February 2016, Vol. 71 No. 2
Newsline
In Memoriam: Eldon D. Jones
Eldon D. Jones, 90, passed away in Lake Crystal, MN, late 2015. Jones was an inventor, engineer and businessman who founded dump body and hoist manufacturer Crysteel Manufacturing in Lake Crystal. He started with the invention of one of the most recognized pieces of equipment in the dumb body industry, the Lo-Boy hoist.
The Lo-Boy hoist design went on to become the industry standard for truck hoists, and the foundation on which Jones and his wife, Helen, founded Crysteel Manufacturing in 1969. After opening a facility in 1970, the company went on to begin manufacturing dump bodies based on Jones’ designs in 1980.
Jones retired as President of Crysteel Manufacturing in 1990, at which point Helen succeeded him. In 1994, son Peter took over as president and in 2005, the company was acquired by Truck Bodies & Equipment International, Inc. (TBEI).
Even past retirement, Jones maintained his inventor’s spirit by continually innovating new ideas, as well as working with Crysteel and TBEI engineers to turn his ideas into industry-leading products up until the time of his passing.
“In terms of this industry, Eldon Jones’ name is synonymous with quality, innovation and hard work. [He] is very well known and respected for his accomplishments,” said Bob Fines, TBEI President and CEO.
He will be greatly missed, but his achievements will stand as an impressive and enduring legacy, Fines added. Today, Crysteel Manufacturing has a network of more than 140 distributors across the United States and North America.
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