PRESS RELEASE
Armor Equipment Strengthens Minnesota Service Capabilities with Acquisition of Dakota Truck
Acquisition adds truck and trailer repair expertise, building on Armor’s expansion into the Upper Midwest
Dakota Truck’s outgoing owner, Ray Williamson (left), is pictured with Tripp Manheimer, president of Armor Equipment. Armor’s acquisition of the Lakeville, Minnesota-based business adds service capacity and expands truck and chassis repair capabilities across the Upper Midwest.
September 16, 2026
LAKEVILLE, Minn. — Armor Equipment, a full-service provider of environmental equipment solutions, has acquired Dakota Truck Co., LLC, a medium- and heavy-duty truck and trailer repair business based in Lakeville, Minnesota. The acquisition, effective September 1, 2026, adds complementary truck repair capabilities to Armor’s equipment sales, parts and service operations.
Dakota Truck provides maintenance and repair services across vehicle makes and models, including engine service, transmission and drivetrain repairs, brakes and suspension, electrical troubleshooting, hydraulic repairs, welding and DOT inspections. These capabilities complement Armor’s work supporting the equipment needs of businesses and municipalities throughout the Midwest.
“We’re pleased to welcome Dakota Truck to the Armor Equipment family,” said Tripp Manheimer, president of Armor Equipment. “Our customers need more than the right equipment. They need the service and support that keep it working. Dakota Truck’s repair expertise complements our environmental equipment business and supports our focus on helping customers reduce downtime, extend equipment life and manage their total cost of ownership. It’s another important step as we continue to grow the Environmental Products Group of MH Equipment.”
Dakota Truck’s “No Excuses” operating philosophy emphasizes quality workmanship, clear communication, trained employees and honoring commitments to customers. That customer-service focus provides a foundation for bringing the businesses together.
“Our customers depend on their trucks to make a living, so getting repairs done right and getting them back on the road is personal to us,” said Ray Williamson, the outgoing owner of Dakota Truck. “Finding a partner who shares that mindset—and values our customers and employees—was important to me. Armor is that kind of company. I’m proud of what our team has built, and I’m excited about the opportunity to build on that foundation with Armor’s resources and support behind us.”
The acquisition follows Armor’s purchase of Environmental Equipment & Services in Elko, Minnesota, effective January 31, 2026. That transaction expanded Armor’s footprint across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, adding specialized expertise in TYMCO street sweeper sales and the refurbishment and nationwide sale of used sweepers.
Armor’s acquisition of Dakota Truck will complement the Minnesota/Wisconsin/North Dakota/South Dakota operations with additional service capacity, as well as expanded truck and chassis repair capabilities.
Armor will move its Elko, Minnesota branch location to the Dakota Truck location in Lakeville, Minnesota effective November 1, 2026. Dakota Truck will begin operating as Armor Equipment in September. All Dakota Truck employees (including its team of 5 technicians) and leadership will remain; and customers should continue using their existing service contacts.
