Steelcase trucks (Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Atlanta: layoffs, cabinets, live in)

[jackmccullough]

We lived in Grand Rapids for about four years, but we moved away about thirty years ago.

When we lived there one of our favorite sights was the beautiful Steelcase trucks, dark blue with the word "Steelcase" in a rainbow of colors. They always kept them immaculately clean.

Do they still use that design?

[RegalTDP]

I live in Los Angeles now, and I saw one on I-405 about three weeks ago. Same design, same level of cleanness. I couldn't believe it - it was so far away from home! I hardly ever see them when I visit Michigan anymore.

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by RegalTDP

I live in Los Angeles now, and I saw one on I-405 about three weeks ago. Same design, same level of cleanness. I couldn't believe it - it was so far away from home! I hardly ever see them when I visit Michigan anymore.

Those trucks are still around, and they still have the really nice Peterbuilts with navy blue and chrome everything.

But there aren't nearly as many of them on the road as there used to be. Steelcase has done a lot of downsizing over the years, and it is more and more difficult for a company to maintain a private fleet like that, especially a top of the line fleet like Steelcase.

The most recent time I have seen one was a couple of weeks ago on I-96. It was the classic Steelcase truck, and it looked great!

[Bydand]

Still around, every once in a while one of the centennial trucks are found. The redesigned a few trailers last year for their 100th year in business.

The photo is not mine, but one from a news story about the new truck/trailer design. The blue ones are still around as well though.

[magellan]

Yeah, I hardly ever see any around here anymore. They've downsized so much of their manufacturing in West Michigan. I actually see more of the Herman Miller red ones on the roads now.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by michigan83

But there aren't nearly as many of them on the road as there used to be. Steelcase has done a lot of downsizing over the years, and it is more and more difficult for a company to maintain a private fleet like that, especially a top of the line fleet like Steelcase.

The most recent time I have seen one was a couple of weeks ago on I-96. It was the classic Steelcase truck, and it looked great!

I agree with everyone that the Steelcase trucks were one of the coolest trucks around. They were impressive and were an inspiration when we were choosing designs for our trucks.

Having said that, MOST companies are OUTSOURCING their company fleets to logistics companies. We did so about two years ago as it was almost impossible for us to keep up with all of the new Federal DOT regulations. Even companies like WalMart have sone so in recent years.

[MI-Roger]

Steelcase has effectively shut all operations in Grand Rapids/Kentwood other than one factory making file cabinets. Most products are now made in Mexico or other low labor cost countries. I don't think they even own their famous Pyramid Building any more.

It has been years (decades?) since I have seen the trains of Steelcase trucks on I-96 that were so common 30 years ago. I am now glad I didn't accept that job offer from them back in '85.

[mich2fla]

I have lived in the GRR area all my life till we moved to Atlanta 2 years ago. Occasionally, I would see the Steelcase, HM, and Haworth trucks on the highways here.

[HomeIsWhere...]

They really are impressive and nice to see although I have not seen one in years.

Peterbilt Truck: Steelcase | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[riderT]

They still use those trucks. I work for a place that does a lot of work for them and I see those trucks every day here.