Wastequip

In 1989, Charles Walton saw an opportunity in a disconnected industry. The waste management equipment business was fragmented, forcing customers to deal with multiple suppliers for different needs. Walton's insight was to create a single, reliable source for everything from steel containers to transport solutions, and with that, Wastequip was born. The initial strategy was straightforward: grow by acquiring top brands and consolidating them under one umbrella, offering a comprehensive product line. The playbook worked. Backed by venture capital firms, Wastequip began a series of acquisitions, steadily building its manufacturing footprint and market share across North America. This roll-up strategy allowed the company to offer an unmatched range of products, including respected names like Toter, Galbreath, and Pioneer, becoming a leader in the waste equipment sector. A significant shift occurred as Wastequip entered the world of high finance, attracting the attention of private equity. The company went through several ownership changes, including an acquisition by a private equity firm in 1999. In 2012, Centerbridge Partners took a majority stake as part of a major recapitalization that reduced the company's debt. Then, in 2018, H.I.G. Capital, another private equity firm, acquired the company from Centerbridge, aiming to support its next phase of growth through investment in new products and expansion. This transition marked another chapter in Wastequip's journey from a founder's vision to a key player shaped by strategic acquisitions and private equity investment.