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A Company with Almost 100 Years of Experience

Over the last 100-years, the way we live, work, communicate, and transport has changed drastically. To be in business for almost 100-years means that you need to be able to adapt, and change. That is the case for Dayton Parts. What products are they known for, and how do they continue strong in the truck parts industry?

Recently we interviewed Walter Sherbourne, the Vice President of Marketing and Customer Service at Dayton Parts LLC.

A Clear Mission from the Start

From 1922 when Dayton got its start as Harrisburg Stanley Spring Works; its mission has been clear – to offer quality parts at numerous price points allowing customers to spec exactly the right part for their application.

How does that mission impact Dayton Parts 98-years later?

Over the years Dayton Parts have stuck to their very strong heritage. That means that to this day, their work ethic, and an ongoing pursuit to provide what their customers demand and need, is a driving force for them.

This has resulted in having many options for heavy-duty parts, for any application you may need. Dayton Parts are most known for their leaf springs, which is what they built their heritage on. In fact, their line of Stanley Springs has been manufactured since 1922, and their database includes information for over 15,000 standard equipment leaf springs.

More Than Just Leaf Springs

However, Dayton Parts is so much more than just their leaf springs.

They have many other products including the complementary parts that go around the leaf springs. Such as rear truck suspension and trailer suspension components, brake components, and steering linkage.

Furthermore, Walter Sherbourne added, “Alongside the already mentioned core products, we also have shock absorbers, abs components, polyurethane suspension products, and cargo control.”

Whether you’re in the market for springs, or other essential components that go along with them, Dayton Parts is there to help you no matter how large or small. When someone does business with Dayton Parts this wide range of parts is all available in convenient locations.

Manufacturing and Distribution

Dayton Parts is not just your typical parts manufacturer, because they have also become a world-class distribution company.

Not only do they distribute their own products, but they also distribute other manufacturer’s products as well.

Alongside the testing of their own parts, they also do the same to other parts that they distribute, to ensure that the quality of their products meets their high standard.

Reinventing the Company

Over the years, Dayton Products has expanded and grown by acquisition and by really reinventing itself.

To stay in business for nearly 100-years, and to still be going strong today, they have had to make many adaptions along the way. How do they continue to do this?

“No idea is a wrong idea. We’ve got some young engineers who we give free rein to look at our product portfolio. So, they take a look at the products, listen to the customer base, who give suggestions on ways we can improve our products, and really try to understand what the needs are.” Walter Sherbourne said.

By allowing the employees to have this free reign, and by giving younger engineers a chance to speak freely and give suggestions to better their products, Dayton Parts continues to stay strong in the industry.

Lowering Fleets Costs

But the question really comes down to this, how does Dayton Parts lower cost-per-mile for the fleets that use their parts?

The truth is, Dayton Parts offer alternative parts. They are known for making sure that the alternative (aftermarket parts) meet the OEM level of quality.

This means that your cost-per-mile is going to be similar regardless of whether you go with OEM or aftermarket parts. By making sure there are many options for customers, they can give the perfect part for its application which saves fleets money.