Owners Nancy Rathbun, representing the Petersen family interest and Lee Rathbun, a co-owner, announce that effective Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Petersen Industries, Inc. was acquired via a full stock purchase by Casey Hardee and Sam Petersen.
This purchase marks the first change in a majority ownership by the Petersen family since the company’s inception in 1957. Petersen’s Lightning Loader® systems remain the industry standard for bulk waste collection, used by over 900 customers in both public and private sectors. Bringing experience and vitality that will continue to drive Petersen’s rise in the marketplace, Hardee and Petersen will collaboratively lead all future endeavors of the organization.
Casey Hardee will serve as President of Petersen Industries. A graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in Economics, Hardee’s previous roles include President and General Manager of a family-owned business, Jim Hardee Equipment Company, and Vice-President of TBEI, Inc. Most recently, Hardee served as Petersen’s National Accounts Manager. Hardee resides in Plant City with his wife, Lisa, and their five children.
Sam Petersen, son of company founder John Petersen, will serve as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. Graduating from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in Marketing, Petersen has grown up working for the family business in a variety of roles in both manufacturing and professional capacities. Petersen resides in Lake Wales with his wife, Katie, and their daughter. They are expecting their second child this summer.
ABOUT PETERSEN – Petersen Industries, Inc. manufactures equipment for the trash, agricultural, arboricultural, and aggregate markets. Petersen’s Lightning Loader® grapple truck is used by over 900 cities and counties nationwide, and by most major waste companies.
In the mid 1970’s Petersen designed a knuckleboom that could be used for loading bulky trash. The result was a trash loader concept that has been improved and refined over the years. With the exception of 3 or 4 purchased items, Petersen manufactures all other major components, including most hydraulic cylinders. With complete CNC machining capabilities and fabrication facilities, Petersen is able to control every aspect of schedule and quality control. For more information on Petersen’s diverse product line, visit www.petersenind.com.
Contact:
Melissa Kincaid, Marketing Director
Petersen Industries, Inc.
863-676-1493 x 227
www.petersenind.com
