Supplier News

Wastequip, Charlotte, North Carolina, has acquired Foster Hydraulics, a family-owned hydraulic cylinder manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Wastequip says this acquisition reinforces the recent expansion of its subsidiary brand Amrep to the East Coast with a new facility in North Carolina. Foster Hydraulics, established in 1983, has been a supplier to Wastequip's Galbreath brand.

“Adding Foster Hydraulics increases our production capacity in the eastern market and gives us greater control over a key truck component that affects performance and reliability,” says Eric Mattson, president of Wastequip’s trucks division. “It’s timely given the commissioning of our new collection body plant opening at the end of this year. Foster’s reputation for quality makes them a great fit.”

“This is a positive step for our employees, our customers and the future of the company,” Foster Hydraulics CEO Tim Foster says. “We’ve always focused on quality and relationships, and those values match Wastequip’s. We’re proud to join a company committed to American manufacturing and dependable products made for the waste industry.”

Wastequip says Amrep recognizes the importance of reliable cylinders, having offered hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and repair as one of its primary services. The acquisition of Foster Hydraulics will enhance its ability to meet demand, reduce lead times and amplify the product range.

“This move strategically addresses a critical need our customers have identified,” Wastequip Chief Commercial Officer John Defenbaugh says. “Bringing cylinder manufacturing in-house strengthens both our OEM [origirnal equipment manufacturer] products and our rapidly expanding Wastebuilt aftermarket product line. By controlling this key component, Wastequip is uniquely positioned to offer parts and service for all makes and models currently in service through our company-owned network of Wastequip WRX locations.”

WasteVision AI partners with Samsara

WasteVision AI, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based provider of operational artificial intelligence (AI) in the waste management industry, has partnered with San Francisco-based Samsara to equip Samsara customers with WasteVision’s AI capabilities.

This new integration aims to deliver waste collection solutions to Samsara customers, WasteVision AI says. 

Samsara customers now have access to tools including automated overflow and contamination detection as well as photo- and video-based service verification.

By using the WasteVision app available in the Samsara app marketplace, fleets have the ability to detect container overflow and contamination in real time, automate service verification to improve route efficiency and strengthen safety monitoring with enhanced video insights.

“At WasteVision AI, our mission is to revolutionize waste management by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence,” Tony Genovese, chief technology officer for WasteVision AI, says of the partnership.

“This integration … marks a significant milestone in achieving that mission,” Genovese continues. “Together, we’re providing the tools necessary to help waste collection companies modernize their operations and tackle industry challenges head-on.”

Lindner establishes Brazil subsidiary

To expand its global market presence in the shredding and recycling equipment industry, Lindner Recyclingtech GmbH, Austria, has established a subsidiary to be based in São Paulo.

The firm says it will work with local partners to drive “innovative recycling solutions for waste processing” and to broaden customer service abilities in its Latin American operations.

Lindner says by launching Lindner LATAM, it aims to strengthen its presence in a market where the interest and need for waste processing, alternative fuels and plastics recycling is growing steadily.

“Latin America is a dynamic market with great potential,” says Michael Lackner, managing director at Lindner Holding. “Lindner LATAM gives us a basis for being closer to our customers and partners, working together on pioneering recycling solutions.”

Frederico Hartmann, who is based in Brazil, became managing director of Lindner LATAM this May.

The recycling equipment company describes Hartmann as having been heavily involved in establishing and expanding Lindner’s presence in Latin America since 2012.

“His close connection to the market and his long-standing experience with projects in the region mean that … Hartmann has a key role in establishing and further developing Lindner in the Latin American market,” the Austrian recycling firm says of its new regional managing director.

McNeilus adds collection truck production capacity

McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., a Dodge Center, Minnesota-based waste and recycling collection vehicle manufacturer and business unit of Oshkosh Corp., has expanded its side-loader refuse and recycling collection vehicle production line.

The expansion includes modernization at the Dodge Center facility, which the company says marks a major step forward in product innovation, operational efficiency and customer-focused growth.

McNeilus says the recently upgraded side-loader manufacturing line is its second high-flow manufacturing line there, following the launch of a high-flow rear-loader line in 2023.

“Our side-loader line has seen tremendous demand, and with this expansion, we’ve added the capacity to meet that demand while working to create a safe and efficient manufacturing environment,” says Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager of McNeilus.

“By introducing smart technology and reimagining our processes, we’ve built a foundation that supports the success of our team members and the customers we serve. It’s a win-win and delivers quality products at the scale the industry needs.”

The recent project involved stripping the plant down to bare concrete, repainting, installing robotic paint systems and integrating McNeilus’ Manufacturing |Execution System (MES).

The MES has been designed to digitally capture and track every build stage, providing end-to-end traceability and enabling consistent, repeatable quality, according to the truckmaker.

McNeilus says the redesigned plant “simplifies assembly around the truck and mirrors the sophistication of leading automotive plants.”

The firm says the expansion aligns closely with its commitment to the waste collection industry, including a focus on “delivering a full suite of side-loader offerings, each designed for strength, innovation and adaptability.”