The strategic partnership of AL‑KO Vehicle Technology (VT) and Dexter has successfully completed as planned on January 1st, 2016. The combined business will be known as DexKo Global Inc. The combined business will be known as DexKo Global Inc. The AL‑KO Kober SE introduced the business division of AL‑KO Vehicle technology in the DexKo Global Inc. and is reinvesting in the company. The majority owners of DexKo Global Inc. will be funds managed by The Sterling Group, Dexter’s current main owner. The combined company will include AL‑KO Kober SE as a significant shareholder.
Fred Bentley, former CEO of Maxion Wheels, has been appointed President and CEO of DexKo Global Inc. Adam Dexter will continue to perform his tasks as President and CEO of Dexter in the U.S. Harald Hiller will continue in his role of President of AL-KO VT. Kevin Garland, a Partner at The Sterling Group, will continue as Chairman of the Board. Stefan Kober, CEO of AL‑KO Kober SE, will assume the role of Vice Chairman of the Board.
Dexter is a leading manufacturer of trailer axles, brakes and related components in North America serving the utility trailer, recreational vehicle, heavy duty, manufactured housing, agricultural, marine, and specialty trailer markets. Dexter is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana and has seven manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
AL‑KO VT, headquartered in Kötz (Germany), is the leading European developer and manufacturer of axles and chassis for trailers, leisure vehicles and light commercial vehicles. The company operates from about 40 locations around the world, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, China and South America.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead and bring together two world class organisations,” stated Fred Bentley, President and CEO of DexKo Global Inc. “We will focus on continuing to lead with great technology and customer service and to expand our market leadership positions. These are highly exciting and fascinating times for the new, worldwide operating company. We will jointly apply our relevant strengths to the benefit of our customers, employees, suppliers and stakeholders.”
“AL‑KO prides itself on providing unparalleled quality, innovation and the highest levels of customer service,” said Harald Hiller, President of AL‑KO VT. “ he strategic partnership of AL‑KO VT and Dexter and the formation of DexKo Global Inc. will enhance AL‑KO’s resources and ability to introduce new technologies and products to better serve our loyal customer base.”
The combination of Dexter and AL-KO VT will result in the world’s biggest manufacturer of trailer axles and chassis components with sales of nearly $1 billion. The Dexter and AL‑KO VT brands will continue as market leaders in their respective geographies. The two companies will be able to leverage shared resources and technology, as well as the advantages of a global footprint and significantly expanded scale.
