Company History
During our transformation from a small body works shop in 1955 to a major national provider of commercial truck bodies, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to manufacturing the best vocational work truck bodies on the market and continually refining them to meet the needs of our customers. Every Reading truck body bears the mark of that history. It reflects decades of thoughtful refinement and inspired innovation. It reflects the strength and durability of quality American manufacturing craftsmanship. It reflects the experience and expertise from employees who take pride in the Reading name. And it reflects years of listening to truck equipment distributors, contractors and fleet managers like you to create the truck bodies you envision and the performance you expect.
Reading Body Works is Established
1955
The Company is established as Reading Body Works, Inc. by Mr. Irving Suknow to make truck bodies for contracting industries, giving them an organized method of storing tools, equipment and inventory while increasing efficiency on the job.
Model 108A Service Body Adapted
1958
The model 108A service body is adapted to serve as a service station maintenance “shop on wheels.”
A New Line of Utility Bodies
1959
Reading unveils a new line of utility bodies designed to fit the lower profile of the 1960 Ford chassis.
Meet "Ready" the Reading Kangaroo
1960
Reading introduces the mascot “Ready” the Reading kangaroo and the slogan “Don’t Pile It – File It” to market the concept of organized mobile storage.
Reading Customizes Dairy Trucks
1962
New Reading utility and panel bodies customized for the dairy industry are added to the Reading product lineup.
Mobile Maintenance Truck Body Designed
1964
A new Reading mobile maintenance truck body is designed for servicing road construction equipment.
Sliding Steel Top Announced
1966
Reading announces a new sliding steel top design that provides enhanced safety and performance.
Saddle-Mate Introduced
1970
Reading introduces the “Saddle-Mate” tool and parts carrier.
New Line of Service Bodies
1973
A new line of Reading service bodies and accessories is developed for Ford Courier, Chevy Luv, Datsun and Toyota half-ton trucks.
Space Cap 98+8 Introduced
1976
Reading introduces the Space Cap 98+8, a taller version of its all-steel Space Cap.
Mini-Pumper Developed
1977
Reading develops a custom mini-pumper service body for municipal fire and rescue departments.
Cranemaster Introduced
1979
The Reading Cranemaster body is introduced.
All-Aluminum Body Debuts
1979
Reading develops the first all-aluminum truck body in the industry and tests it in adverse northern climate conditions.
Ready-Vans Added to Railroad Fleet
1986
Railroad adds Ready-Vans to its fleet to save time on signal maintenance.
E-Coat Priming System Developed
1988
The Reading team develops its exclusive full-body immersion E-Coat priming system.
First Keyless Locking System
1995
Innovative thinking at Reading brings the first keyless locking system to the work truck market. It locks and unlocks compartment doors by remote from up to 25 feet away. This market changing innovation continues to be refined today.
Reading Introduces Powder Coat Finish
2000
Reading becomes the first to offer full-body polyester powder coat finish, providing a smooth and durable finish that offers progressive corrosion resistance.
We Become Reading Truck Body
2003
Reading Body Works, Inc. becomes Reading Truck Body, Inc., continuing to sell its products through a network of independent distributors. The company also acquires Crest Truck Equipment and its five locations and establishes Reading Equipment & Distribution, Inc. as its company-owned distribution arm.
A Reading Re-Alignment
2006
LLR Partners purchases Reading Truck Body and establishes The Reading Group, LLC (TRG) as the organization over its manufacturing and distribution companies. TRG also establishes Reading Fleet Services as a provider of complete product and logistics solutions to commercial fleets and major leasing companies, using TRG facilities with Ship-thru capabilities for OEM chassis manufacturers.
Also in 2006, Reading Truck Body introduces its patented hidden hinge technology, improving maintenance requirements, aesthetics and corrosion resistance.
Go Green Initiative Launched
2008
TRG launches the Go Green Initiative, offering aluminum as a standard offering for many of its truck bodies to lower vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency while maintaining strict durability standards. They introduce a 10-year corrosive and structural warranty on aluminum bodies.
Reading Group Purchases ABC
2008
The Reading Group purchases America’s Body Company (ABC) and begins to manufacture Rugged American brand aluminum, fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRP) dry freight bodies, Rugged American landscape and contractor bodies and Marauder dump bodies.
Award Winning Innovations
2009
Reading is awarded the inaugural Work Truck “Green” Award and the Editors’ Choice Award for new product innovations in its aluminum work truck offerings.
Welcome Brian Nadel
2011
Brian Nadel joins Reading Truck Body as President and CEO.
More Re-Alignment
2012
Under CEO Brian Nadel’s leadership,The Reading Group is realigned into three distinct business units: truck bodies, van bodies and distribution operations.
A Renewed Focus
2012
Reading divests van body operations for a renewed focus on core product and value-added service offerings supported by the “Welcome Back/Tailgate” campaign.
Reading Consolidates Locations
2013
Company-owned distribution operations are consolidated into six locations to better serve a growing national customer base.
Reading Group Partners w/ Monroe Truck
2013
The Reading Group and Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc. announce a strategic partnership to strengthen distribution coverage and improve customer service in the Midwest region.
Landscaper SL Introduced
2014
Reading Truck Body launches the all-new Landscaper SL for the nursery and landscaping industries.
Reading Adapts To New Markets
2014
With the new euro-style van market hitting the US strong, Reading adapts its successful Aluminum Classic Service Van (CSV) to work with the new Ford Transit and RAM ProMaster cutaway chassis.
RAM Chassis Pool Added in Ohio
2014
Reading Truck Body adds a RAM chassis pool to its Columbus, OH, location and expands its footprint with the new corporate offices adjacent to the plant.
We look forward to continued growth as we work to make Reading Truck Body the premier manufacturer of quality vocational work trucks.
Reading Truck Body 60th Anniversary
2015
Reading Truck Body reaches its 60th anniversary. Thanks to all who have put their trust in the Reading brand. We’re looking forward to continuing our tradition of building and refining some of the hardest working, toughest vocational work truck bodies out there.
J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc.
2015
Reading Truck Group, LLC is purchased by, and operates as a subsidiary of, J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc.
Master Mechanic™ Series
2017
Reading Truck Group adds the Master Mechanic™ Series, heavy-duty crane and service bodies, to it’s product portfolio.
Reading Acquires Action Fabrication & Truck Equipment
2020
Reading Truck Group acquired Action Fabrication & Truck Equipment Inc. and its affiliates. Action Fabrication is a well-established regional manufacturer and upfitter of service utility truck bodies and specialty truck equipment bodies, with facilities located in Tarpon Springs, Florida.