Our Proud History
Serving St. Louis, Missouri
Our Company History
In 1863, while the nation was still in the midst of the Civil War, the Kranz family opened a blacksmith shop in St. Louis, MO. But this wasn’t just any blacksmith shop. The Kranzes quickly became known for their exceptional ability to forge high-quality horseshoes, and they approached every job with precision, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their reputation as the best blacksmiths in the area spread rapidly.
This marked the beginning of a service tradition that has continued for over a century, adapting to the technological advancements that have reshaped society over the years. After years of blacksmithing, the Kranz family expanded into carriage-making, combining their craftsmanship with new skills to build carriages that were unrivaled in St. Louis. Once again, they earned a reputation as master craftsmen.
As the automobile industry began to grow, it was a natural progression for the Kranz family to transition into manufacturing truck bodies. From horseshoes to carriages to trucks, the Kranz family has always been driven by a desire to help keep America moving.
Upfitting Your Commercial Vehicle
In the early days of the automotive industry, companies like ours designed and built truck bodies in small batches to meet the unique needs of local users. Over time, larger manufacturers began mass-producing standardized truck bodies, marketing and selling them regionally and nationally.
For Kranz, it was a natural evolution to become a distributor of these mass-produced truck bodies. Today, Kranz Body Company partners with some of America’s leading truck equipment manufacturers. What sets us apart is that we go beyond standard offerings—by customizing equipment to meet the specific needs of our customers. We ensure that each vehicle is equipped exactly as required, so you always leave with the right solution.
With a focus on unmatched quality, reliability, integrity, and service, the Kranz name has become synonymous with excellence. We're known for doing it right, every time.
Dedicated to Serving You
Our dedication to exceptional service is not just a goal—it’s the foundation of our business. With years of experience and a relentless focus on mastering our craft, we’ve built a reputation for consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations. This commitment is why we’ve been able to serve the St. Louis, MO area for over a century. Our customers trust that our promise of reliability and putting them first is something they won’t find anywhere else.