When Dorsey wanted to extend its warranty from 5 years to 10 for its LiteGuard 5000 Reefer trailer, they turned to Hydro to help make it possible. Hydro produces several extruded aluminum components used in the construction of the trailers and was instrumental in helping make the necessary changes to extend the life of this high-end product. The biggest contribution Hydro made was to develop aluminum extruded section seals to protect the trailer from tire blowouts. Hydro also designed extra heavy, anti-skid flooring components.
Hydro supplies Dorsey with a wide range of extruded components
Hydro produces many of the components used in Dorsey’s trailers including roof posts, custom and standard floor boards, floor seals (to protect the front of the trailer), J flashing (to make the roof connections), and I-beams (which contribute to fuel economy by reducing the weight of the trailer compared to steel I-beams). Aluminum I-beams also allow the trailer to carry a heavier load.
Trailer components extruded at Belton, North Carolina facilities
Dorsey Trailer’s aluminum extruded components begin with billet sourced through Hydro’s St. Augustine Remelt facility. It contains roughly 70 percent recycled aluminum extrusion press scrap (non-consumer) and 5 percent post-consumer scrap, primarily from recycled wheels. At the Belton plant, Hydro uses the 8-inch and 10-inch presses to extrude a variety of shapes for Dorsey.
One of the more difficult challenges of the project is the “knurling” required for one of the higher volume flooring components. Knurling is a secondary operation that utilizes a set of rolls to indent or emboss a cross-hatch pattern onto the surface of the profile in order to make it more slip-resistant. Knurling is especially important in Reefer Trailers (refrigerated) where condensation on the cold floors tends to make them slippery.
Dorsey handles fabrication and assembly in-house with Hydro supplying many of the components cut-to-length.
Hydro and Dorsey – both celebrating more than 100 years in business
Dorsey Trailer has been in business since 1911; Hydro, since 1905. Dorsey’s roots run deep in truck trailer manufacturing excellence and continue to grow to meet their customers' requirements. The company not only relies on its decades of experience, but computer aided design, skilled craftsmen, and an 800,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility to produce safe and reliable trailers.
Dorsey enjoys a great partnership with Hydro with good service, price, availability, and a willingness to collaborate as the major factors in maintaining this decades old relationship. Hydro’s ability to “go the extra mile” for what are normal changes in the trailer industry is especially important to Dorsey. Dorsey and Hydro are two companies, both with more than 100 years of experience. Dorsey’s 100th anniversary is an event worth celebrating!
