How Load Trail Doubled Throughput with OneCure™

How Sherwin-Williams Helped a Fast Growing Trailer Brand Boost Durability and Simplify Production

Since its founding in 1996, Load Trail trailers has fueled steady expansion – growing its dealer network to more than 400 locations and building a reputation for durability and performance. 

As production scaled, so did operational complexity.  Load Trail needed a finishing solution that could keep pace while improving quality, efficiency and cost control. In 2015, the family-owned business partnered with Sherwin-Williams to address these challenges and support continued growth. 

Sherwin-Williams introduced OneCure™, an innovative dust-on-dust powder coating system designed to simplify processes while improving performance. As the first trailer OEM to adopt this technology, Load Trail partnered closely with Sherwin-Williams during development and implementation.

Load Trail needed a finishing system that could:

• Reduce production inefficiencies

Traditional primer/topcoat system required multiple curing steps and complex workflows

• Control costs while improving durability

Primer was an add-on feature, limiting value and market differentiation   

• Reduce corrosion-related warranty claims

Especially for customers operating in harsh climates 

The OneCure Solution 

What makes OneCure different:

• Co-reactive chemistry for superior intercoat adhesion 

A zinc-rich epoxy primer and superdurable polyester topcoat co-react during cure to form a unified, corrosion-resistant layer

• One-bake efficiency 

Primer and topcoat cure together in one bake, reducing steps, time and production complexity 

• Improved durability and customer value  

Increased efficiency enabled Load Trail to offer primer as a standard feature – strengthening brand reputation for long-lasting durability and differentiation in the market 

The Results

• 75% fewer warranty claims

Corrosion-related claims dropped from 4-5 per month to approximately 1 per month

• 2.4X higher first-past yield

Improved from 40% to 96%

• 2X finishing throughput 

Finishing efficiency doubled, supporting rapid, scalable growth

• Stronger market presence

Standard primer/topcoat offering and custom finishes enhance visibility and competitive differentiation  

• Continuous improvement

Weekly on-site technical service and performance testing support continued optimization as production scales