NATM Bill Bernhardt Award Recipients

The Bill Bernhardt Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Association and the trailer manufacturing industry. It is named for the founding member and first President of NATM. This year, two of the nominees stood out as being equally deserving of the award. As such, there are two recipients of the award this year...

Our second recipient is a manufacturer. His company has grown over the 40 years of its existence to become a recognized source of trailers for local users as well as a major supplier of trailers to the construction and equipment rental industries.

A 1959 graduate of Penn State University, he is a licensed professional engineer and has been involved in both professional and community activities throughout his career. He has served various committees and chairmanships of state and regional chapters of The American Society of Agricultural Engineers, The Penn State Industrial and Advisory Council, the Penn State Agricultural Advisory Council, and The Penn State Engineering Society. He received the 1988 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Penn State's College of Engineering. In addition, he has been active in various local organizations including current participation in the Denver Lions Club, the Cocalico Area Senior Center, and St. John's United Church of Christ, where he has been a teacher for more than 30 years.

He was appointed to the NATM Board of Directors in 1996 to fill an unexpired term and elected to his first term in 1997. He was re-elected in 2000, serving a total of seven years including a term as the Association's President from 2000 to 2001. He was an active participant and advocate for change during his seven years on the NATM Board of Directors. It was his vision that, "NATM will be the "Premier" association for manufacturers of trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR." As such, he wrote the first Five-Year Vision statement, which was revised and adopted by the Board of Directors as the "Vision" for NATM. He also wrote the performance standards for ASC and the Executive Director that became an addendum to the NATM Bylaws. Numerous new programs were implemented or started under his leadership including the current Awards Program, the NATM Operations Manual, the Compliance Program and the new Compliance Decal. He estimates that he has attended approximately 65 meetings, Conventions and business visits on behalf of NATM.

Announcing new NATM Board Members

Three new members were elected to the NATM Board of Directors for the 2003-2006 term. Newly elected Board Members are Matt Arnold, Andy Gehman, and Larry McDonald. Brad Baker, Classic Manufacturing; Roland Gehman, MGS; and Ed Freel, KampCo, will be retiring from the Board.

The new members are looking forward to serving the Association. Andy Gehman, MGS, Inc., and Matt Arnold, Haulmark, will represent Regular members. Andy says, "I am very excited about serving on the NATM Board. I believe it will be a challenging and rewarding experience. MGS places a high value on our NATM membership and this is one way that we can contribute to the organization." Matt is also excited about serving on the Board and says, "I am looking forward to getting involved and helping guide the Association in a positive direction. I believe I have expertise that I can contribute so that we all can benefit."

Larry McDonald, Lucky "B", will represent Associate Members on the Board. Larry stated, "Our company has supported NATM from virtually the beginning of its existence. I am pleased to be selected by the Associate Members to represent them on the Board. I am looking forward to serving and helping guide NATM's future growth."

From the NATM monthly 'TRACKS' magazine...
Outgoing Board Member Profiles

In February, at the end of the 15th Annual Convention & Exhibition, three outstanding NATM members will end their terms on the Board of Directors. Brad Baker, Ed Freel, and Roland Gehman have served on the Board a combined total of 23 years. All three have served the maximum number of terms allowed by the Bylaws and are not eligible for reelection. These three members have made significant contributions to both NATM and the trailer manufacturing industry and played an important role in the growth and success of NATM.

Roland Gehman (1996-2003)
Roland Gehman is Chairman of MGS Inc., a manufacturing company located in Denver, Pennsylvania. MGS, Inc. has grown over the 40 years of its existence to become a recognized source of trailers for local users as well as a major supplier of trailers to the construction and equipment rental industries. A 1959 graduate of Penn State University, he is a licensed professional engineer and has been involved in both professional and community activities throughout his career.

He has served various committees and chairmanships of state and regional chapters of The American Society of Agricultural Engineers, The Penn State Industrial and Advisory Council, the Penn State Agricultural Advisory Council, and The Penn State Engineering Society. He received the 1988 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Penn State's College of Engineering. In addition, he has been active in various local organizations including current participation in the Denver Lions Club, the Cocalico Area Senior Center, and St. John's United Church of Christ, where he has been a teacher for more than 30 years.

Roland was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1996 to fill an unexpired term and elected to his first term in 1997. He was re- elected in 2000, serving a total of seven years. He has served on numerous committees, as Chairman of the Membership/Awards Committee and in all of the officer positions, including President from 2000-2001.

As a member of the Executive Committee he was actively involved in the selection process for hiring Association Services Corporation (ASC) as the new management company for NATM in 1998 and moving the headquarters from Austin, Texas to Topeka, Kansas. He also served on the selection committee that interviewed and hired General Counsel Kim Mann and Executive Director Pam O'Toole.

Roland was an active participant and advocate for change during his seven years on the NATM Board of Directors. It was his vision that, "NATM will be the "Premier" association for manufacturers of trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR." He wrote the first Five-year Vision statement, which was revised and adopted by the entire Board as the "Vision" for NATM. He also wrote the performance standards for ASC and the Executive Director that became an addendum to the NATM Bylaws. Numerous new programs were implemented under his leadership including the current Awards Program, the NATM Operations Manual, the Compliance Program and the new Compliance Decal. He estimates that he has attended approximately 65 meetings, Conventions and business visits on behalf of NATM.

Andy Gehman, president of MGS Incorporated, commended by
Central Penn Business Journal in the 'Forty Under 40' Annual Report

Denver, Pennsylvania, December 16, 2002. This report "chronicles the success of business men and women who have had a substantial impact on their business and communities," according to Associate Publisher Peter B. Burke. "These are the people who, when tackled, refuse to stay down. They overcame hurdles and challenges to gain promotions, designations and professional victories." He adds, "They also have given their time to organizations and causes that have improved the quality of life in their communities."

Andy started, at age 10, as a "dirt removal technician." He swept the floors at MGS, Inc. At age 34 he became president of the family business. Andy says, "His father's advice and patience were critical to the successful transition of ownership."

Between 1999 and 2001 MGS operated at 130 percent of capacity while building a state-of-the-art production facility. Well-coordinated manufacturing partnerships allowed MGS to grow with its customers, despite the lack of capacity. In addition, Andy set in motion a process-oriented quality-management system to provide the framework for controlled and consistent growth.

Andy is a member of the Lancaster Multiple Sclerosis Leadership Class of 2002 and is active in the Lancaster Leadership program. He is active in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry and he also serves as a leader for his church's youth group.

Andy relates his quest for success to baseball: "It is a game of strategy where timely decisions can make or break the outcome. It is a team sport where individual talent is needed at all positions, yet success is dependent on team cohesiveness. Occasionally the outcome is determined by luck."

MGS Incorporated Appoints New Division Manager
James E. Fiant Joins the Power Products Division

Denver, Pennsylvania, April 5, 2002. MGS Incorporated, announced the appointment of James E. Fiant to the position of division manager of the firm's Power Products Division. He will be primarily responsible for new business development within the United States. Formerly employed by MGS from 1981 to 1991 on the product development staff, he returns to the company after serving with the fleet management departments of both GPU and PECO Energy.

Fiant was awarded a BS, Mechanical Engineering by the Pennsylvania State University in 1983. He is a graduate of Conrad Weiser High School and currently resides in Mohnton, Berks County.

MGS, Incorporated — with production facilities in Denver, Pennsylvania; Walton, New York; and Boise, Idaho — designs and manufactures trailer transport systems for Atlas Copco, Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler and others.

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Recognizes Local Executive
Andy Gehman of MGS, Incorporated Receives 'Outstanding Young Entrepreneur' Award

Denver, Pennsylvania, March 29, 2002. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers recently presented its "Outstanding Young Entrepreneur" award to Andy Gehman, president of MGS, Incorporated. The award acknowledges "outstanding individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated successful innovation in the industry." The award cites his "ability to operate the company at 130 percent of its production capacity while [at the same time] building a new, state-of-the-art production facility between late 1999 and early 2001."

MGS, Incorporated — with production facilities in Denver, Pennsylvania; Walton, New York; and Boise, Idaho — designs and manufactures trailer transport systems for a host of companies across the globe, including Godwin Pump, Atlas Copco, Mitsui, and Horizon Signal Technologies. In 2001, the firm was acknowledged to be one of the "50 Fastest Growing Companies in Central Pennsylvania" by the Central Penn Business Journal.

Pennsylvania Manufacturer Among 50 Fastest Growing Companies
Central Penn Business Journal Recognizes MGS Incorporated

Denver, Pennsylvania, October 22, 2001. According to a recent report in the Central Penn Business Journal, the most widely read local business publication in the region, MGS Incorporated ranks among the 50 fastest growing companies in Central Pennsylvania.

MGS designs and manufactures trailer transport systems for a host of global companies, including Godwin Pump, Atlas Copco, Mitsui, and Horizon Signal Technologies. The company recently launched a national expansion program that has resulted in a significant increase in its share of the trailer transport market.

"We will ensure continued growth and keep pace with technological developments through persistent investment in new plants and technology," says Andrew Gehman, president of MGS Incorporated. "We are determined to maintain our hard-won leadership position in our industry."

MGS Adds New Manufacturing Capability

Denver, Pennsylvania, May 16, 2001. MGS Incorporated of Denver, Pennsylvania has opened a new 45,000 square foot facility designed for large production runs of transportation equipment. The design of the new plant supports an efficient "continuous flow" manufacturing process comprising welding, painting, assembly and shipping. The building is part of a national expansion program designed to increase the company's share of the trailer market. New jobs will be created with the possibility of an additional shift in the near future as production ramps up.

"We created this new manufacturing space to enable us to increase capacity, improve our overall efficiency and continue to provide quality products to our growing customer base," said Andrew Gehman, president of MGS. "Our investment in this new plant and the leading-edge equipment it contains will ensure our continued economic growth as we keep pace with technological developments and maintain leadership in our industry."

MGS, Incorporated — with production facilities in Denver, Pennsylvania; Walton, New York and a manufacturing partner in Boise, Idaho — designs and manufactures trailers for many companies including Godwin Pump, Atlas Copco, Mitsui and Horizon Signal Technologies. The company, established in 1962 by Roland P. Gehman, is well-known locally as a manufacturer of utility trailers and distributor of the Wells Cargo line of enclosed trailers.

"This new plant has a 210-foot long, seven-stage painting station that is top of the line," said Paul Gould, manufacturing vice-president. "We are able to wash, seal, prime, topcoat and bake the finish in one continuous process, giving our customers a top quality job."