Stoughton Trailers is ranked the largest manufacturer in Dane County and moved from 14th in 2015 to 12th overall this year on In Business' annual list of the county's largest employers, which the magazine compiled for its September issue.

In an interview for a feature story accompanying the list, President & CEO Bob Wahlin said he attributes the company's growth and recovery from the Great Recession to a diversification strategy that helps Stoughton Trailers withstand a volatile market. Originally a producer of dry van trailers, the company now designs and fabricates specialty and drop-floor trailers, accepts many custom orders, acquired a livestock trailer manufacturer, developed a program for trailer rental and lease, and began a parts sales division.

Stoughton Trailers employs approximately 1,500 people — five times the number of employees it reduced its workforce to in 2009 in response to the recession — at its facilities in Dane, Rock and Green counties.