ERIE – Team Hardinger, an Erie-based transportation, warehousing and value-added services company, today announced the acquisition of the company and its subsidiaries, Hardinger Logistics and Schaal Realty, by Harold “H.” Bender. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bender, an Erie native, has served as the company’s general manager since 2008 and has shared ownership with the company’s co-founder, William “Bill” Schaal Sr., since 2012. As general manager, Bender led a significant expansion of the company’s services and offerings, including the establishment of the Erie region’s first and largest Foreign Trade Zone, the creation of a brokerage transportation subsidiary, and a multimillion-dollar investment in best-in-class infrastructure, equipment and technology.
“We have a tremendous team that has built Team Hardinger’s capabilities to where we compete at the national level,” Bender stated. “I am extremely proud of the team and the work we’ve done so far, and I look forward to the opportunities we will create for our customers, employees and the community in the future.”
As Schaal approached his 90th birthday, he sought a successor who would continue to grow the company locally, ensure excellent service to customers, and provide security for the company’s employees.
“I am putting the company in good hands, and I’m confident we’ll see many more successes from Team Hardinger in the years to come,” Schaal said.
Reflecting on 46 years as a business owner, he stated, “We started out in 1969 as a one-truck operation, and I am very grateful to all our team members, customers and suppliers who helped build the business into the thriving enterprise it is today.”
Bender met with employees Friday morning and told them not to expect big changes. The company will continue to follow its existing strategic plan, including planned investments. Although Schaal is retiring, he will continue to serve as a consultant and mentor.
Team Hardinger is an integrated logistics services company that provides asset based transportation, truckload brokerage, warehousing, Foreign Trade Zone, and value-added services for manufacturers and the food industry nationwide. Team Hardinger is headquartered in Erie, Pa. and employs approximately 175 team members at four locations in Northwest Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit www.team-h.com.
