The Loadmaster line was originally begun by John G Hagan and was manufactured by City Tank Corporation of Corona, New York. The first line of garbage collection truck bodies City Tank introduced to the industry was marketed under the product name Roto Pac. City Tank’s primary customer was the city of New York’s Department of Sanitation.

In 1957, John Hagan made the decision to move the operation from Corona, New York to Culpepper, Virginia, a small community 75 miles south of Washington D.C. in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As part of that move, a new corporation, Old Dominion Manufacturing, was formed to manufacture the Loadmaster product line.

Old Dominion experienced spirited growth after the new plant opened in Culpepper in 1959. This growth could not have been achieved without the success of the rear-load packing system, developed in 1961 by a group of Old Dominion employees. The rear-load packing design was the forerunner of today’s proven Loadmaster product line. By 1972 Loadmaster was producing 800 units in a single year, and during one month, produced 120 garbage packer truck bodies. Loadmaster peaked under the Hagan administration in 1972 when interest shifted to sales of other technology outside the Sanitation Industry. Hackney Industries, Inc. recognized the potential of Loadmaster and contacted the City Tank Corporation in late 1981. In March, 1984, Hackney acquired the assets, trademark, and patents of the Loadmaster product line and leased the Old Dominion plant in Culpepper. Production of the new Loadmaster by Hackney Industries began in late March of that same year.

Hackney ownership saw expansion in the Loadmaster line and business. With this growth, came an increase in the attention of investors. One such Investor group was Waste Disposal Equipment Acquisition Corporation. WDEAC, was a group formed by successful executives with proven track records in management. In August of 1990 WDEAC purchased the assets of Loadmaster Corporation from Hackney Industries.

Unfortunately, a key ingredient was missing in this group of highly successful managers. None of these managers had any history or knowledge of the refuse industry. This Achilles’ heel proved to be too much and in a year’s time the company ran out of money.

Loadmaster ownership regained its leadership and experience when in 1992 David Brisson purchased Loadmaster from Larry Downing. Larry Downing purchased Loadmaster with the intention of selling the parts inventory only. Mr. Brisson purchased Loadmaster to revitalize the line of refuse bodies.

David J. Brisson grew up not only in the manufacturing industry but in the manufacturing of refuse trucks. David’s father J Raymond Brisson created the well known line of refuse equipment Lodal. David also operated and continues to operate a private refuse hauling company Great American Disposal.

With this knowledge and experience at the helm of Loadmaster, the company has experienced great success and growth in the refuse industry. In 2010 Loadmaster received an award which was presented by Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for being one of “Michigan’s Top 50 Companies To Watch”. Loadmaster strongly follows a philosophy of “Kaizen” or constant improvement.

Loadmaster continues to demonstrate a constant state of progression by introducing the latest product; an automated side loaded refuse body. This body will utilize the latest technology while maintaining the standard which Loadmaster has long demonstrated of rugged reliability.

Loadmaster looks forward to the next chapter in our history. Our expectations and goals are high and our legacy of quality products will continue into the future.