The first Boxer compact utility loader rolled off the Morbark Inc. production line recently. Morbark, a manufacturer of tree care, sawmill, recycling, forestry and biomass chipping and grinding equipment, acquired Boxer Equipment, a product line of Mertz Manufacturing LLC at the end of 2012.

Morbark’s staff gathered to watch as the first Boxer unit completed at the Morbark factory in Winn, Mich., a model 320 compact loader, was unveiled with a boxing-themed introduction.

"It’s been an amazing journey and a real testament to the teamwork and dedication of our staff,” Jim Shoemaker Jr., president, Morbark Inc., said. “In the 84 days since we received the intellectual property, we have moved inventory from Oklahoma to Michigan, invested in additional long-lead inventory, set up aftermarket parts and service support for existing Boxer customers, created a production line — including weld and assembly fixtures — created marketing material, completed our first dealer training sessions, and today, completed the production of our first unit. A lot of people played a role in making this a reality. In fact, I sat down and started listing the Morbark employees who have played a role in helping with the Boxer acquisition and production line, and I stopped counting at 50. It was truly amazing how many of the team came together to pull this off.”

Currently Morbark is working to fill Boxer back orders, as well as working with their authorized dealer network and previous Boxer dealers to ensure that customers receive unmatched service, after-sales support and fast, efficient parts fulfillment. In June, Morbark is scheduled to reach its full production capacity.

“This product line will fit like a glove with the rest of the tree care products that we make,” continued Shoemaker, “as well as allow Morbark, our dealers and our customers to penetrate new markets and create new opportunities for their businesses.”

For more information, visit www.morbark.com or www.boxerequipment.com.