CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 10, 2025 – Wastequip, North America’s leading manufacturer of waste-handling equipment, has acquired Foster Hydraulics, a family-owned hydraulic cylinder manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky. The acquisition supports the continued growth in Wastequip’s trucks division. Furthermore, this reinforces the recent expansion of its subsidiary brand, Amrep, expanding to the East Coast with a new facility in North Carolina.
Foster Hydraulics was established in 1983 by the father of current owner and CEO, Tim Foster. Under his leadership, Tim has transformed the company from a modest repair shop into a respected manufacturer with a recent expansion for continued growth. In addition to the decades of service as a trusted supplier to Wastequip’s Galbreath brand, Foster Hydraulics’ deep-rooted history and proven capabilities align perfectly with Wastequip’s culture and operations.
“Adding Foster Hydraulics increases our production capacity in the Eastern market and gives us greater control over a key truck component that affects performance and reliability. It’s timely given the commissioning of our new collection body plant opening at the end of this year. Foster’s reputation for quality makes them a great fit for our team,” stated Eric Mattson, President of Wastequip’s trucks division.
“This is a positive step for our employees, our customers, and the future of the company,” said Tim Foster. “We’ve always focused on quality and relationships, and those values match Wastequip’s. We’re proud to join a company committed to American manufacturing and dependable products made for the waste industry.”
Amrep recognizes the importance of reliable cylinders, having offered hydraulic cylinder manufacturing and repair as one of its primary services. Through the acquisition of Foster Hydraulics, Wastequip enhances its ability to meet demand, reduce lead times, and amplify the product range — with the additional benefit of increased parts availability through Wastebuilt, Wastequip’s parts business.
“This move strategically addresses a critical need our customers have identified,” said John Defenbaugh, Chief Commercial Officer of Wastequip. “Bringing cylinder manufacturing in-house strengthens both our OEM products and our rapidly expanding Wastebuilt aftermarket product line. By controlling this key component, Wastequip is uniquely positioned to offer parts and service for all makes and models currently in service through our company-owned network of Wastequip WRX locations.”
This acquisition reflects Wastequip’s mission to provide all-in-one solutions for the waste industry. Foster Hydraulics demonstrates its pride in American craftsmanship by placing Made in the U.S.A. on every cylinder it produces.
Integration efforts are currently underway with an ongoing commitment to maintain product quality, retain employees, and preserve customer satisfaction. For more information, visit wastequip.com or fosterhyd.com.
About Wastequip
Wastequip® is the leading North American manufacturer of waste handling equipment with an international network of manufacturing facilities and the most extensive service network in the industry. Wastequip offers the broadest range of waste equipment, which includes carts, containers, trucks, parts, service, and technology for the collection, transport, and disposal of waste and recyclables. The company’s family of brands includes Wastequip®, Toter®, ConFab®, Amrep®, Galbreath™, Pioneer™, Mountain Tarp®, Wastequip WRX®, Wastebuilt®, ContainerPros®, wasteware®, and Accurate™.
About Foster Hydraulics
Established in 1983, Foster Hydraulics, Inc. is a family-owned company specializing in the manufacturing of hydraulic cylinders. The company offers full design and engineering services, utilizing advanced technologies and state-of-the-art machining equipment. A team of skilled and experienced technicians ensures precision and quality throughout the process. Computerization in both design and production enables the creation of custom hydraulic cylinders to exact specifications, efficiently and accurately. Foster Hydraulics is now part of the Wastequip® family of brands. For more information, visit fosterhyd.com.
About Amrep
Founded in 1968, Amrep® is the premier manufacturer of high-quality, sustainable refuse equipment, offering front loaders, automated side loaders, roll-off hoists, and roll-off trailers that maximize productivity, make maintenance easier and offer a low total cost of ownership. Amrep is the only refuse body manufacturer in North America using Hardox high-tensile steel in the entire body shell, increasing service life even in the harshest conditions. Amrep is part of the Wastequip® family of brands. To learn more, visit amrepproducts.com.
Media Contact:
Kelsey Dixon
704.942.7248
kdixon@thebrandonagency.com