“Excellent workmanship
and honest value.”

In 1905, our founder determined this would be our defining difference in the market, and he was right. Every day, we still deliver on both points to earn the confidence of fire and emergency departments, military personnel, moving professionals, and brokers and dealers across the United States.

history-callout

We pride ourselves in continuing a history of excellence

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1905

The company began as a blacksmith shop owned by the Milbauer family, building cattle racks and milk wagons for farmers

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1964

The company started manufacturing all-aluminum fire apparatus

history-timeline-1971
1971

Wausau Homes acquired the shop and named it Marion Body Works

history-timeline-1980
1980

Vinson "Bud" Simpson purchased the company

history-timeline-1981
1981

Started new business segment, as a result of partnership with Oshkosh Co., to build wrecker and cargo bodies for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck program

history-timeline-1986
1986

Storage building constructed and former storage building was upgraded into fully equipped production space

history-timeline-1987
1987

Production space expanded by 25% and office space was expanded as well

history-timeline-1989
1989

Two expansions completed to add to the company's truck mounting and paint drying capacity

history-timeline-1989-91
1990

Marion purchases surrounding land for future growth

history-timeline-1996
1996

20% factory space expansion and Marion began building all-aluminum fire truck cabs for custom chassis builders

history-timeline-1999
1999

An addition was added to the manufacturing building to accommodate growth of van body production

history-timeline-2001
2001

Marion purchases more land for future growth, increasing ownership from 25 to 61 acres

history-timeline-2003
2003

Curt Ignacio and Jim Simpson assume leadership of the business as Co-Presidents

history-timeline-2004
2004

New production building, the West Complex, was built for increasing cab production needs

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2012

Co-President and CEO Jim Simpson passes away

history-timeline-2014
2014

Delivered 10,000th cab to first custom chassis builder customer and celebrates 50 years of building all aluminum fire apparatus

history-timeline-2015
2015

Marion breaks ground for its new headquarters

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2016

Marion opens the doors to its new headquarters

history-timeline-2018
2018

Marion owner Bud Simpson passes away

ribbon cutting ceremony for production facility expansion
2022

The company expands commercial truck body production by opening a second manufacturing facility in Shawano, WI, a community we’re proud to be a part of

headshot of Kevin Ignacio
2023

Kevin Ignacio named President of Marion Body Works, representing the third generation of leadership for the Simpson-Ignacio family

thankyou-bud

Thank You, Bud — 1928-2018

Vinson Raleigh (Bud) Simpson, Jr., purchased Marion Body Works in 1980, strengthening the company and building a legacy until his 2003 retirement. Bud was an entrepreneur, world traveler, USAF officer and lifelong learner as well as serving on numerous industry and nonprofit boards.

You will be missed, Bud.