U.S.-based Merritt, a long-standing manufacturer of livestock and gooseneck trailers, has acquired British Columbia-based Magnum Trailer & Equipment in a move aimed at expanding its aluminium product offerings for the heavy-duty trucking industry across North America.
The acquisition brings Merritt’s total workforce to more than 520 employees across five locations, with over 400,000 square feet of combined production and service space. Magnum, known for its truck accessories, trailer manufacturing, and service operations, will be integrated into the Merritt group of companies, which includes Merritt Aluminum Products and Merritt Trailers.
Magnum’s truck accessories division—particularly noted for its aluminium moose guards and modular front-end protection systems for Class 8 trucks—will be closely aligned with Merritt Aluminum Products as part of the integration.
According to Andrew Taylor, CEO of Magnum, the merger presents an opportunity for aligned values and complementary product lines to drive strategic growth. Merritt CEO Taylor Merritt described the move as both strategic and personal, citing the company’s Pacific Northwest origins and long-standing service in both the U.S. and Western Canada.
The acquisition is expected to broaden Merritt’s product line with more comprehensive aluminium solutions, improve service responsiveness through expanded geographic coverage, and enhance innovation through the integration of engineering teams and shared technologies. Merritt said the combination of resources will help accelerate product development and reduce time-to-market, while streamlining supply chains across its divisions.
