For nearly 100 years, Phillips Industries has taken a customer-first approach to innovation, design, and manufacturing of components and solutions for the commercial truck and trailer industry. We’ve built a system of support that keeps businesses like yours moving.
From our family-owned roots, we’ve learned that close relationships with customers, suppliers, and communities not only make us great partners. These relationships make us great innovators.
Our commitment to relationships and industry problem solving has made Phillips Industries products the OEM standard on nearly all heavy duty trucks manufactured in North America. It inspired us to create Phillips Connect, intelligent, predictive technologies that save time, money and lives on the road. And it will empower the next-generation of industry defining innovations. Combined, our products, services, and solutions provide the support system you can rely on, and it’s only getting better.
Our Guiding Principles
Customers First
We put care and attention into building lasting relationships. Our customers stay with us for decades because their concern is our concern.
Stay True
Led by family values for nearly a century, we’ve prioritized doing the right thing even when it’s not the easiest thing.
Never Settle
We go above and beyond in everything we do. Whether it’s for our customers or for each other, success for us means that we’ve over-delivered.
Create What’s Next
In our pursuit of a better future, we refuse to settle. We’re relentlessly innovating on our customer’s behalf, and value fresh thinking to keep us moving forward.
Trusted by the Best
Our Global Support System
Our headquarters and primary manufacturing facility is in the United States, with expanded global operations in Europe, Asia, and Mexico.
Our History
We’ve been family-owned and operated since 1928 and have a name synonymous with quality in the trucking industry.
The Early Years
H.W. Phillips, a vehicle parts distributor and great-grandfather of current CEO Rob Phillips, invents and patents the first reflective directional signal arm for trucks. While this precursor to turn signals and brake lights was definitely an analog invention, it was a decidedly modern addition to trucks.
In the 1960s, grandson Bob Phillips continues the family legacy after inheriting H.W.’s store in downtown Los Angeles.
1960 to 1970s
After his first big deal at age 22 with Pacific Motor Trucking, followed by the major southern California carrier, Western Gillette, Bob begins manufacturing more diversified parts to serve his customer’s needs. In 1974, he produces the first practical coiled 7-way electrical assembly made in North America, applying the same resilience and flexibility found in the phone cords to his cables. His coils are lighter wright, stronger and longer lasting than any coiled assembly at the time.
By the end of the 70’s, Phillips expands focus on manufacturing wire and cable, further serving the evolving needs of the modern transportation industry.
1980s
Phillips continues to innovate and expand, offering Y cables, the newly redesigned gladhands, and more. In 1985, Phillips adds STA-DRY® water-proof metallic and non-metallic socketbreakers to combat corrosion, then dual-pole liftgate assemblies.
In less than a decade, Phillips becomes the industry’s leading trailer harness manufacturer.
1990s
Phillips welcomes the fourth generation of the family into the business, Bob’s sons Bill, Rob, and Dave, and together, they solve more problems once considered to be the cost of doing business in the commercial trucking industry.
By the early 1990s, Phillips’ electrical assemblies are standard on 7 of the 8 tractors manufactured in North America. While they are no longer a small business, they continue listening to their loyal customers and looking to fleets for inspiration.
In 1997, Phillips becomes principal suppliers of ABS assemblies for North American tractor manufacturers. Phillips is now the continental leader in trailer wiring harnesses. Phillips’ knack for innovation—and digging in at the fleet level—pays off.
2000s
Every year, Phillips continues to add more revolutionary products. The Latch-It Gladhand, Quick Change Socket®, and QCP™ all debut in the early 2000s, leading to several industry recognitions. Years later comes PERMALOGIC™, PERMALOGIC™ TC PLUS & PERMALITE™ XB LED. Phillips is the name customers demand.
In 2006, Phillips expanded into Shanghai, and the following year, opened up Phillips De Mexico en Saltillo.
2010s and Beyond
In 2013, Bob Phillips passes the baton to son Rob after 51 years as president. Rapid-fire growth and expansion are the norm, with new ISO 24 volt plugs, sockets and coiled air and electrical assemblies. Most years, Phillips is recognized with awards for product innovation.
In 2017, Phillips launches Phillips Connect, to drive the transportation industry forward by providing intelligent, predictive technologies that save time, money, and lives. Demand necessitates a new facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, in 2019. With the fourth generation driving the company, Phillips is a name that’s built to last. The innovations will keep coming as long as the commercial trucking industry has problems that need solutions.
Our Leadership Team
Rob Phillips
President and CEO
Rob has spent the past 23 years learning every aspect of Phillips. In the last ten years, Rob’s visionary leadership has transitioned the company from being a US only manufacturer into a global supplier of innovative products.
View LinkedInDave Phillips
Executive Vice President
Dave’s 21-year career at Phillips Industries includes positions in sales and operations, focusing on building strong teams and developing the company’s LEAN production values and culture. Dave oversees production for factories in China, Mexico and Los Angeles.
View LinkedInBob Phillips
Chairman
Bob has spent 50 years in the commercial vehicle, long haul transportation industry building Phillips Industries to become the global force it is today. Bob inherited the company in 1962 and has been working daily to make it the most innovative company possible while always retaining excellent customer service.
View LinkedInDrew Hofley
Vice President of Sales
Drew is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in business and the military. He has been successful in strategic planning, innovation, and team building. Drew is a dynamic communicator skilled at fostering enduring customer relationships and adapting to changing dynamics.
View LinkedInFiliberto Coello
President Phillips OEM
With many great accomplishments under his leadership, and 13 years of tenure with Phillips, Fili is a visionary and LEAN thinking leader that has developed a robust manufacturing system to position the company as a market leader.
View LinkedInAnthony Chaidez
CFO Phillips Industries
Anthony is a licensed CPA who brings 17 plus years of combined public and private accounting experience in various industries to Phillips, most recently a decade in aerospace as Controller at Arrowhead Products.
View LinkedIn