From humble beginnings in a Chicago factory in 1913, it has grown to become a leading global manufacturer of suspension systems and components for medium and heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
Even back in those nascent days of the company, its founder, businessman and inventor Magnus Hendrickson, was building more than trucks.
He was constructing trucks equipped with cranes to simplify the specialised haulage of stone and building materials.
In a globalised economy, it is apposite that Hendrickson lives and breathes by its motto ‘The World Rides on Us’.
Today, the company that now spans the globe with sales and distribution facilities, as well as state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development centres in the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Austria, Romania, Poland, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand
The global entity, based in Woodridge, Illinois, US, could add the adage of ‘moving with the times’ to its corporate outlook, as over the years it has invested heavily in research and development, design and engineering with respect to the manufacturing, supply chain and customer experience so as to become an industry leader and, ultimately, contribute to a safer, more equitable and sustainable future.
A case in point is that in January 2025, it announced a significant investment in solar energy, with the construction of a solar farm in Joliet, Illinois to power Hendrickson’s bumper plant.
The plant produces over 105,000 bumpers per year for all the major Class 8 truck OEMs, school bus manufacturers and replacement bumper market in North America.
The solar farm consists of more than 2,100 solar panels and produces an estimated 1.58MWh (megawatt hours) annually. That output can power the entire bumper plant for several years and provide excess electricity back to the grid.
The construction of the solar farm is expected to be completed by mid-2025 and fully operational before the end of the year. The massive undertaking underpins Hendrickson’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future that is rooted in our company’s core values of safety, quality, inclusion and transparency.
Hendrickson President and CEO, Matt Joy, said of the sustainability investment: “This solar investment complements Hendrickson’s ongoing sustainability program as we continue our commitment to producing highly engineered, high-quality components and systems for the commercial vehicle industry while reducing the impact on the environment.”
Hendrickson’s continued commitment to create long-term viability for the company and its stakeholders, while seeking to create lasting and positive impacts for the global commercial transportation industry which saw it exhibit its innovations relating to the future of commercial vehicle suspension systems at Bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany.
The ULTIMAAX, 21-tonne and 26-tonne premium elastomer suspension and a variety of steel leaf springs and stabilisers were on show.
Central to Hendrickson’s current innovative portfolio is the ULTIMAAX Premium Elastomer Suspension, engineered for extreme operational demands. This rear axle suspension system excels in durability, stability, and ride comfort, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
The ULTIMAAX system leverages advanced elastomer technology and Hendrickson’s renowned walking beam design so as to ensure optimal performance under varying loads and terrains.
This cutting-edge innovation has recently been integrated into MAN’s vehicle configurator, underscoring its role in advancing fleet efficiency and resulting in a collaboration that aims to streamline operations, reduce costs and extend vehicle lifespans.
Designed to enhance driving comfort and stability across construction and off-road applications, the ULTIMAAX has garnered positive feedback for its performance and reliability.
As such, the ULTIMAAX has reinforced its reputation as a superior alternative to traditional leaf suspensions and highlights Hendrickson’s commitment to assist fleet operators gain optimal efficiency and value.
While acknowledging its rich past, Hendrickson is looking ahead to a bright future, the hallmark of which will be effective and long-lasting innovation and collaborations.
It remains committed to expanding ULTIMAAX’s market presence and demonstrating its multifaceted benefits, where it is available for a range of vehicles from 26 tonnes to 48 tonnes.
Consequently, ULTIMAAX provides weight savings, comfort, and durability that can help improve efficiency and extend vehicle service life.
By focusing on weight reduction, ride comfort, and durability, Hendrickson continues to drive innovation in commercial vehicle suspensions, delivering solutions that enhance performance and efficiency.
As with Hendrickson, ULTIMAAX continues to evolve, offering tailored solutions that meet diverse industry needs.
It joins Hendrickson’s wide range of products available to the global commercial vehicle market, including mechanical, elastomeric, air suspensions for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, integrated and non-integrated axle and brake systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, auxiliary lift systems, parabolic and multi-leaf springs, stabiliser bars, bumpers and components.
Its latest product offering supports Hendrickson’s steadfast commitment to serving the global transportation industry with innovative products that help improve productivity and profitability.
While they set out to achieve these goals, Hendrickson’s employees across the globe continue to champion the company’s heritage, values and legacy through creativity, integrity and superior service.
