Stellar Expands its Reach With Acquisition Of Elliott Equipment
Stellar Industries has taken a decisive step in its long-term growth strategy with a landmark agreement to acquire Elliott Equipment Company, a respected U.S. manufacturer known for its truck-mounted aerial work platforms, digger derricks and cranes. The move marks a major expansion of Stellar’s capabilities in work-at-height, lifting and material-handling technologies. With the transaction scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending customary approvals, the acquisition positions the company for broader influence across key vocational sectors.
The decision to bring Elliott into the Stellar fold reflects a carefully measured approach to strategic growth. Elliott has been a prominent name in heavy-duty lifting and aerial access since 1948, credited with pioneering the world’s first truck-mounted telescoping aerial platform. Its equipment continues to support essential functions in utility transmission, municipal operations, commercial construction, and sign and lighting installations. By integrating such a complementary product line, Stellar aims to strengthen its market position and provide wider options for distributors and customers seeking durable, high-performing equipment.
Dave Zrostlik, President of Stellar, highlighted the alignment between the two companies: “Stellar has always pursued growth opportunities that align with our culture, vision and commitment to excellence. The addition of Elliott Equipment Company represents an exciting step forward as we continue to build upon our shared values of quality, innovation and customer service. We’re proud to welcome Elliott to the Stellar team.”
Preserving Elliott’s Legacy While Supporting Future Growth
A crucial element of the acquisition is Stellar’s commitment to maintaining Elliott’s long-established identity. Upon finalising the transaction, Elliott will operate as a distinct business unit under the Stellar umbrella. Its existing facility, workforce, brand reputation and dealer ecosystem in Omaha, Nebraska, will remain in place. This approach protects continuity for customers who rely on Elliott’s specialist solutions while offering access to Stellar’s broader manufacturing, engineering and distribution strengths.
Jim Glazer, President of Elliott Equipment Company, will continue to lead the organisation. He emphasised the shared values underpinning the partnership: “We are thrilled to continue the Elliott Equipment Company story with Stellar. This acquisition represents a strong cultural fit between two organizations that share a commitment to people, product integrity and long-term growth.”
That cultural fit is no small detail; it plays a pivotal role in aligning engineering philosophies, customer engagement models and long-term product development strategies. Elliott’s engineering expertise, including its work on high-reach aerial platforms and durable lifting systems, complements Stellar’s innovations in service cranes, work trucks and hydraulic equipment. Both companies have extensive histories of designing products tailored for demanding conditions across multiple sectors.
Enhancing Market Presence And Diversifying Solutions
The acquisition creates a stronger, more diversified portfolio of lifting and work-at-height technologies. Stellar already holds a respected position as a manufacturer of work trucks, service cranes, trailers and accessories. By incorporating Elliott’s aerial work platforms and material-handling products, the combined organisation will be positioned to serve a broader set of industry needs.
Sectors set to benefit from this expanded capability include:
- Utility infrastructure and transmission
- Municipal services and fleet maintenance
- Commercial and industrial construction
- Signage and specialist lighting installation
- Telecommunications and energy distribution
Stellar’s expansion is timed to meet growing demand for advanced lifting and access equipment, driven by infrastructure investment, grid modernisation, urban development and the increased complexity of municipal asset management. Analysts across the U.S. construction and utilities sectors have pointed to the rising need for safer, more efficient and tech-enhanced aerial solutions. With Elliott’s expertise integrated into Stellar’s product ecosystem, the company will be well positioned to meet such industry shifts with equipment engineered for reliability and precision.
Employee Ownership As A Foundation For Long-Term Stability
One of the standout elements of Stellar’s business model is its 100 percent employee-owned structure. Through the company’s ESOP, every employee directly shares in Stellar’s performance and future value. This ownership model is integral to the company culture, supporting collaboration, accountability and sustained innovation.
For Elliott employees, joining an employee-owned organisation brings an additional dimension of stability and engagement. The ESOP model ensures that decisions are driven by long-term value creation rather than short-term returns, reinforcing commitments to U.S. manufacturing and continuous product improvement.
With both companies sharing people-first cultures, the integration is expected to strengthen engineering teams, accelerate product development cycles and support further investments in manufacturing efficiency.
Shared Commitment To U.S. Manufacturing And Engineering Excellence
Stellar’s origins date back to 1990, when the company began operations in Garner, Iowa. Over the years it has expanded to multiple locations across the United States and built a global reputation for high-quality work trucks, cranes and service equipment. The acquisition of Elliott continues Stellar’s strategy of growing a U.S.-based manufacturing footprint while supporting international market expansion.
Elliott, with more than seven decades of engineering experience, remains a respected name among utilities, municipalities and contractors seeking durable aerial equipment. Its products are valued for stability, reach capabilities, safety features and structural reliability. By uniting under Stellar, both companies are positioned to advance engineering capabilities, particularly in areas such as digital controls, improved lifting safety systems, and enhanced hydraulic performance.
Industry observers note that consolidation among specialist equipment manufacturers has become increasingly common as companies seek scale, shared expertise and integrated product lines. This acquisition follows similar trends, but with a notable emphasis on retaining brand identity and engineering autonomy.
Future Opportunities And Market Expansion
Looking ahead, Stellar’s acquisition of Elliott is expected to create new routes into adjacent markets where aerial work platforms and lifting solutions are in high demand. With infrastructure spending continuing across the United States and new energy projects accelerating, demand for elevated access and maintenance equipment is forecast to grow steadily.
The combined engineering, manufacturing and distribution strengths of Stellar and Elliott provide opportunities to introduce new platform designs, hybrid lifting systems and improved safety technologies. With both organisations committed to U.S. production and customer support, industry professionals can expect continued innovation and responsive service.
As Zrostlik noted, the acquisition reflects a strategy built on shared values and ambitions. The move aims to strengthen the productivity and performance options available to customers while offering employee-owners a stronger platform for future success.
A Positive Step Forward
The planned acquisition of Elliott Equipment Company underscores Stellar’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, stronger market leadership and expanded engineering capability.
By preserving Elliott’s identity while offering access to Stellar’s resources, the partnership supports both continuity and innovation.
With complementary strengths and shared values, the combined organisation is set to play an even larger role in shaping the future of work-at-height technology, lifting solutions and vocational equipment manufacturing.
