It was a beautiful day today as the Manufacturing Express rolled into the small town of Sabetha, Kansas. Cornfields line the way toward Triple C HydraBed, the innovators who revolutionized round bale handling and feeding with the introduction of the HydraBed®, the first flush-mount, self-storing flatbed bale handler in 1983.
“If you can’t find it, make it yourself.” This motto drove Triple C HydraBed Founder Galen Ackerman, a Kansas cattleman, to create a more cost-effective and efficient solution for baling hay. In 1979, using surplus steel, an old gas-powered welder, a cutting torch, a drill, and a hammer, Ackerman crafted the initial concept of a flatbed with a hydraulic bale handler.
In 1983, Ackerman earned a patent for the HydraBed®, but he faced challenges in finding manufacturers to adopt his idea during the U.S. farm crisis. In 1984, he met Rick McClain, a welder at a local equipment manufacturer. Together, they launched Triple C HydraBed—the “Triple C” a nod to Ackerman’s cattle farm, Cottonwood Cattle Company—with a modest goal of selling 12 beds in their first twelve months. That first year, Triple C Hydrabed sold five times that—and they’ve been surpassing expectations ever since.
Today, they produce and sell over 1,000 beds annually across Canada and the U.S., and they employ around 50 people right here in Sabetha, Kansas. Jay Russell, General Manager of Triple C HydraBed, emphasizes that the company’s current employees embody the same can-do work ethic that Galen demonstrated over 40 years ago.
HydraBed’s growth and success have been bolstered by supportive friends. To celebrate this, they leveraged the excitement of the AEM Manufacturing Express to host the inaugural Triple C HydraBed Hall of Fame inductions. This event honors the individuals who have contributed to the company’s growth and sustained Galen Ackerman’s legacy.
The Hall of Fame recognizes associates, dealers, and past employees who have made a profound impact on the company. At today’s event, Triple C Hydrabed honored the 16 inductees in this first class by sharing stories of their contributions for everyone to celebrate and recognize.
One story stood out: Michele Longabaugh, a fiercely loyal employee from 1998 to 2021, was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and lost her battle on April 7, 2022. Her loss deeply affected the Triple C team. In seeking ways to honor her, they realized that celebrating the company and the people she cherished was the best tribute. Michele’s life and story inspired the creation of the Hall of Fame, ensuring her name and contributions are forever remembered.
As the Manufacturing Express departed from Sabetha, Kansas, the impact of Triple C HydraBed’s legacy remained. The inaugural Hall of Fame induction was a testament to the company’s enduring spirit and the extraordinary individuals who have shaped their journey. From Galen Ackerman’s creation in 1983 to the heartfelt tributes shared today, Triple C HydraBed’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and community. Their success is built on more than just equipment—it’s built on people.
