We
made the investment in UTC to support the company and the management
teams at each of the [divisions]. We bring to the table substantial
capital resources and management counsel, and provide assistance in
strategic development, both internally and through potential
acquisitions. Going forward, these additional resources should position
Universal Trailer well ahead of others in the competitive marketplace.
GateHouse Media:
What do you see looking forward?
Paul Zepf: The
first four months held few surprises. We did a lot of work and spent
months researching the industry and Universal Trailer Corporation before
investing. From this effort, I believe we developed a good understanding
of the industry, the market environment and each of the UTC
subsidiaries. The current market is challenging and metal prices have
spiked upwards, but UTC management has made adjustments to operate
profitably in this environment. Corporate Partners II expects to
continue to work with UTC to build on its existing strengths. This
relationship can effect higher performance in the current environment as
well as in the coming upturn. Our efforts will continue to enhance our
important relationships with our distribution partners and end
customers.
ABOUT CORPORATE PARTNERS
Corporate Partners is a leading private
equity group targeting significant investments in established public and
private companies. In 2005, Corporate Partners closed its most recent
fund, CP II, with capital commitments of $1.1 billion. Corporate
Partners Invests in
Solutions® by providing
equity and equity‐related capital to support companies where there is a
value‐added use of proceeds such as a strategic acquisition, the pursuit
of a growth initiative, strengthening the balance sheet, increasing
shareholder stability and other important corporate needs. Corporate
Partners is a business unit of Lazard Alternative Investments. For more
information on Corporate Partners, go to
www.corporatepartnersllc.com. |
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Featherlite ‘PerfectFit’ Living
Quarters with striking new décor selections
reshapes trailer buying experience
 CRESCO,
Iowa/April 10, 2008 — Featherlite® Trailers continues to transform the
traveling and buying experience of horse owners with the introduction of
striking new décor options now available through the popular PerfectFit™
System.
The PerfectFit System is a new process that allows the horse trailer to
be designed around the horse owner and their horses, without the custom
price. Previously featured only on select living quarters models, it is
now available on Featherlite’s entire line of horse and livestock
trailers.
Along with the introduction of the expanded PerfectFit System,
Featherlite has many new décor options available. In 2007, Featherlite
first partnered with Sierra Custom Interiors to produce Featherlite’s
entire line of living quarters interiors, which continues today.
Among its new options is an expanded selection of cabinet woods
including Aged Paulownia (dark oak), Farmyard Hickory, Moving Walnut and
Trinity Oak, in addition to the traditional choices. A new assortment of
fabric selections for seating or valances is also available, but extra
this year is a medley of upgraded exotic leather seating options,
including a number of animal patterns.
Standard flooring is linoleum, which in 2008 features more stone walk
qualities. Upgrades to ceramic or hardwood are available.
In addition to cabinets, flooring, seating and valances, major
selections for new living quarters customers are wall covering, ceiling
and countertops. After designing the “look and feel” of their interior,
the customer will move on to other amenities such as entertainment
options. A popular entertainment choice for many living quarters owners
recently has been the stereo with DVD and surround sound and optional XM
satellite radio. Other popular options include an electric fireplace,
electric awning with wind sensor and remote control and the dishwashing
drawer option.
“The PerfectFit System makes the selection process of interior options
and floor plans much easier for customers when they meet with their
local Featherlite dealer to order their living quarters,” Featherlite
National Sales Manager Randy Lewis said. As always, if a customer
doesn’t want to go through the selection process, dealers have a range
of living quarters inventory on their sales lots for customers to select
from.
With the new PerfectFit, customers will see the consolidation of
Featherlite’s living quarters models down to one model, the Model 8581.
“Our previous model offering was larger and more complicated, but each
of the models was more limited in its selections,” Lewis said. “The
PerfectFit System puts the focus more on the configuration, layout and
functionality of the trailer. The customer ends up getting more choices
and superior value.”
The process begins with the customer selecting their required number of
horse stalls, the short wall length and the width of the trailer. Then
dealers will let customers pick from a wide array of interior floor
plans and the major décor options before focusing more narrowly on
specific features and options. This continues until the trailer meets
their exact requirements.
For more information, see a Featherlite dealer or call 800-800-1230 for
a free brochure or go to the Featherlite website at
www.fthr.com/tnews
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Featherlite introduces versatile
new combination trailer
 CRESCO,
Iowa (October 31, 2007) – With its versatility, Featherlite’s new Model
8409 combination trailer is a great option for horse owners, livestock
owners and hobby farmers. A bumper pull, Model 8409 is available in
16-foot and 20-foot lengths and is designed for hauling both cattle and
horses.
It features a full swing rear door with lockable slider, 4-foot dressing
room and a skid resistant aluminum floor. It’s available with an
optional slant wall, air spacing and tack package, among many other
options. Like all Featherlite livestock and horse trailers, the Model
8409 comes with Featherlite’s sleek new “Wave’ side panels.
For more information on Featherlite Model 8409, call Featherlite at
800-800-1230, visit your local dealer or go to the web at
www.fthr.com/tnews . |
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Featherlite New
‘PerfectFit™ System’ Matches Customer to ‘Perfect’ Horse Trailer at a
Lower Price
CRESCO, Iowa (Oct. 12, 2007) – Owning a
horse trailer that is designed around the particular, detailed needs of
the customer has never been easier, thanks to a streamlined new system
unveiled today by Featherlite Trailers. Deemed the “PerfectFit™” System,
it takes the customer through an easy 7-step process that culminates in
a “perfect trailer match” for them and their horses.
“I guess you’d say we’re in the matchmaking business,” Featherlite
National Sales Manager Randy Lewis says with a smile. “Every horse
trailer customer has a different idea what they want in their trailer
because each horse owner is unique in their own way. They know their
horses have individual requirements, too. So we adapted our system to
create the “perfect” horse trailer for each individual
“The beauty of the new Featherlite ‘PerfectFit’ is that the customer can
get a trailer customized to them but doesn’t have to pay a custom
price.”
The PerfectFit System is available on all Featherlite enclosed horse
trailers including 9-ft. living quarters and under.
Featherlite dealers also have many horse trailer models in stock on
their sales lots. The PerfectFit System allows them to more accurately
pre-order popular models with the most wanted accessories.
To focus on the horse trailer model that is best for them, each customer
can go down a list of seven questions with their dealer. “Do you want a
gooseneck or bumper pull” is the first, followed by questions on load
type, stall size, number of horses, preferred width and height and size
of dressing room. From there the customer can select from an almost
unlimited array of features and options.
“Featherlite trailers come with a lot of superior features
standard—including patented slam latch dividers for security, Light-Flo
feed doors for better ventilation, striking new “Wave” panels, L.E.D.
lights for style and visibility and now dynamic wraparound rear lights,
to name a few,” Lewis said. “Beyond those, many horse trailer customers
want more choices so their trailer becomes unique to them. Featherlite
is pleased to offer a selection unmatched by any other horse trailer
manufacturer.”
Featherlite is the nation’s oldest aluminum specialty trailer brand. Its
aluminum uni-body construction is known for extraordinary towing ease,
extreme durability with only routine maintenance, continuing innovation
and advanced safety features that help protect animals during transport.
For more information, see a Featherlite dealer, call 800-800-1230 or
check the Featherlite website at
www.fthr.com/tnews .
 Working
harder to provide continuing innovation.
Featherlite has unveiled wraparound rear lights as standard
equipment on its horse trailers along with a simpler, easier way to
order trailers based on detailed customer preferences. This innovative
new process is called the Featherlite ‘PerfectFit’ System.
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Featherlite NPNI Program
Now through September 29, 2007,
customers can receive 7 Months No Payments, 6 Months No Interest (NPNI) on
new 2007 and prior model year Featherlite trailers at participating
Featherlite dealers. Down payment may be required. Not available with any
other offer. Available to qualified buyers, subject to approval by GE Money.
Offer good until Sept. 29, 2007. Some restrictions apply. See your local
Featherlite dealer for more details. Call 800-800-1230 for your nearest
Featherlite dealer.
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Featherlite unveils striking
enhancements to its horse trailers and living quarters
Introduction includes new Featherlite/Sierra
Interiors Collection & ‘wave’ side panels
 CRESCO,
Iowa - Transforming its entire
horse trailer product line, Featherlite is excited to
announce the beginning of a new partnership with Sierra
Custom Interiors and to introduce its new ‘wave’ side
panels on horse trailers. With the new partnership,
Sierra will produce Featherlite’s entire line of
standard and standard with options living quarters,
while the new side panels notably alter the exterior
look of the Featherlite horse trailer.
 “This is the largest product development announcement
ever at Featherlite,” Randy Lewis, Featherlite national
sales manager, said. “The new exterior of the
Featherlite gives a fresh, sleek appearance to the
already distinctive, premium look of Featherlite. Mix
the new side panels and other innovations with the new
Featherlite/Sierra Interiors Collection, and we feel
we’ve given horse owners every reason to choose
Featherlite.”
‘Wave’ Featherlites
 The new models are being called the ‘wave’
Featherlites because of the sleek undulating design of
the new side panels now standard on all Featherlite
horse trailers with aluminum side panels. The new sides
are modeled after the panels on the Featherlite Medalist
Series introduced last year. “The new sides create a
striking and even more eye-catching Featherlite horse
trailer,” Lewis said. “No matter where it goes this new
Featherlite will turn heads.”
 Featherlite/Sierra Interiors Collection
The new Featherlite/Sierra Interiors Collection is
the result of a new partnership between Featherlite and
Sierra Custom Interiors. Sierra, of Elkhart, Indiana,
will produce Featherlite’s entire line of standard and
standard with options living quarters trailers.
 “The Featherlite/Sierra Interiors offer our customers
unbelievable décor selections, including thousands of
options and many new standard features,” Lewis said.
“Plus, they’ll benefit from the remarkable craftsmanship
that comes with each Sierra interior.” The
Featherlite/Sierra Interiors Collection will feature an
array of eight décor packages or customers can choose
from options for a more customized interior.
More great features
In other product news, all Featherlite trailers are
now equipped with sharper looking L.E.D. lights that
enhance visibility when traveling down the road. Plus,
two additional stop/turn L.E.D. lights are now standard
on horse trailers.
Additional Information
The new Featherlites are arriving at local
Featherlite dealers now. For more information on the new
Featherlites, call Featherlite at 800-800-1230 for a
free catalog, see your local dealer or visit
www.fthr.com/tnews
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New Featherlite living quarters model expands trailer
choices for horse owners in more ways than one
 CRESCO,
IAWhether horse owners need a
place to relax during a day-long horse show or are
traveling for weeks at a time with their horses,
Featherlite offers them many horse trailer choices,
including the exciting new Model 8562.
Featherlite horse trailer Model 8562
includes a well-appointed 12’ living quarters with a
slideout that creates a lot more living space. In the
slideout is a dinette, but customers have the option of
a goucho sofa instead. The smooth flowing design of the
living quarters includes a kitchenette with a cooktop
stove, microwave, sink and refrigerator. The trailer
also includes a restroom with a neo-angled shower and a
bed in the gooseneck.
Model 8562 is available in a 3 and
4-horse version. It also includes Light Flo drop down
feed doors, 3/4” deep cushion floor mats, a low
maintenance enclosed wiring harness and noise-reducing
rubber coated tie rings. The 8562 comes with aluminum
corrugations and is also available with smooth skin
(Model 9662) or stainless steel corrugations (Model
9962).
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  Featherlite
unveils new ‘super durable’ 2007 SURVs designed for avid outdoor
enthusiasts
It’s a traveling ‘home on the range’ with new features and garage
CRESCO, Iowa / July 17, 2006 – Outdoor activities – from riding
ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes to maneuvering dune buggies to
hunting and fishing – continue to grow in popularity. With that
growing popularity are people’s desires to travel to their
recreational activities for days at a time and still feel at home.
Featherlite’s Sport Utility Recreational Vehicles (SURV), including
its new 2007 models, features and options, continue to offer that
luxury to outdoor enthusiasts.
Featherlite, the leading manufacturer of NASCAR race car
transporters, has built its legendary hauling capacity and
impressive durability into every SURV model.
Featherlite’s new SURV for 2007 is Model 7925. A bumper pull, the
7925 is 28-feet long and includes a cargo wall, which creates a 10
½-feet length in the garage and cargo area. “The cargo wall allows
for a separate area from the living quarters for hauling and storing
ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, dune buggies, off-road vehicles or
outdoor equipment,” Featherlite National Sales Manager Randy Lewis
said. “It means a neater, cleaner, more efficient space all around.”
New Model 7925 comes with a standard goucho sofa and dinette in the
living quarters portion, in addition to a refrigerator, cooktop
stove, restroom with shower and toilet, vanity with sink, closets,
colorful graphics and more.
In addition to the new Model 7925, Featherlite’s SURV product line
includes Models 7924 and 7943. Model 7943 is available in 24, 28 and
32-feet lengths plus the length of the gooseneck. New for 2007, the
28 and 32-feet lengths, are available with the “garage wall package”
that creates the cargo wall that separates the garage and living
area. Model 7943, as well as Model 7924, each include two fold-down
benches, a refrigerator, cooktop stove, restroom with shower and
toilet, vanity with sink, cabinets and an optional pull down queen
bed in the rear. The 7943 also includes a bed in the gooseneck.
New standard features now available on all Featherlite SURVs include
cargo netting that is above all overhead cabinets in SURVs with the
cargo wall, which allows for additional interior storage space. Also
standard is Featherlite Gripstar rear ramp lining that is designed
to grip the tires of the recreational vehicle for a smooth,
slip-resistant entry into and out of the garage area. The SURVs also
come with a 100-gallon fresh water tank, a porch light and lighted
grab handle at the entrance of the living quarters, a new sliding
shower stall door, a wall mounted thermostat and six tie downs per
trailer for securing cargo.
“In addition to hauling motorized recreational vehicles, Featherlite
SURV trailers are perfect for hunters, fishermen, rock climbers and
other outdoor enthusiasts for hauling all their outdoor gear while
on trips away from home,” Lewis said.
Many new options are available with Featherlite SURV trailers
including 110-volt flat screen TVs, electric double queen beds, a
portable exterior grill, 20 gallon fueling station and exterior
speakers. Featherlite SURVs come with a standard Route 66 décor
package, but SURV owners can also choose from Featherlite’s Red
Glory, Simulated Pine and Simulated Oak décor packages.
Featherlite has been building all-aluminum trailers since 1973 for
hauling cars, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, horses and more.
Featherlite also manufactures race car transporters for leading
professional race car teams and is the official trailer of NASCAR.
“Unlike some toy haulers that are made of steel, fiberglass or wood,
Featherlite’s SURV trailers are manufactured with premium,
corrosion-resistant aluminum that is lighter, more durable and
easier to tow,” Lewis said. “Featherlite’s construction allows for
heavier load capacity and more years on the road. In addition,
Featherlite SURVs have a lower floor height that makes loading
motorized recreational vehicles and equipment easier.”
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 Featherlite
unveils Medalist Series with advanced styling and inventive features
Featherlite Medalist available on over 85 horse trailer
models
CRESCO, Iowa / May 15, 2006 – Inspired by horse owners who yearn for
a horse trailer built ‘their way’, Featherlite, Inc.,
the nation’s oldest specialty aluminum trailer brand, has unveiled
its Featherlite Medalist Series. Featherlite’s new generation of
aluminum horse trailers offer a unique blend of advanced styling and
inventive features customized to the specific needs of horse owners
and their horses.
“Featherlite has incorporated many new innovative features into the
Featherlite Medalist that creates a stunning trailer, both inside
and out,” Randy Lewis, Featherlite national sales manager, said.
“The Featherlite Medalist Series was truly designed and built for
discerning horse owners.” The Featherlite Medalist is available on
over 85 models in bumper pull, gooseneck and living quarters
platforms.
The Medalist Series helps redefine horse transportation through
advanced features found in the horse area. Those unique features
include L.E.D. strip lighting that lines the ceiling on both sides
of the horse area. This strip lighting, combined with white aluminum
lined and insulated ceiling and walls, offers a lighter, more
comfortable horse area for loading and traveling. Another safety
feature in the horse area are Featherlite “safety guard” cushioned
stall pads. In addition to the horse area, the dressing room
includes upscale interior L.E.D. strip lighting.
A range of external innovations also add to the distinctive style of
the Medalist Series. They include polished cast corner caps, a
three-dimensional aluminum feather on the front of the trailer,
radius rear frame with wraparound lights, L.E.D lights and a sturdy
.063 aluminum skin. Some models feature aluminum or stainless steel
corrugations that run the entire length of the trailer from the drop
to the rear.
The Featherlite Medalist features chrome glass windows and feed
doors that help reflect light and heat from the horse area and add
to the enhanced appearance. Other features include internal rear
door hardware, heavy-duty camper doors and an extended gooseneck
length for more space and storage.
A unique option available on the Medalist Series is an electric
saddle rack that extends down and out from the trailer with the push
of a button, making it easer to maneuver the saddles. Other options
include Featherlite 06 series aluminum wheels and a stainless steel
s-drop enclosure on the gooseneck models.
For more information on the Featherlite Medalist Series, call
Featherlite at 800-800-1230 for a free catalog, see your local
dealer or visit
www.fthr.com/tnews . |
 Featherlite,
Inc., the nation’s oldest specialty aluminum
trailer brand, has unveiled its most affordable living quarters
horse trailer. New Model 8946 has an external design like no
other Featherlite horse trailer and is uniquely priced for
entry-level living quarters buyers.
More.... |
 New
Model 9415 horse trailer includes standard side ramp
Featherlite – Outfitted with a side ramp for easier
unloading, the new Featherlite Model 9415 all aluminum bumper
pull horse trailer was designed especially with hunters and
jumpers in mind. “For horse owners
who prefer to have their horses walking forward ...
More... |
 Clinton
Anderson unveils limited edition Featherlite trailer New
features and enhancements offer customers convenience and
styleRenowned
equestrian clinician and trainer Clinton Anderson was in
attendance at the Featherlite International Dealer Meeting
this spring to unveil the Clinton Anderson Downunder Edition
of Featherlite Model 9406. The new special features were
personally selected by Anderson and include an array of...
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 Featherlite
Trailers begins partnership with Clinton Anderson Downunder
Horsemanship.
CRESCO, Iowa / March 7, 2005 – Featherlite®,
Inc., a leading horse trailer manufacturer, is pleased to
announce a new joint venture with renowned equestrian trainer
and clinician Clinton Anderson.
More Details... |
By launching their new
mobile exhibit and display, Wahl
Clipper Corporation continues to
reach out to the public. The 48 ft. mobile exhibit trailer, designed and
built by Featherlite Trailers, will be traveling the country attending a
variety of state fairs and trade shows including a number of Clinton
Anderson’s Wahl Walkabout Clinics.
More.. |
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Roadside Assistance for Equestrians.
