On its way to becoming a colossus of the refuse equipment industry, Heil began decentralization process in the early 1970s. Milwaukee had been the heart of the operation since its founding, but in 1973 a new USA manufacturing facility opened in Fort Payne, Alabama, where all refuse packer would be built. Only Load-Luger and Heil Pulverizer continued being built in Milwaukee. The following year, Heil refuse body manufacturing was organized as the Solid Waste Systems Division, with George A. Rea named general manager. More significantly, a Hillend Environmental Industry Ltd. opened a factory at Dunfermline, Scotland in late 1973 to serve the booming European market. The new factory made Heil products including the Mark III, IV and V, the latter becoming known as the "Big Bite". These were sold all over the continent, and in the UK by Jack Allen Motor Bodies, the largest European distributor. Colectomatics were even being sold down in Australia by Gitsham & Sons PTY.
1973 also saw the complete changeover to vertically ribbed bodies on all Heil rear and front loaders, and probably coincides with the move to the new assembly plant in Alabama. 1976 marked Heil's 75th anniversary, and also their acquisition of the Hagie Company of Clarion, Iowa. Hagie manufactured the Tidy-Bug, a 3-yard compaction satellite vehicle which could discharge its load into any conventional rear loader. Heil renamed the little truck the Colecto-Cub, it became the newest, and smallest member of the family. This was Heil's first and only foray into complete motor vehicle manufacturing.
In 1977, decentralization continued as the headquarters for Solid waste Systems Division moved from the traditional home base of Milwaukee to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Joseph Heil retired that year, after 54 years with the firm, handing over the reins to his son Joseph Heil Jr., who became Chairman and CEO. The company now was being run by the third generation of the Heil family since being founded by Julius Heil in 1901.
The Mark V commercial rear loader, pride of the Heil fleet, was updated slightly that year, with tailgate lift cylinders re-positioned to increase their leverage and force, and a new manual control linkage was offered for the first time on both the Mark IV and Mark V. The 1970s had been a decade of great accomplishments for Heil, especially considering the often dismal state of the U.S. economy. However, the company was about to be dealt a potentially devastating blow which would cause a major change in course, and the vaunted Mark V would be at the heart of the trouble.
Mark V on Mercedes-Benz 2222 dumping 1,100 litre container in Germany
Heil bought the Hagie Company, and their Tidy-Bug satellite truck became the Colecto-Cub
Tiger-striped Colecto-Cubs dumping their loads into Mark V "Mother Truck"
This 1976 Heil 62-yard circular transfer trailer was constructed of 1/4" aluminum alloy and obviously
borrowed from their expertise in transport tanker construction
Circa-1970s Autocar DC with Heil Huge-Haul roll-off frame and container
An American Mark III ribbed-body on an imported Volvo chassis
Although it was the smallest packer in the Heil family, the Mark III could still be ordered with a 25-cubic yard body through the late 1970s.
This 1979 Mack RM 6x6 with full-time all-wheel drive was used by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors
Mark III hopper bucket extension increased loading height and capacity; it was needed when container lifts were specified
Working Mark III/Formula 3000 owned by Star Disposal
Video courtesy of Thrash 'N' Trash Productions
In 1977, Joseph Heil Jr. became chairman and CEO, and the third generation of the family to run the firm
