Wired for Success: Ace Wire Spring & Form Makes Connections at NATM Convention 2025
Submitted by Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc.
Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. had the exciting opportunity to exhibit at the 2025 National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee. This event brought together manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and industry experts from across the trailer industry, providing us with valuable insights into the evolving needs of our customers.
“As an exhibitor, the NATM annual trade show is a perfect venue for Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. to tell our story; display our products; discuss our capabilities; and engage with all the outstanding folks in this industry,” said Sales Development Manager Tom Proteau. “This event is great for getting reacquainted with folks from last year; establishing new contacts; identifying new opportunities for springs and wire forms; and learning more about the light-to-medium duty trailer market.”
“The attendees were very friendly, although nobody was expecting snow in Nashville!” said Inside Sales Account Manager Ritchy J. Froehlich. “I learned a lot about the different types of trailers and how competitive the market is, particularly in Texas. As a supplier of critical trailer components, attending these events is invaluable for gaining industry insights and connecting with the very polite and knowledgeable purchasing agents.”
Ace Wire Spring’s Team in AttendanceRepresenting Ace Wire Spring at this year’s show were:
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Their combined expertise allowed us to connect with industry professionals, discuss customer needs in depth, and showcase our ability to provide high-quality, custom-engineered spring solutions.
“From my first time experience with the show, I was very impressed. I had the opportunity of working a trade show with my Sales Manager and Grandson,” Linda said. “I’ve done my fair share of trade shows over many years, so it was nice to show-off some of the things I’ve learned with them.”
While the company has been represented at the last three shows, it was Linda and Ritchy’s first time at the NATM Convention & Trade Show. Tom attended in 2024 in Las Vegas for the first time.
Expanding Our Industry Knowledge
Attending the NATM Convention allowed us to gain in-depth knowledge about current trends and challenges in the trailer manufacturing space. We had insightful discussions with dealers, vendors, and suppliers, which helped us refine our approach to torsion trailer springs and better understand what purchasing agents look for when selecting the right supplier.
“We enjoyed meeting professionals across different roles in trailer manufacturing and distribution. These conversations provided valuable insights into the industry and how we can position our capabilities to better serve trailer manufacturers,” Ritchy said. “Our goal was to inform and be a resource—demonstrating that if a company requires spring design assistance, our dedicated engineering team can manufacture a solution right here in the USA that integrates seamlessly into their trailer applications. We were also eager to showcase our new large-diameter torsion spring manufacturing capabilities, which are specifically geared toward this industry.”
One of our biggest takeaways was learning how purchasing agents identify and source torsion trailer springs. Many professionals in the industry commonly refer to these components as “6 x 6 springs” or search for them using terms such as:
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Ramp Assist Springs
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Lift Gate Springs
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180 Springs
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Ramp Door Springs
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Additionally, many purchasing agents turn to platforms like E-Trailer to find suitable options, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific terminology and accessibility.
The Value of Custom Spring Solutions
Through conversations with industry professionals, we also learned that many companies in the trailer manufacturing sector appreciate the ability to work with a custom spring manufacturer.
“Our primary goal was simple—demonstrate to trailer manufacturers that even the smallest components in a trailer’s assembly, like springs, require precision engineering. Many don’t realize just how many different types of springs are incorporated into their trailers,” Ritchy said. “At Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. Inc., we specialize in designing and prototyping torsion trailer springs to fit exact applications. Our objective was to showcase our capabilities and earn their business for production runs.”
The ability to prioritize prototyping needs and collaborate directly with an engineer to design the perfect torsion spring for their specific trailer application is a significant advantage. This reinforces Ace Wire Spring’s commitment to customized solutions, precision engineering, and hands-on design expertise.
“The trailer industry is one where we can offer a quality product, design assistance at a fair price for those looking for a custom spring or wire form,” Linda said. “Unlike some of our competitors, we can manufacture products up to .718” wire diameters with OD’s of 10 inches or larger.”
“We were excited to highlight our recent investment in state-of-the-art machinery designed to manufacture large-diameter torsion springs. This investment enhances our capabilities and allows us to better serve industries, like trailer manufacturing, that require robust, high-performance springs,” Ritchy said.
Looking Ahead
Our experience at NATM 2025 was incredibly valuable, not just for the insights we gained but also for the new connections we established. The event provided a fantastic platform to showcase our capabilities, learn from industry leaders, and explore future opportunities within the trailer manufacturing space.
We look forward to attending future NATM shows and continuing to grow our presence in the industry. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their knowledge, and contributed to making this a successful event. We’re excited for what’s ahead!
