CONESTOGA TARPING SYSTMS THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

Indianapolis, IN — Aero Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of tarping systems and accessories for the truck and transportation industries, has announced the acquisition of OCA, a Streetsboro, Ohio-based installer and servicer of tarps, tarping systems, and other accessories.

The product known as the Conestoga tarping system, was created by Indianapolis, Indiana-based Aero Industries. Aero is also the creator of such well-known and respected tarping systems as the Easy Cover, Crank-N-Go, and Easy Pull. The Conestoga was, and still is, a revolutionary idea designed to speed up loading and unloading mandated by the relatively new practice of just-in-time delivery.

"In a way, the Conestoga was ahead of its time," said Jim Tuerk, Aero's President and CEO. We've made a lot of changes in the past decade that have really perfected the concept."

Today, Aero's Conestoga is still an innovative idea with a wide range of applications. It¹s a simple-to-operate tarping system designed to save time, improve productivity, eliminate the hassles of tarping and strapping, and protect valuable cargo.

Conestoga Basics

The overall benefit of the Conestoga is much the same as when Aero first introduced the concept in 1984: with the Conestoga system in place, operators realize all the versatility and flexibility of a flatbed and all the security of a van.

"What this means from a practical standpoint is that you can load and unload your trailer from virtually any angle­from the back, overhead, or either side. Yet, when it's time to get on the road, your load can be fully protected from the elements," Tuerk said.

This combination of versatility and protection makes the Conestoga ideal for hauling steel, aluminum, lumber, building products, machinery, and other large and weather-sensitive cargo. It has proven effective for just-in-time deliveries, local delivery routes with multiple stops, and long hauls.

Over the years, Aero has perfected the Conestoga concept by incorporating features that have added still more advantages. One is the steel-on-steel track and wheel construction.

"The track itself is lightweight aluminum, but it contains a stainless steel insert. So the stainless steel pressed-bearing wheels always ride on steel. That makes the system more durable and smoother to operate. In fact, the average driver can pull the entire system open or closed with just one hand," said Tuerk.

Aeros front and rear locking mechanisms are also simple to operate. At the bulkhead, there are no ratchets to turn or straps to undo. The operator locks and unlocks both sides with the turn of a single, ground-level handle.

At the rear, an easy-to-operate over-center level, also at ground level, locks the system to the flatbed and pulls the tarp taut. The Conestoga tarp seals tightly to keep out the weather.

Customized Installation

The Conestoga tarping system is custom-installed at Aero Industries' plant in Indianapolis, Indiana and at authorized installation facilities throughout the United States. The system can be installed on both new and used trailers, straight or drop-deck models, in virtually any length, width, or height. It can be mounted directly to the trailer side rails or to bow pockets. Aero has created a special rubber gasket system for pocket-mounted systems to seal out the weather.

"Once the system is installed, it's incredibly easy to use and maintain," Tuerk said. "Our customers can perform virtually any repairs or maintenance themselves."

The Conestoga system is available in a wide range of tarp colors, imprinted with customized graphics, to create a bigger-than-life impression on the road.

Tuerk said that customers have been extremely satisfied with the Conestoga

"Basically, it's living up to all of our expectations. It's eliminating a lot of loading and unloading hassles, saving time, and helping drivers be more productive. We're seeing a lot of repeat orders from satisfied customers who've tried the system and like it."

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Aero serves the North American trucking industry with additional locations in Hamburg, Pennsylvania; Omaha, Nebraska; Streetsboro, Ohio, and Burlington, Ontario. For further information, contact Aero at 1-800-535-9545 or visit us on the web at www.aeroindustries.com.

Aero and Conestoga are registered trademarks of Aero Industries, Inc. US Patents: 4,711,484; 4,902,064; 5,429,408 Canadian Patents: 1,290,786 - 30 -