CRESCO, Iowa, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in more than nine years, Featherlite Trailers brought its dealer network together for a formal company-wide gathering, welcoming dealers from across the country to its Cresco, Iowa, headquarters for the 2026 Featherlite Dealer Summit.

The event provided members of the Featherlite dealer network with a firsthand look at the company’s manufacturing operations and new products as well as hearing from Featherlite leadership about what’s ahead for the company in the future.

“The Dealer Summit was about bringing our Featherlite dealer family together again and giving them an inside look at what’s happening at Featherlite,” said Featherlite President Justin Queensland. “We were excited to show them the investments we’re making in our facilities, equipment, products and dealer support, but just as importantly, we valued the conversations and feedback throughout the event.”

During the Dealer Summit, held September 22-23, 2026, Featherlite dealers toured Featherlite’s manufacturing facilities and saw several of the company’s recent modernization projects. The tour highlighted investments in manufacturing equipment, including a new machining center and laser machine, as well as other improvements designed to support Featherlite’s continued growth and capabilities.

The new 5-axis machining center from Fom allows Featherlite to precisely cut, drill and shape large aluminum and steel components, which improves efficiency and quality. The new fiber laser cutting machine is a fully enclosed system using a 12,000-watt laser to precisely cut aluminum and steel sheets up to approximately 13 by 6 feet. Its features help improve cutting speed, accuracy and efficiency as well.

Dealers also toured and saw the updates to Featherlite’s corporate office, parts warehouse and custom service center and had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback directly to Featherlite leadership and team members.

The event included discussions on Featherlite’s company history and future direction, as well as updates on marketing, sales, parts and other initiatives. Specifically, the Dealer Summit provided dealers with a look at future digital tools designed to enhance the trailer buying experience. Presentations highlighted 3D product modeling and a streamlined quote builder. These tools are part of Featherlite’s continued investment in providing dealers with better sales support and resources.

Featherlite Trailers was acquired at the end of 2019 by a newly formed corporation, owned by Tim Masud and Howard Palmer. Masud serves as CEO of the company and was the former owner of a long-time Featherlite dealership, Golden Gait Trailers.

“We appreciate every dealer who took the time to join us in Cresco,” said Masud. “Our dealers play an important role in representing Featherlite and connecting our products with customers across the country. We’re grateful for their partnership and for the opportunity to continue building those relationships.”

The Featherlite Dealer Summit also provided an opportunity for Featherlite to recognize the contributions of longtime members of its dealer network. Gary and Tammy Raak of Twin Cities South Trailer Sales were presented with a Featherlite Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their decades of dedication to Featherlite, their customers and the trailer industry.

Gary and Tammy first became involved with Featherlite in the early 1990s through Twin Cities Featherlite in Minnesota before establishing Twin Cities South Trailer Sales in Pilot Point, Texas.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Gary and Tammy’s many years of partnership and friendship,” said Queensland. “They have represented Featherlite with dedication for decades, and it was an honor to recognize their contributions.”

A product showcase was another highlight of the Dealer Summit, with dealers getting a closer look at a variety of Featherlite horse, livestock and car trailers. Product walkarounds highlighted new features, options and updates, including:

• New options, including a fold down bed, escape door lighting and double curbside door, for Featherlite’s Model 4410 and 4412 car haulers.
• New over fender cabinet options in the Model 4410 and 4412, in addition to the stacker Model 4414.
• New adjustable roller wheel and rail option on our straight load dividers in the 9000 Series horse trailer line.
• Enhanced standard living quarters features, including a new, larger refrigerator, redesigned sofa and updated cooktop.
• New standard aluminum weld-on hinges on the rear gates, center gates and escape doors and a new heavy-duty 6″ rear frame on select livestock trailers.

These updates build on Featherlite’s recent product development, which includes the introduction of the Model 4410, 4412 and 4414 car haulers. These trailers feature Featherlite’s patent-pending joggle side sheet design, creating a flatter and smoother exterior finish, plus eliminating the need for excess caulk on the top and bottom rails. Featherlite’s new car haulers also feature a spread axle design with fenderettes and a smooth bottom trim. In addition to better aesthetics, the fenderettes are designed to allow more airflow and cooling in the tire/brake area and more durability overall.

“The Featherlite Dealer Summit marked an important opportunity for Featherlite and its dealers to reconnect, share ideas and look toward the future together,” said Queensland. “We’re thankful to all the dealers who joined us and participated in this year’s event.”

For more information about Featherlite and its dealer network, visit www.fthr.com.

About Featherlite
Featherlite, headquartered in Cresco, Iowa, is the nation’s original aluminum specialty trailer brand and a leading manufacturer today of 53-foot race car transporters, as well as car, horse, livestock, recreational and other specialty trailers. Featherlite is a sponsor of many organizations, including NASCAR. For more information, visit www.fthr.com.

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SOURCE Featherlite Trailers