Lubbock, Texas-based Associated Supply Co. Inc. (ASCO) acquired Houston-based heavy equipment dealer Hi-Way Equipment Co. The deal solidifies ASCO’s position as one of the largest construction equipment dealers in the United States and immediately expands the company to eight new Case Construction Equipment locations throughout Texas.
New ASCO locations include Dallas/Fort Worth, North Houston, South Houston, Tyler, Bryan, Brenham, Beaumont and Sherman. These new locations complement ASCO’s existing footprint throughout the region, stretching from Amarillo, Texas, through the Lubbock headquarters and down to San Antonio.
“ASCO has made a name for itself standing by its equipment and providing some of the best support we’ve seen in the industry,” said Jim Hasler, vice president, Case Construction-North America. “The entire state of Texas represents a major focus for Case in the oil and gas industry. Having a partner like ASCO expanding in these markets provides a significant advantage to customers who use CASE equipment, and will also lead to further growth for Case and ASCO in the region.”
ASCO’s product offering includes the full line of Case Construction Equipment, including loader backhoes, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, loader/tool carriers and rough-terrain forklifts. The company has also made a name for itself as a premier rental outlet for Case equipment, and that model will be expanded to the new locations.
J.W. (Bill) Wright founded ASCO in 1960 and the company is now guided by a second- and third-generation of family leadership. Brax Wright, CEO, sees the business model and vision established by his father as guiding principles today.
“We’ve always focused on recruiting the best people, selling the best equipment in the industry and, most importantly, providing the best product support available,” said Wright. “These cornerstones remain a part of who we are and are evident in the acquisition of Hi-Way Equipment. We have a vision of being a premier Case dealer in North America. This acquisition, along with the extraordinary quality of the people who joined us from Hi-Way Equipment, helps us achieve that.”
“My father taught us from an early age that the way to win and retain customers is to always have parts on the shelf and to provide superior product support,” added Wright. “This acquisition gives our customers throughout the entire state confidence that we have support nearby and will be there when they need us.”
The acquisition immediately transitions all Hi-Way Equipment locations to the ASCO name. Three additional Hi-Way Equipment locations (Alvin, Gainesville and Longview) are currently under review by ASCO to determine future plans. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.