Morbark Inc. last week announced that the first Boxer compact utility loader has rolled off its production line. Morbark, a manufacturer of tree care, sawmill, recycling, forestry and biomass chipping and grinding equipment, acquired Boxer Equipment, a product line of Mertz Manufacturing, at the end of 2012.
Morbark’s staff gathered to watch as the first Boxer unit completed at the Morbark factory in Winn, Mich., a model 320 compact loader, was unveiled with a boxing-themed introduction.
“It’s been an amazing journey and a real testament to the teamwork and dedication of our staff,” said Jim Shoemaker Jr., president, Morbark, Inc. “In the 84 days since we received the intellectual property, we have moved inventory from Oklahoma to Michigan, invested in additional long-lead inventory, set up aftermarket parts and service support for existing Boxer customers, created a production line — including weld and assembly fixtures — created marketing material, completed our first dealer training sessions, and today, completed the production of our first unit.”
Morbark is currently working to fill Boxer back orders, as well as working with their authorized dealer network and previous Boxer dealers to ensure that customers receive unmatched service, after-sales support and fast, efficient parts fulfillment. Morbark is scheduled to reach its full production capacity in June.
“This product line will fit like a glove with the rest of the tree care products that we make, as well as allow Morbark, our dealers and our customers to penetrate new markets and create new opportunities for their businesses,” Shoemaker added.
Morbark builds equipment for customers serving the forestry, recycling, sawmill, bio-energy, landscaping/irrigation, rental and tree care markets.
Boxer equipment has four model series available, including the 118 dedicated trencher and the 300, 400 and 500 series, which are built to handle more than 50 universal compact utility attachments. For Boxer Equipment product information, visit www.boxerequipment.com.
