Walker Manufacturing has acquired the Light Duty product line from Danfoss. This acquisition includes the Model 7 and Model 11 hydrostatic, variable displacement pumps and transmission products. This move, according to Walker, allows it to enhance quality, address design improvements and secure a reliable supply for its customers.
The Light Duty product line acquisition represents a crucial milestone for Walker, which currently utilizes approximately half of the total light-duty units produced, with the Model 7 comprising 85 percent of the volume. From initial discussions to closing, the acquisition process took 14 months, with the Walker team dedicating more than 120 man-days at Danfoss’ Eden Prairie facility to ensure a seamless transition.
Transitioning the entire transmission assembly line and inventory required ten semi-tractor trailers to transport all equipment and materials to Walker Manufacturing’s facility in Fort Collins, Colo., over a two-week period in mid-August. Walker successfully built its first transmission on Sept. 12 and achieved full production run rates within two weeks. The first shipment to an outside customer was made on Nov. 5.
According to the company, quality and efficiency have been crucial in the transition process. Thanks to a component inspection protocol and heightened expectations for the final product, both the first-pass yield and overall yield have exceeded expected levels. Walker’s factory team has worked to set up the new production line, equipment, systems and materials strategy to achieve these outcomes and meet production targets.
“We are grateful for the opportunity Danfoss provided by offering this product line to Walker, and I am deeply proud of our talented team for their dedication and hard work. This acquisition represents a significant step for Walker and our customers, allowing us to deliver an even higher standard of quality and dependability,” said Walker president Ryan Walker.
