About Marathon® Equipment

A Tradition of Excellence Since 1966.

Building a Legacy of Performance, Innovation, Quality, and Service

Known throughout the world for its proven on-site waste compaction and recycling systems, Marathon began one evening in early 1966 as Lawson Acton, a 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 that better utilized material and was more economically priced and 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 1967 in its first “factory,” an abandoned service station. 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 the Marathon brand’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. plant in Alabama to the present 150,000 sq. ft. plant.

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. 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 and recycling equipment.

Core Values

Marathon® Equipment Company Is Committed to:

  • Building trust with honesty, integrity, and hard work.
  • Protecting the interest of our customers, employees, and shareholders.
  • Supporting the community and conserving our environmental resources.
  • Providing the best value through innovation and continuous improvement.

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to provide creative solutions to the global recycling, waste, and material handling markets by offering innovative products and superior service.”

MARATHON® IS ORGANIZED INTO Two BUSINESS SEGMENTS ALIGNED WITH THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF CUSTOMERS IN THE GLOBAL SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING INDUSTRY:

Trash Compactors & Compaction Products

The Marathon Compaction Solutions group offers durable high-quality trash compactors, compactions containers for roll-off trucks, and transfer systems for solid waste handling applications. We manufacture the highest quality compactors, know throughout the world as the leader in compaction equipment.

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Balers & Recycling Products

The Recycling Solutions group offers creative solutions for today’s recycling, solid waste, and material handling challenges. Our equipment is designed for a wide variety of recycling and scrap processing operations and includes precision-built auto-tie, two-ram, and manual-tie horizontal and vertical balers, conveyors, and complete MRF systems.

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About Dover

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of approximately $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what’s possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under “DOV.” Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.

LEARN MORE About Dover

Have Questions About Marathon and it’s products?

Contact your Marathon® Compaction and Recycling Equipment team today to for additional information.