Stellar celebrates 30 years in business

Garner, Iowa-based Stellar Industries Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary in May, saying it “took a moment to recognize three decades of work truck innovation designed to power customer productivity.”

Stellar was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, by Francis Zrostlik, Jim Vlaanderen and Gary Bomstad. The company says it was the first corporation in the United States to design and manufacture a domestic hydraulic hooklift hoist. Stellar has subsequently expanded its product line into other equipment for the construction, demolition, solid waste, scrap recycling and other industry sectors.

Other Stellar products now include cable hoists, container carriers, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, mechanics’ trucks, mobile drawer systems, commercial tire service trucks, lube systems and fuel trailers.

“Stellar Industries is proud to have been founded as an entrepreneurial start-up using the know-how of dedicated North Iowans to build the strong company that exists today,” says Dave Zrostlik, president of the firm. “Our transition to a majority ESOP [employee stock ownership plan] company over these 30 years is further proof of the commitment we have to remain an independent company that quickly responds to the needs of our customers, our employees, and our communities.”

Adds Zrostlik, “I have great confidence and pride in the team members that have grown with us to create the successful company that Stellar Industries has become. Thanks go out to all those past and present Stellar employees and the communities who have supported us over the past 30 years. I am looking forward to successful growth and prosperity for the employee-owners of Stellar Industries for the next 30 years.”