Imperial Industries Inc. / Mack Trucks
“When I sell a truck, it’s not just to Imperial Industries, but also to their end user,” shares Matt Grove, the New Truck Sales Manager at Kriete Truck Center – Stevens Point. As he walks through Imperial Industries’ offices, you realize this isn’t the typical sales account for Grove. In the case of Imperial Industries, his role extends beyond a single transaction and has evolved into a trusted partnership. In Grove’s view, he’s not simply closing a deal and walking away. Instead, Grove and Kriete Truck Centers have created a way of working that breaks down traditional business silos.
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“Kriete has been a fantastic partner for us when we need support on the backside for the customers,” remarks Kyle Haase, Commercial Sales Manager for Imperial Industries, “I could see us doubling, tripling the number of trucks that we order right now just with the ease it is to work with Kriete.”
The business partnership between Imperial Industries and Kriete Trucks Centers is founded on mutual collaboration, trust and effortless coordination. Just as each runner in a relay race has a unique but integral role reliant on the success of their teammates, so do these Wisconsin-based businesses.
The business partnership between Imperial Industries and Kriete Trucks Centers is founded on mutual collaboration, trust and effortless coordination. Just as each runner in a relay race has a unique but integral role reliant on the success of their teammates, so do these Wisconsin-based businesses.
EVOLVING TO MEET THE DEMAND
For more than 42 years, Imperial Industries, located in Rothschild, Wisconsin, has designed and manufactured specialized storage solutions for a range of industries. With customers all over the United States, they manufacture agricultural feed bins and dry bulk storage as well as vacuum sanitation tanks, trucks, replacement parts and accessories.
Imperial Industries, helmed by President Kurt Mannel, has served the liquid waste management sector for over three decades. With humble beginnings on the welding floor, Mannel’s journey with Imperial epitomizes the company’s growth-oriented ethos. The company has evolved remarkably over time, witnessing an exponential surge in its vacuum truck business, once a smaller segment compared to its industrial tank line.
This growing segment of the business demands truck bodies that can be equipped with Imperials’ tanks for customers to manage a wide array of liquids, from industrial waste and grease to various chemicals. Using advanced technology in a state-of-the-art facility, Imperial Industries customizes these units for each of its customers, ensuring a rapid turnaround time unmatched in their industry.
Imperial Industries, helmed by President Kurt Mannel, has served the liquid waste management sector for over three decades. With humble beginnings on the welding floor, Mannel’s journey with Imperial epitomizes the company’s growth-oriented ethos. The company has evolved remarkably over time, witnessing an exponential surge in its vacuum truck business, once a smaller segment compared to its industrial tank line.
This growing segment of the business demands truck bodies that can be equipped with Imperials’ tanks for customers to manage a wide array of liquids, from industrial waste and grease to various chemicals. Using advanced technology in a state-of-the-art facility, Imperial Industries customizes these units for each of its customers, ensuring a rapid turnaround time unmatched in their industry.
“We strive to make sure that everybody feels like it’s their first truck or that we do the best we can for each individual purchasing units from us.”
KYLE HAASE – SALES, IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES
CREATING SOLUTIONS
Central to Imperial’s growth in this segment has been the support of its dealership. Kriete Truck Centers, a key partner, offers dedicated assistance and responsive service for any requirements the Imperial sales team might have. From trade shows to configurations when purchasing trucks, Grove stands as an extension of Imperial’s sales force. “It truly is a business partnership, being able to make their business function as smooth as possible is the key that makes us successful,” says Grove.
If there’s a job that needs to be done, Grove is there. Mannel agrees, “Kriete has been a very good partner. They’re always able to answer our questions and they’re very good partners right down to attending tradeshows and supporting our team. That is what we look for in a partner.” The Imperial tradeshows give customers an in-person look at the truck’s capabilities. From there, Imperial works with Kriete to supply Mack® Granite® and Mack MD (Medium Duty) trucks that can be upfitted with Imperials’ tanks at rapid speed and tailored for each customer’s use. Haase elaborates, “Kriete has just been a game changer for us, from when we order it to the end of the build and after the sale service.”
BUILT FOR ANY JOB
With customer feedback playing a crucial role in their operations, Imperial notes a marked preference for Mack Trucks among their customers. The updated features and impressive performance of the Mack Trucks receive consistent praise. “Mack’s technology with the mDrive™ transmission has really opened the opportunities of things that they [Imperial] can do. We make it super easy for them to be able to mount their tanks, their pumps,” explains Grove.
Mounting tanks onto a truck is a complex process, from aligning to drilling and final assembly, which makes having a truck ready for mounting crucial. Before a truck is delivered to Imperial, the Kriete dealership inspects the truck, updates programming, moves air tanks for frame space and provides any added changes that allow Imperial’s team to streamline the mounting process. This collaboration ensures timely delivery and eliminates any potential delays for the customer. Jesse Boden, Imperial Industries’ Commercial Truck Plant Manager oversees this process and remarks,
“We strive to make sure that everybody feels like it’s their first truck or that we do the best we can for each individual purchasing units from us.”
THE POWER OF SYNERGY
Looking ahead, Mannel envisions a promising future for Imperial. Confidence in the company’s market share and plans for expansion into various locations underline its growth trajectory. Despite challenges posed COVID-19, Imperial has continued to meet the demand of the liquid waste sector, underscoring its unwavering commitment to customer support.
As the company continues to broaden its horizons, it is actively exploring untapped markets to harness its existing equipment’s potential. And for Grove, he plans to be part of the journey. “We are their one-stop-shop and being able to give them trucks, do parts support, do technical support all the way around. We are there as an extension of their team. I’d like to say I am their go-to person, it’s what I try to be.” Each company brings its distinct expertise and contribution to this partnership, with success tied intrinsically to their joint efforts. Through clear communication, unshakable trust and coordinated efforts, Imperial Industries and Kriete Trucks Centers work in harmony toward the finish line.
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