Stephenson Equipment Inc., a Manitowoc and Grove distributor headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., has acquired C.C. & F.F. Keesler Inc. of Prospect Park, Pa.
This was a strategic purchase as part of Stephenson’s focus on growth into the southeast Philadelphia Pennsylvania market, according to Dennis Heller, president and CEO.
Seeking a facility and strategic alliance with an existing distributor, Heller approached Keesler finding significant common ground and market intentions. The two firms have a working relationship dating from the 1950s when both companies were P&H Crane distributors. Both companies were regular top ten distributors for P&H until the brand was sold in the mid 1990s. Since then both companies represented different brands but continued a business relationship, according to Rick Keesler.
Heller said the Keesler name is well respected in the industry and they have a great facility and location to service the market located off Route 95 near the Philadelphia Airport.
The company will be known as the Keesler Division of Stephenson Equipment Inc. Rick, his brother Steve, and all current employees will be retained, along with the addition of three new employees.
Rick Keesler has been appointed operations and rental manager of the division that will represent Manitowoc brands, including crawlers, Grove hydraulic cranes, National and Manitex boom trucks, Spider cranes, Shuttlelift cranes, Potain tower cranes, Cedarapids paving machines and Rogers Brothers Trailers.
Keesler has been a long time top dealer for Rogers Trailers, a tradition Stephenson intends to continue and build on.
The real value of this addition is the experience and passion to grow and service the market that comes with the Keesler group, according to the companies.
The Keesler acquisition represents Stephenson’s seventh branch with locations in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Wilkes-Barre and Pittsburgh, Pa., and branch operations in Albany and Syracuse, N.Y.
For a complete list of products and services visit www.stephensonequipment.com. CEG
