Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation
source
Name	Oshkosh Corporation
Founded	0 1917
Founder	William Besserdich, Bernhard Mosling
Location	Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States
Key people	John C. Pfeifer (President & CEO)
Industry	Automotive, Defense
Products	Specialty trucks, military vehicles, access equipment

Oshkosh Corporation. It is a leading global designer and manufacturer of mission-critical trucks, specialty vehicles, and access equipment. The company's diverse portfolio serves essential industries, including defense, fire & emergency, and construction. Headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, its products are renowned for performance in the world's most demanding conditions, from battlefields to disaster zones.

History

The company was founded in 1917 as the Wisconsin Duplex Auto Company by William Besserdich and Bernhard Mosling, initially producing a pioneering four-wheel-drive truck. It was renamed for its hometown in 1918. A pivotal early contract with the United States Postal Service established its reputation for durable vehicles. Following World War II, the company expanded into custom chassis for fire apparatus and refuse collection. A major transformation began in the 1970s with the development of the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck for the United States Department of Defense, cementing its role as a key defense contractor. Significant acquisitions, such as Pierce Manufacturing in 2000, JLG Industries in 2006, and Pratt Miller in 2021, have dramatically broadened its capabilities in fire apparatus, access equipment, and mobility technology.

Products

The corporation's product lines are organized into three primary segments. The **Access Equipment** segment, led by JLG Industries, manufactures aerial work platforms and telehandlers used in construction and maintenance. The **Defense** segment produces tactical vehicles like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, and the M-ATV, which serve the United States Armed Forces and allied nations like the Australian Army. The **Vocational** segment includes fire apparatus from Pierce Manufacturing and MAXIMETAL, snow removal vehicles under the McNeilus brand, and concrete placement equipment. These products are engineered for extreme environments, from the War in Afghanistan to recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

Operations

The company operates major manufacturing, engineering, and distribution facilities across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Key production sites are located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania (JLG Industries); Appleton, Wisconsin (Pierce Manufacturing); and in Australia. Its global workforce supports a complex supply chain delivering to commercial customers, municipal governments, and military agencies worldwide. Operations are supported by advanced engineering centers, including those from Pratt Miller, which focus on next-generation mobility and autonomous systems. The corporation also maintains extensive parts and service networks to support vehicle fleets throughout their lifecycle.

Corporate affairs

Leadership is under John C. Pfeifer, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OSK. Its corporate governance includes a Board of Directors and committees overseeing audit, compensation, and nominating functions. The corporation emphasizes innovation through significant investment in Research and development, often in collaboration with agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. It actively engages in community initiatives in Wisconsin and adheres to environmental and sustainability goals, aligning with broader industry standards.

Financial performance

As a major player in cyclical industries, its financial results are influenced by defense spending cycles, municipal budgets, and construction activity. Revenue is derived from a mix of long-term contracts with the United States Department of Defense, commercial sales, and municipal purchases. Key financial metrics are reported quarterly and annually, with segments (Access Equipment, Defense, Vocational) providing detailed performance breakdowns. The corporation's financial strength has enabled strategic acquisitions, shareholder returns, and continued investment in new technologies, such as electric vehicles like the JLG electric boom lift and the Pierce Volterra fire truck.

Category:Companies based in Wisconsin Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies of the United States Category:Defense companies of the United States