Company Profile

Although the original company Baker Equipment and Supply was started in the early 1950s, the SEMO side of the operation was not formed until 1976. Baker Equipment's beginning was conceived during the early years of bulk milk pick up when the "can" routes gave way to trucks, tanks, and trailers.

Initially, much of Baker's business was directly related to the dairy farm industry but the operation grew steadily toward the transportation industry. As the number of bulk pickup and transport trailers increased, the original owner Tom Baker, saw the need for a tanker repair facility to compliment the company sales; hence Semo Tank was formed.

The two organizations (Semo Tank and Baker Equipment) were operated as separate companies under mutual ownership, but worked in conjunction with each other. Baker Equipment handled the sales and leasing while Semo performed the repair and remanufacturing.

Even though the two companies have since merged, the same concept still applies by offering their customers the convenience of complete service under one operation. This combined with quality craftsmen, solid work ethics, and a dedication to customer service allowed a natural transition into other areas of transportation equipment. The company background and understanding of the strict standards related to sanitary/food grade equipment became the springboard for Semo to pursue the dry bulk, chemical and petroleum industry.

Beyond the company’s base business as a major tank distributor and a respected repair facility, Semo Tank entered into the field of manufacturing high quality fire apparatus in the mid 80s. This new segment of their operation consisted of custom fabricating tanker and tanker/pumper fire fighting vehicles featuring all stainless steel tank and body assembly construction.

With skilled quality craftsmen in place, Semo knew they could meet the high expectation of appearance and dependability that fire fighters demand and deserve. Now, with almost 20 years of serving the fire service industry, Semo Tank takes great pride in the products they produce and values their association with the dedicated people that they serve.

With an increasing demand for transportation equipment and a steady growth in their customer base, Semo expanded in 1995, through the purchase of Rogersville Tank Repair (RTR). The company (RTR) had been in business for over 15 years at the Rogersville, MO. location. Semo always considered RTR a "friendly competitor" and indirectly shared some of the same customers. RTR's reputation coupled with their quality welders and fabricators were paramount in Semo's decision to acquire.

As in the RTR acquisition, Semo Tank’s emphasis on experienced personnel played an important part of yet another expansion. With the closing of a major tank trailer manufacturing plant in Florida, Semo seized the opportunity to open a branch facility to serve the strong southeast tanker market. Gator Tank Trailer was opened in Ocala, Florida in January of 1999.

The Gator operation was immediately staffed and managed by veteran tank trailer specialist and has proven to play a vital role in the expansion of the repair, sales, leasing, and export business. In addition to serving the tanker fleets in the southeast region, Gator also offers specialty and in-plant fabrication.

Semo Tank/Baker Equipment's most recent expansion/acquisition transpired in December 2001 with the purchase of Acro Trailer Co. located in Springfield, MO. Acro has been manufacturing tank trailers for over 41 years specializing in the construction of vacuum, haz-mat, acid, code and non-code vessels. Acro is blessed with a wealth of talent and experienced people for this industry.

This acquisition is Semo's largest step to date. Acro brings the manufacturing side to Semo and can provide their customer base all of the other expanded available services they deserve. Success and growth will come through the combined efforts of all Semo's operations.

Along with the Acro line of equipment, Semo/Baker will continue as one of Walker Stainless’ largest distributors of sanitary and food grade transportation equipment. Semo has also committed to the Texas based manufacturer, Stephen's Pneumatic, to represent their dry bulk and petroleum line of tank trailers. Beyond these manufacturers the company has implemented a national parts program that is competitively supported through names such as Betts, Girard, Drum, Goodyear, Ultraflow, and Thermoid, along with many other select companies.

Semo Tank/Baker Equipment's history has been good and is credited to the ever growing, mutually appreciated customer base. From new to used and rebuilt tank sales, to equipment leasing, to an aggressive parts program and to superior repair, Semo will continue to offer its customers a satisfied experience through dedicated customer service.

SEASONS CHANGE.....DEDICATION DOESN'T