EMCO launches Mono-Leaf Spring amid supply chain challenges
EMCO Industries, a manufacturer of leaf springs for trailers, recently launched a High-Performance Mono-Leaf Spring for heavy-duty trailer applications.
The new 22,400-lb. gross-axle-weight-rated spring addresses critical onshore supply chain delays that have plagued OEMs and distributors, leaving them struggling to source a basic, yet essential, component, EMCO reported.
The company’s entry into the mono-leaf market comes as trailer manufacturers also face mounting uncertainty due to tariffs on offshore suppliers. EMCO’s new offering provides a 25% weight reduction compared to traditional 22.4K axle leaf springs, dropping from 53 lbs. to 40 lbs., while delivering performance characteristics that exceed the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association’s B-10 fatigue life requirements.
“In today’s environment of supply chain uncertainty, we’re providing reliability,” Marcus Hester, EMCO president, said in a news release. “Fueled in part by demand and by our track record of on- time delivery, we’ve seen a lot of customer enthusiasm. We’re seizing this opportunity and are doubling down on our commitment to domestic manufacturing with a significant multimillion dollar investment in automation and expanded capacity.”
The new mono-leaf spring is particularly well suited for applications requiring lower suspension clearance, including container chassis, flatbed trailers, and drive-on trailers. Both low- and high-arch configurations will be available, with the low-arch variant expected to see the highest demand based on customer feedback.
EMCO will begin taking orders immediately, with delivery times of around eight weeks, the company said.
Meeting market demand
The launch comes as EMCO nears completion on a new 30,000-sq.-ft. automated manufacturing facility in Claremore, Oklahoma, that is expected to create 20 jobs and more than double the company’s production capacity. The expansion, featuring robotic cells working in conjunction with EMCO’s skilled labor force, will also enhance the company’s ability to meet on-time delivery schedules.
“We’ve been urging EMCO to develop a mono-leaf spring and we’re thrilled that they’ve done it,” said Joel Schubach, chief operating officer and owner of Pratt Industries. “Their commitment to using U.S. steel and investing in a state-of-the-art automated facility right here in America demonstrates exactly what we need more of in this industry. EMCO has proven they will deliver when they say they will deliver, and that’s one less factor, for our production folks to worry about.”
The mono-leaf springs will be manufactured using EMCO’s proprietary steel specifications and heat-treating processes, with each spring individually painted for superior corrosion resistance.
“We look forward to adding EMCO’s mono-leaf spring to our supply chain,” said Chad Dugger, sourcing manager for Stoughton Trailers. “Their past track record of reliability and on-time delivery has earned our trust and we’re confident this new product will meet the same high standards we’ve come to expect from our relationship with EMCO.”