Our History

• Water tanks now being built alongside HiVol® Truck Bodies at Dallas, TX location

• Josh Swank presented on "Advanced Dust Control Solutions" at AGG1 2025

• Building and stocking water tanks for 30-ton articulated trucks

• Stratton Equipment of Ontario, Canada joins Strategic Dealer Program

• LJL Mécanique of Quebec, Canada becomes newest licensee

• Danette Swank joins NSSGA M&S Board of Directors

• Production expanded to Dallas, TX due to growth outpacing Peoria capacity

• Danette and Josh Swank honored as Laurettes by Junior Achievement

• Selected as Community Business Leader by Central Illinois YMCA

• Danette Swank spoke on M&S CEO Panel at MINExpo 2024

• Started building Push Blocks for wheel loaders

Majority ownership transferred to Danette Hagenbuch Swank (third generation), appointed CEO November 1, 2023. Josh Swank appointed Chief Growth Officer.

• Hi-Low Underground Body introduced for mining operations

• Pat Hagenbuch passed away August 17, 2021

• PHILanthropy initiative launched to support first responders during COVID-19

50th Anniversary celebration (1969–2019). New products introduced including Coil Carrier, Block Handler, and Positive-Seal Autogate® Tailgate.

• Positive-seal Autogate® Tailgate adapted for off-highway trucks

• Chassis extensions for articulated trucks offered

• Custom HiVol® Rear Eject Bodies delivered for power plant operations

• ConExpo attendance marked continuous participation since founding

• Pat Hagenbuch received Community Service Award

• PHIL Stemming Attachment designed for mining operations

• Rear Eject Material Spreader shipped to Canadian gold mine

• Danette Swank named President; LeRoy Hagenbuch remains Chief Engineer

45th Anniversary (1969–2014). Operations began in Sweden and New Zealand.

• Multi-unit Bottom Dump Trailer order for Mexican salt operation

• Corporate office renovated; manufacturing facility expanded by 15,000 sq ft

• Strategic Partnership Agreement signed with Volvo CE

• Danette Swank appointed President July 1, 2013

• Patents 8,457,833 and 8,442,715 received

• Water Tank designs licensed to Trinity Mining & Construction

• Oil Sands® trademark received

• LeRoy & Pat Hagenbuch donated 5 acres for Limestone Township Fire Station

• Multiple HiVol® Bodies delivered to Canadian Oil Sands and Iron Ore mines

• Josh Swank promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing

• Josh Swank inducted into 40 Business Leaders Under Forty

• Danette Swank inducted into 40 Business Leaders Under Forty

• Patents applied for: Hydrophobic Liners, Super-Hydrophobic Paint Coatings, Lowboy Trailer Technology, Vehicle Recovery Tool

• Body Lifting System debuted

First custom truck body designed exclusively for Oil Sands mining operation in Fort McMurray, AB Canada.

• LeRoy Hagenbuch inducted into Construction Equipment Hall of Fame

• Revolutionary Ultra-Class Rear-Loading Lowboy Trailer unveiled at MinExpo with 1,500-ton capacity

Multiple Rear Eject Bodies designed and built for Mercedes Benz trucks in underground oil shale mine in Estonia.

Series 2/MAX Load Autogate® Tailgate introduced as lighter alternative.

• PHIL equipment chosen to help clean up World Trade Center site

• Autogate® Tailgates on Cat D400E articulated haulers used in debris removal

• Water Tanks introduced as safer alternative with innovative design features

Danette Swank expanded Welarco manufacturing plant by approximately 30%, growing from 40,000 to nearly 60,000 square feet.

Rear Eject Bodies re-introduced with revolutionary chromium-carbide track and sled design.

"Helping You Move Mountains®" established as company motto, trademarked officially in 2004.

First Rear Eject Body produced on Volvo VBM articulated haul truck. Product shelved until materials evolved.

Welarco Fabrications opened on Plank Road with 40,000 square foot custom-built facility for fabricating PHIL products.

Fire at neighboring business impacted original Welarco facility in Pekin, Illinois, prompting relocation planning.

Administration building completed at 7424 W Plank Road, Peoria, IL.

29 acres of industrially zoned farmland purchased on southwest corner of Peoria for future campus.

L.B. (Phil) Philippi passed away. LeRoy Hagenbuch assumed full charge; Pat Hagenbuch took active role.

First product sold into Australia through partnership with Haviland Industries.

L.B. (Phil) Philippi and LeRoy G. Hagenbuch founded Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. in the basement of LeRoy's house. First product was the Autogate® Tailgate.