Trailer maker closes
After 60-plus years, Donahue cites market conditions, funding challenges
Staff writer
Durham trailer maker Donahue Manufacturing, in business since 1962, has closed.
An email from accounting manager Holly Bethe said the closure was because of “current market conditions and funding challenges.”
“I regret to inform you that due to current market conditions and funding challenges, Donahue Manufacturing LLC is closed,” Bethe’s email states. “You will be taken care of as soon as all the legal issues are settled.”
A phone number included in Bethe’s email rings, but calls are neither answered nor go to voicemail.
Doug Kjellin, owner of Donahue, said reduced demand for trailers caused the decision to close the doors Jan. 10.
The company has not filed for bankruptcy and does not plan to reopen, Kjellin said.
Donahue made implement carriers, stock trailers, grain trailers, flatbed trailers, expandable trailers, hydraulic trailers, slide-tilt flatbed trailers, detachable flatbed trailers, swather carriers, and contractors’ trailers.
The trailers were sold throughout the western half of the nation, but no Kansas dealerships were listed on Donahue’s website.
Dealer Western Equipment in Alva, Oklahoma, said the dealership had heard nothing about Donahue’s closure.
“That’s news to us,” said a woman who answered the phone, adding that the dealership could shed no light on the situation.
Implement dealer Livingston Machinery in Fairview, Oklahoma, also said it had heard nothing about the closure.
According to Donahue’s website, James Donahue started the company in 1962. He wanted to build implement carriers that would lay flat on the ground for loading and could be pushed back upon axles to carry the load.
“We began by building the patented implement carrier,” the website says. “We have built and distributed over 50,000 implement carriers throughout the United States and several foreign countries, including OEM contracts for Allis, Massey, and John Deere.”
Hillsboro Industries, which makes truck beds and flatbeds as well as livestock trailers, is expanding its business to Newton because it cannot produce livestock trailers fast enough to meet demand.
“Our livestock trailer business is very strong,” chief executive Michael Gerken said. “We have over a year’s wait list.”
Gerken said the company had seen a reduction in orders for utility and car trailers, which are “discretionary spending” items.
The Newton facility, which Gerken said should be up and running by the end of the year, will make trailers. The Hillsboro facility will make truck beds.
Hillsboro Industries opened in 1966 and employs 75 at Hillsboro.