GARNER, IA — Stellar Industries, a manufacturer of mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, tire trucks and manipulators, hooklifts, fuel and lube trucks, and trailers, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1990 by three entrepreneurs — Francis Zrostlik, Jim Vlaanderen, and Gary Bomstad — Stellar began its journey as the first U.S. company to design and manufacture a domestic hydraulic hooklift. Over the past three and a half decades, Stellar has grown from a small-town operation in Garner, Iowa, to a global force in the construction, waste, and work truck industries.
“We are incredibly proud of the 35 years of progress Stellar has made,” said Dave Zrostlik, President of Stellar. “What began as a small, dedicated team working tirelessly to create reliable, high-quality products has evolved into a company that impacts industries across the globe. Our employees have been the key to our success. Some of them have been with us since the very early days of the company’s existence, bringing their passion and expertise to every product we create. The company’s accomplishments reflect their hard work and the relationships we’ve built with our customers and distributors.”
Stellar’s journey has been marked by groundbreaking products and innovations. In 1999, the company introduced its first telescopic service crane. Since then, Stellar has continually expanded its product portfolio, offering solutions such as patented aluminum mechanic truck bodies, tire handling equipment, hooklifts, and more.
In 2023, Stellar achieved a milestone by becoming 100 percent employee owned. The transition to 100 percent employee ownership has allowed each team member to directly benefit from the company’s growth and achievements. Stellar now has more than 800 employee-owners, each of whom is integral to the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
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“This transition to 100 percent employee ownership was a game-changer for us,” Dave said. “This shift has further cemented a culture of accountability and shared success, where everyone is aligned in driving Stellar forward. It’s a powerful incentive for excellence because every employee has a personal stake in our continued success.”
Since its founding, Stellar has not only built a foundation through the design and manufacturing of its own equipment but has also grown through strategic acquisitions that have fueled its expansion.
Stellar has strategically acquired other like-minded companies to broaden its product offerings and strengthen its position within the industry. These acquisitions have allowed Stellar to expand into new markets and further solidify its position in the work truck solutions sector.
One of the most significant acquisitions in recent years was the purchase of Elliott Machine Works of Galion, Ohio. By bringing Elliott Machine Works into the Stellar portfolio of products, the company added a line of fuel trucks, lube trucks, water trucks, lube skids, vacuum tanks, and other mobile service equipment. This acquisition not only expanded Stellar’s reach into new markets but also aligned with its core values.
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Though Stellar’s roots are firmly planted in the heartland of America, the company’s impact is felt on a global scale. The company was recently recognized with the E Award for exports, honoring its success in expanding its global footprint. Stellar recently attended bauma 2025 in Germany, marking the company’s first appearance at the international exhibition.
Alongside its global growth, Stellar has remained committed to its local community. The company’s foundational values are rooted in the belief that success should benefit not only the business but the area it calls home. Since its 30th anniversary, Stellar has made several contributions to the community. These include the donation of a collaborative robot (cobot) to North Iowa Area Community College to enhance its advanced manufacturing program. Additionally, Stellar developed the Stellar Sports Complex, a facility that provides opportunities for recreational sports and community engagement. By investing in the development of its local infrastructure, Stellar has helped ensure that its success not only benefits the company but fosters growth, education, and opportunity for future generations in Garner and beyond.
As Stellar celebrates this anniversary, Dave said he looks ahead with excitement.
“Reaching 35 years is an incredible milestone, but we’re not stopping here,” he said. “We’re continuously looking for new challenges and ways to improve. The future is bright, and we’re ready to take on the next problem and find innovative solutions for it.”
