Our history
Kargo King Timeline
- 1998 – Kwik Load Products is founded in Kingston, Ontario by Ron Smith. Ron designs and builds first Kwik Lift System for recreational equipment transport on light pick-up trucks.
- 1999 – Ron Smith and his son Brad Smith build enhanced version of the Kwik Lift after being challenged by a local rental company to add features that would allow the system to be used as a substitute for a hydraulic lift gate.
- 2000 – Ron is approached by Canada’s leading rental company to design, test and fabricate a roll-off deck designed for cab and chassis’ with a capacity of approx. 8000 lbs.
- 2001 – The Kargo King II, 8000lbs capacity system is launched with multiple features that address the unique operational and safety challenges encountered by equipment rental companies
- 2004 – The Kargo King II, 12000lbs capacity system, is developed to keep up with the increased demands of Canadian Rental Fleets.
- 2005 – 1st Kargo King II sold into US rental market via newly established national dealer.
- 2007 – Kargo King II nears est. 75% adoption in Canadian rental market among national fleets.
- 2007 – 1st Kargo King II sold into Building Supply market with alternative value proposition – fleet rationalization or the use of one truck for three applications (lumber deck, van body & waste bin)
- 2008 – KKII re-engineered with the assistance of leading global truck equipment OEM.
- 2011 – Adoption of the Kargo King II reaches new high as independent rental companies begin to specifying the system as their primary delivery system on SA applications
- 2013 – Kwik Load Products Ltd. was acquired by Drive Products Inc. in an effort to provide National sales and distribution as well as service to customers Canada-wide.
- 2015 – Drive Products acquires Voth Sales and Service in Courtland, Ontario.
- Manufacturing of the Kargo King II subframes and decks is subsequently moved into Voth facility.
- 2016 – Kargo King exhibits in the UK at the CVS in Birmingham