Bentz

are12 · Jul 18, 2013

Does anyone know if Bentz is still in business and if so, how can I reach them?

highway star · Jul 18, 2013

Don Bentz is now running Bolt Custom Trucks.
4532 Allen Martin Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
260.387.5779

are12 · Jul 19, 2013

Thanks Highway Star

mrgoodtude · Jul 19, 2013

Hey Arlene!! They moved again tho I don't recall if Allen Martin Dr is the name of the road, they are across the hwy from Hoosier on a service rd in Ft Wayne.

Slacktide · Jul 19, 2013

Allen Martin is the old address. They are right next door to Penskee, instead of turning at the light to go to hoosier turn the other way and follow the road past penskee Bolt will be on the right. I think it's actually New Haven IN.

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highway star · Jul 19, 2013

Oh...... I did not know that.

Slacktide · Jul 19, 2013

highway star said:
Oh...... I did not know that.

Well now ya does.... We'll let it slide this time....but if it happens again.... You're buying the :beer:

ATeam · Jul 19, 2013

are12 said:
Does anyone know if Bentz is still in business and if so, how can I reach them?

Bentz closed its doors in October, 2009.

See: The Downfall of Bentz Transport Products, Inc.

TeamCaffee · Jul 20, 2013

Don Bentz is back to growing the family business and the sleepers keep improving on what was all ready a very nice sleeper. I believe Don will be at the Expedite Expo as I know many of his sleepers as well as Keith's sleepers will be in attendance.

ATeam · Jul 20, 2013

TeamCaffee said:
Don Bentz is back to growing the family business and the sleepers keep improving on what was all ready a very nice sleeper. I believe Don will be at the Expedite Expo as I know many of his sleepers as well as Keith's sleepers will be in attendance.

A while after I did the interviews and research for the story linked to above, I talked to Jeff Jones and Don Bentz about doing a piece on their new product. It turned out to be too early. Neither one of them wanted to say much at that time.

In the telepone conversation we did have, Don was very keen to distinguish his company -- Bolt Custom Trucks -- from Keith's old company, Bentz Transport Products, Inc. He did not want me to refer to Bolt Custom Trucks as the successor company to Bentz Transport Products, Inc.

That struck me as curious but I did not go into it. There was no sleeper story to write at the time and that's where it ended.

Linda talks about Don's sleepers and Keith's (previously manufactured) sleepers, and that is the right distinction to make. The company that made the old Bentz sleepers is gone, and as far as I know, Keith Bentz is not involved with Bolt Custom Sleepers. He said he was getting out of the truck sleeper business and did exactly that.