CURT - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

CURT, founded in 1993 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, stands as a leading manufacturer and distributor of towing products and truck accessories. Operating as a brand of CURT Group and a subsidiary of Lippert Components, Inc., the company is dedicated to connecting customers to their lifestyles through dependable equipment, providing confidence for a variety of adventures and work needs. CURT aspires to be the industry leader by placing customers at the forefront and valuing its associates as its greatest asset. Its significance in the industry is marked by its extensive product line, commitment to USA-made custom-fit solutions, and continuous product innovation.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Customer-Centric Innovation: To continuously develop and introduce new towing products and truck accessories that meet evolving customer needs and enhance user experience.

Market Leadership: To maintain and expand its position as a leading manufacturer, particularly in USA-made custom-fit trailer hitches, covering a broad spectrum of non-commercial vehicles in North America.

Operational Excellence: To achieve high standards in manufacturing capabilities, product quality, safety testing, and order fulfillment, ensuring first-to-market designs and unmatched order-fill rates.

Associate Empowerment: To foster a work environment that values its associates, recognizing them as key to the company's success and growth.

Specialization Areas

CURT specializes in comprehensive towing solutions and truck accessories, with key areas of expertise including:

Custom-Fit Trailer Hitches: Offering over 1,000 unique models designed for precise fit on nearly every non-commercial vehicle in North America.

Trailer Wiring and Electrical Components: Providing advanced electrical solutions, encompassing smart brake controllers and integrated monitoring systems.

Specialty Hitches: Manufacturing a wide array of hitches, including 5th wheel hitches, gooseneck hitches, and weight distribution systems.

Cargo Management and Recreational Accessories: Developing a range of products like cargo carriers, bike racks, and flat towing equipment.

Target Markets

CURT primarily targets vehicle owners requiring towing capabilities and enhanced vehicle functionality. This includes:

Recreational Users: Individuals engaged in activities such as camping, boating, and cycling who require dependable equipment for towing trailers, RVs, and carrying recreational gear.

Professional and Commercial Users: Small businesses and individuals who utilize trucks and SUVs for hauling equipment, materials, and other work-related tasks.

Automotive Aftermarket: Customers seeking to upgrade, customize, or maintain their vehicles with high-quality towing and truck accessories.

2. Financial Overview

CURT operates as a privately held company and is a subsidiary of Lippert Components, Inc. As such, it does not engage in public funding rounds or disclose detailed financial statements. The company generates an estimated annual revenue between $250 million and $500 million. All funding and financial support for CURT are managed internally, leveraging the resources and financial stability of its parent company, Lippert Components, Inc. This structure provides a stable financial foundation, enabling sustained investment in product development, manufacturing capabilities, and market expansion without external equity financing.

3. Product Pipeline

CURT's pipeline development is characterized by continuous product innovation and the introduction of new towing and truck accessory solutions. Recent notable product developments and innovations include:

Portable Brake Controller with Wireless Control Interface: A patented inline plug-and-play brake controller featuring potted electronics, an accelerometer, and wireless smartphone control, granted patent US11975702 on May 7, 2024.

Tow Electrical Tester: A diagnostic device with a housing, socket for electrical connections, and indicator LEDs, granted patent US12117477 on October 15, 2024.

Fifth Wheel Hitch: A patented hitch design featuring a base, an adjustable seat, and a kingpin adapter, granted patent US12351255 on July 8, 2025.

Anti-Rattle Hitch Tightener: A patented tightener utilizing a U-bolt and crossbar mechanism to secure hitch receiver tubes and shanks, granted patent US11667163 on June 6, 2023.

Echo Smart Brake Controller: A system that pairs with a smartphone for real-time control and monitoring of trailer brake activity.

NEXT Series Brake Controllers: Designed for easy and effortless towing experiences.

CrossWing Single-Point 5th Wheel Hitch: An innovative coupling solution for 5th wheel towing.

RockerBall Gooseneck Ball: Enhancing gooseneck towing functionality.

Tire Linc Trailer Tire Monitoring System: Integrates with the OneControl® app to provide real-time tire status notifications for up to 20 tires to a smartphone.

PowerRide 30K 5th Wheel Hitch: A professional-grade solution with a 30,000-pound rating, cast head with multi-directional tilt, and a self-resetting handle for heavy-duty 5th wheel towing.

TruTrack™ Weight Distribution: Offers combined weight distribution and sway control for enhanced stability and safety during towing.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Advanced Design Software: Utilizes cutting-edge design software for precise engineering and first-to-market product development.

Robotic Welding: Employs advanced robotic welding processes for enhanced strength, precision fit, and consistent quality in manufacturing, particularly for products like Class III receivers.

Proprietary Finishing Processes: Features unique coating technologies, including a co-cured finish of liquid Bonderite (internal and external) and a durable black powder coat finish for superior defense against rust, chips, and UV rays (Evergloss powder coat finish).

Proprietary Developments

CURT continuously invests in research and development, evidenced by its portfolio of patents:

Portable Brake Controller: US Patent No. 11975702.

Tow Electrical Tester: US Patent No. 12117477.

Fifth Wheel Hitch: US Patent No. 12351255.

Anti-Rattle Hitch Tightener: US Patent No. 11667163.

Scientific Methodologies

Rigorous Testing Facility: Operates a 24,000 sq ft testing facility where new product designs undergo extensive validation.

SAE Standard Verification: All product capacities are verified against industry-recognized SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards, simulating hours of extreme towing conditions by applying vertical, compressive, and lateral loads.

Quality Certifications: Products are IATF 16949:2016 certified, demonstrating adherence to a global quality management standard for the automotive industry.

Technical Capabilities

Smart Towing Integration: Expertise in developing smart towing products that seamlessly connect with smartphones via apps like OneControl®, providing real-time data and control for systems such as the Echo Smart Brake Controller and Tire Linc Trailer Tire Monitoring System.

Custom-Fit Engineering: Specialized capabilities in engineering custom-fit applications for a wide range of non-commercial vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

High-Volume Manufacturing: Ability to produce a comprehensive line of towing products and accessories at scale across multiple manufacturing facilities.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Roch Lambert: CEO / President.

Joe Thompson: Chief Marketing Officer.

David Phillips: Vice President of Operations.

David Calloway: Vice President of Operations.

Jimmy Giddens: VP Operations.

Kurt Honadel: VP Engineering & Quality.

Patrick Cripe: Vice President Aftermarket Sales.

Jeff Leake: Executive Vice President- Integrated Supply Chain.

Jay Solomond: Sr. Vice President, Product Development, Engineering.

Recent Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes or departures have been publicly reported as of January 2026. The current executive team maintains its roles, providing continuity in the company's strategic direction and operations.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

CURT Group boasts a robust workforce of over 1,000 associates worldwide. This substantial employee base supports manufacturing plants in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Florida, along with 11 regional warehouses across the United States and Canada, indicating a significant and expanding operational footprint. The company's estimated annual revenues between $250 million and $500 million, coupled with its large workforce, point to strong financial health and ongoing growth. While specific current hiring trends by department are not publicly detailed, the company's continuous product innovation and market expansion efforts suggest consistent recruitment for engineering, manufacturing, sales, and administrative roles to support its growth trajectory. Employee sentiment for Curt Manufacturing's executive team has received a "D-" rating from employees, placing the team in the bottom 10% of similarly sized companies, indicating potential areas for improvement in internal leadership perception.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

CURT maintains an active and prominent digital presence across various social media platforms:

Facebook: @curtmfg

Twitter/X: @curtmfg

Instagram: @curtmfg

YouTube: CURT operates a dedicated YouTube channel where it publishes product demonstrations, installation guides, and showcases its advanced manufacturing processes and company culture.

Brand Messaging and Positioning

Key messaging revolves around connecting customers to their lifestyles with dependable towing equipment. The brand emphasizes product quality, durability, innovation, and the confidence its products provide for various adventures and work needs. Content frequently highlights the USA-made aspect of its custom-fit hitches and the advanced technology embedded in its smart towing solutions.

Community Engagement Strategies

CURT engages with its community through product showcases, educational content, and interactive posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The company uses these channels to respond to customer inquiries, share user-generated content, and foster a loyal community of towing enthusiasts and professionals.

Thought Leadership Initiatives

Through its YouTube channel and other platforms, CURT aims to establish itself as an authority in the towing industry by providing expert advice, showcasing innovative technologies, and detailing its rigorous testing and manufacturing standards. A historical video from 2011 highlighted CURT as the "World's Greatest Hitch Manufacturer," emphasizing its customer focus, technology, order fill rates, product quality, and dedicated employees.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

"World's Greatest Hitch Manufacturer": In 2011, CURT was featured on the "World's Greatest" television show, recognized as the "world's greatest hitch manufacturer." This accolade highlighted the company's relentless customer focus, leading-edge technology, unsurpassed order fill rates, high-quality durable products, and dedicated employees.

9. Competitive Analysis

CURT operates within a dynamic market for towing products and truck accessories, facing competition from several established players:

A.R.E. Accessories: A leading manufacturer primarily known for fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers in North America. They focus on expanding manufacturing operations and providing tailored solutions for truck owners seeking cargo protection and aesthetic enhancements.

NTP-STAG: A division of Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., NTP-STAG is a prominent North American distributor of aftermarket RV parts and accessories. Their strength lies in an extensive logistics network and diverse product offerings servicing RV dealers and retailers.