Our History 1967 - Present
Building a Legacy of Performance, Innovation, Quality and Service
Marathon Equipment Company, known throughout the world as a leading manufacturer of on-site waste compaction and recycling systems, began one evening in early 1966 as Lawson Acton, refuse hauling contractor, and Jack Wright, a manufacturer of car washes, were talking over the back fence. Acton wasn't happy with the stationary compactors of the day because they were built like "battleships", with complicated electrical and hydraulic systems. Only the "wealthy few" could afford them, which automatically left out retailers, shopping malls and smaller industrial companies.
Acton envisioned a compactor which utilized material better and more economically priced within the reach of his waiting market. Combining his idea with Wright's manufacturing expertise, the first RamJet® compactor was born.
It was a struggle for the fledgling company that began producing compactors in its first "factory", an abandoned service station in 1967. Both resistance from a "wait and see" market and competitive activity combined to make the first years in Birmingham, Alabama, very difficult.
The obvious advantages of Marathon's more efficient use of materials finally began winning out, and the firm stepped up to a 7,000 sq. ft. plant, then 20,000 sq. ft. and in 1975, to their present facility in Vernon, Alabama. Since 1975, the company has continued its growth by expanding the original 80,000 sq. ft. in Alabama to the present 150,000 sq. ft. In December 1985, Marathon opened its second new plant in Yerington, Nevada, which was expanded in the spring of 1994 from its original 30,000 sq. ft. to 50,000 sq. ft. In November 1989, Marathon opened its third manufacturing plant in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, with 92,000 sq. ft. of floor space.
Privately held for its first 23 years, Marathon was acquired in 1990 by Dover Industries, a diversified industrial manufacturing company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Corporation which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Marathon has grown in the area of product development since the acquisition. In addition to the RamJet® compactors and container product line, Marathon produces and offers a full line of vertical, horizontal and two ram balers through the NEXGEN® brand.
Innovation never stops at Marathon! Over the years Marathon has been the leader in product development. Below are some examples of MECO's journey:
1967Stress engineered guided ram compactor weighing 50% less than those produced in the most efficient manner in its time with lead times half that of its competitors.
1968Octagon-shaped compaction container introduced
1972Gordon Fenner named President of Marathon
1975"S-Curved" compactor
First manufacturer to certify all its compactors to be in compliance with ANSI Z241.1 safety standards.
1976Unitized compactor and container, the RJ-100SC Self-Contained Compactor was designed to handle wet wastes, like that found in grocery stores and hospitals, without the need for a separate compactor and separate container. The RJ-100SC enables large quantities of waste to be contained without liquid leakage.
1978The Vert-I-Pack®, for front or rear loader container systems, became a legend in the industry because it increased productivity. Operators were no longer required to get out of the cab to disconnect hoses or lids. Also, the VIP reduced vehicle maintenance costs since only the loaded container and not the heavy packing mechanism needed to be lifted to unload.
First manufacturer to certify all its compactors to be in compliance with ANSI Z241.1 safety standards.
1983Nestable octagon-shaped Open Tops allow 4 to 10 full- length containers, depending on size, to be transported on one truck to reduce freight charges.
1984To complement our RJ-100SC Self-Contained Compactor/Containers, Marathon invented the RJ-250SC. The unique twin scissor cylinder design provided for a shorter packer body and resulted in a larger, easier to load charge box and greater container capacity to reduce expensive trips to the disposal site.
1987CYCON®, the patented cycle control system that does not depend on expensive-to- maintain pressure or limit switches to control the ram, produces superior payloads for reduced disposal costs. Patented double hinge on unitized compactor/containers for extended seal life and single ratchet door sealing.
1989Recycler Vertical Baler, offered important and unique innovations for the newly emerging recycling industry, such as front bale tie-off that conserves floor space. Patented double hinge on unitized compactor/containers for extended seal life and single ratchet door sealing.
1990Trash Commander®, the decade's newest concept in Horizontal Compactors, uses no limit switches or pressure switches to control the machine's operation, thereby reducing maintenance. Furthermore, the innovative power pack design permits easy interchangability of 10 to 15 HP power packs as well as location from either the left or right hand side of the compactor while being safely contained for security purposes.
M-Series Liquid Extruding Systems that extrude liquids for recycling or reducing disposal costs. Multi-Option Recycler (MOR), a recycling container offering a menu of loading openings and options.
1991Roll-Off Hoists added to the product line in four models.
M.I.S.E.R., Marathon Information System for Efficient Recycling, a computerized container fullness monitoring system to maximize efficiency and minimize waste disposal costs.
DRC II, Dual Recycling Compactor, a self-contained compactor/container with separated storage compartments and automatic adjusting to accommodate volume differences. Marathon President, Gordon Fenner, inducted into the EIA Hall of Fame.
1992Side- Eject Horizontal Baler, incorporates unique and patented features which save time, labor and space to increase the efficiency of processing recyclables.
1993Marathon offers a line of Two-Ram Balers beginning with a 9" cylinder. The TR-9 and a 50 HP power pack, are "team designed and team built" for those customers who insist upon Marathon quality. Value Line product line developed adding the keenly priced 250VL self-contained, the 225VL and 400VL stationary compactors and value line octagon compaction container. Gordon Fenner retired as President. Grant Fenner was named President March 1, 1993.
1994RAMJET's innovative Streamline™ Series Roll-Off Self-Contained Compactor/Containers offer all the advantages of other Marathon ROSCs plus the added benefit of extracting liquids to reduce weight and thereby significantly reducing disposal costs.
1995To respond to customer requests, Marathon designed an Auger product. But rather than copying existing Auger products, Marathon developed the patented Aug-Jet. The Aug-Jet is the first product to combine the crushing power of an Auger with the compaction force of a ram. Ed Furnari was named President of Marathon.
Kent Spiers, Marathon's Vice President of Engineering, was honored with the Distinguished Member award from the Environmental Industry Association for his active involvement in defining and setting standards for the industry.
The RE-800VRM Rotary Recycler™ was first introduced by Marathon at the NRC tradeshow. The Rotary Recycler is a unique new concept in Recycling equipment to reduce the volume of space required for recyclables and to improve baling.
1997Marathon's 30th Birthday! New addition to the Rampro line: the extremely affordable Gemini 3560 Crossed Cylinder Baler. The product was an instant success as a result of responding to the market need for low-cost balers.
The TrashMinder™ Monitoring Systems are introduced. The TrashMinder is more technically advanced and provides more features and user benefits. Value Line product line developed adding the keenly priced 250VL self-contained, the 225VL and 400VL stationary compactors and value line octagon compaction container.
1997Marathon announced the most significant change to compactors in several decades. To improve serviceability and ease-of-use, Marathon designed, engineered and launched a revolutionary new Stationary Compactor design change - the Side Mount Power Pack. This new design gives customers the ease -of- installation of an internal power pack, with the ease-of-maintenance of a remote power pack. Marathon also announced that its standard models of stationary and self-contained compactors can now be purchased totally UL listed (not just the panel boxes)!
Marathon introduced its World Class Greaseless Hoist at the EIA Waste Expo tradeshow! Introduction of the newest and most economical Two-Ram...the TR-8/40. The TR8/40 meets the growing demand for powerful, efficient balers which cost less than $100,000. In today's tough recycling environment, the TR-8 is an important addition to the RamPro product line.
1998In 1998, Marathon presented the TS-2000, the industries first affordable transfer station system. The advantages of the TS-2000 are numerous. Maximum payloads are made possible because compaction takes place in the large charge box with Marathon's patented Automatic Density Regulator (ADR) system. This eliminates the need for tamping and minimizes associated trailer damage and maintenance costs. Tremendous savings on start-up costs are also a plus with this system because the TS-2000 requires little site preparation.
1999Marathon's 1999 year was full of changes and additions. Perfection was improved on the VIP. Marathon made the series even better by making each unit reversible and adjustable. It has the same great benefits as the original VIP's, plus more. Now the packer head can be used in a front or rear feed application. Another plus is the height can be easily changed to accommodate 4, 6, or 8 yard containers. In March, Marathon announced its acquisition of Reduction Technology, Inc. This merger would allow Marathon to enter the volume reduction market on a larger scale. Shredders, grinders and granulators were added to Marathon's already wide range of equipment.
The Stealth® baler was also introduced in 1999 as the most affordable horizontal baler on the market. The price is light, but the baler is not, so why pay more? The new horizontal closed end baler is specially designed for baling corrugated cardboard, 2 to 3 tons per hour. The large feed opening of 46" x 60" allows for a variety of sizes of materials to be baled. The Stealth produces bale sizes in excess of 1600 lbs. and is easily tied off with the option of tying through the door or sides. By placing a high priority on listening to the customer, relying on employee teams for creating ideas and solutions and applying "World Class" principles into every work area, Marathon's work force of over 550 people is able to develop high quality, innovative equipment for specific customer needs while providing top-notch customer service.
Evolving from the TS-2000, Marathon installed its first BlokPak 3000® Transfer System in Blackfoot, Idaho. The BlokPak® was designed for even higher volume transfer station applications. The BlokPak is capable of processing 90 tons per hour of continuous operation. Jimmy Pipkins received the Environmental Industry Associations, Manufacturing Employee of the Year. Merchant Resource Network Awards Marathon Equipment Company the Simon "Seal of Superiority in June 1999.
2000Marathon's stationary compactors have been the standard of the industry for more than 30 years. To further demonstrate a commitment to quality and service, in 2000, Marathon introduced high value components to their standard compactors without increasing the price. These components are featured on the 2, 3 and 4 cubic yard compactors (except VL models) such as the popular RJ-225 Stationary Compactor.
Wesley Harmon received the Environmental Industry Associations, Sales & Marketing Employee of the Year.
To provide for continued growth in the Western U.S. and export markets, Marathon Equipment Company is expanding their Yerington, Nevada production facility for the third time in three years (a 9,000+ sq. feet addition, bringing the total square footage to 60,000).
Gordon Shaw named Chairman of WASTEC
2001Opened a plant in Fayette, Alabama, to build conveyor systems. Gemini-Xtreme, Dollar General - Stockroom Baler, and ME-66 re-designed. Introduced installation service for our National Accounts. Shawnna Romans received the Environmental Industry Associations, Sales & Marketing Employee of the Year.
Untouchable VIP introduced.
2002Ed Furnari retired as President of Marathon in December 2002. Ed Furnari inducted into the Environmental Industry Association (EIA) Hall of Fame.
2003Gordon Shaw was appointed President of Marathon Equipment in January 2003.
Marathon introduced the Mini-MAC® Apartment Compactor and the Apollo Two-Ram Baler.
Hired two industry veterans to help revitalize our recycling systems. Joe Szany joined Marathon as Director of Sales for Recycling Systems and Jim Cunningham became Director of Engineering for Recycling Systems.
Margaret Wallace received the Environmental Industry Associations, Sales & Marketing Employee of the Year.
Gordon Shaw received "Member of the Year" Award from WASTEC and the Environmental Industries Association.
2004Re-branding our recycling systems under the name NEXGEN Baling Systems. Along with the NEXGEN launch came a new web site, www.NEXGENbalers.com, literature and other marketing materials.
A new auto-tie baler design was introduced in order to make NEXGEN more competitive in the auto-tie market. The most dramatic change being a single cylinder tensioning system and a gear driven tier, a first for American manufacturers.
20052005 was an exciting year with the branding of several product lines. The NEXGEN line of Auto-Tie balers was branded the TIEger™ Series Auto-Tie Balers. These feature the TIEger® gear driven tieing system. Also, a complete redesign of the Two-Ram Balers with the introduction of the brand name GALAXY2R® Series Two-Ram Balers. Marathon's conveyor line was also branded EZ-Trax™.
Marathon's parts department was named Parts1Stop®.
2006The theme "Listening Today, Implementing Tomorrow" was introduced in 2006 illustrating Marathon's commitment to putting innovation and technology into our products quickly and efficiently. One such innovation was the QwikClean® Door for self- contained compactors. This new option allows access to the chamber behind the compactor for easy clean-out. NEXGEN launched the Raz-R™ Mobile Shear that adds to our scrap processing equipment product line. Marathon president, Gordon Shaw, was inducted into the Environmental Association's (EIA) Hall of Fame for his contributions to the waste industry for more than 25 years. Marathon also went "green" in 2006 with the launch of the environmentally friendly GreenBuilt™ options for self-contained compactors.
