The heavy-haul trailer manufacturing company designates new leadership. Scott Wall assumes the role of vice chairman of the board of directors, while the position of president and chief executive officer will be filled by Steve Fairbanks.
“We were really lucky to find Steve, a native Midwesterner,” says Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Scott Wall, “as we look forward, it is important to take the right steps to build and grow the company. There is no doubt that Steve’s background in specialized manufacturing, along with his strong vision, will prove valuable to XL. I am truly excited to welcome Steve to the team and to start this new chapter of the company with him.” Steve brings extensive knowledge of strategy, lean manufacturing, six Sigma, production, engineering, and team-building to XL Specialized Trailers.
Fairbanks originates from southwest Michigan and has since made his way to Iowa. Steve earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Baldwin Wallace College. Steve went on to hold engineering and marketing roles at Copeland Corporation (a division of Emerson Electric). Then he went on to serve as president at Corken, Inc. and Viking Pump (both divisions of IDEX Corporation). Since 2004, Steve has initiated processes to improve the truck equipment manufacturer, Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) as president and president/CEO. His leadership helped IMT grow significantly through the Great Recession.
“I am really glad to be here at XL Specialized Trailers. I have spent a lot of time in the truck equipment market, and I look forward to working with all of the leaders in the heavy-haul trailer market,” says CEO Steve Fairbanks, “I enjoy the dealer-driven and customer-focused attitude of the company and I am excited to continue the partnership with XL dealers and customers.”