Mike Butsch was named president of Primrose Equipment and Fabrication, a division of Primrose Alloys, which is a global metals trading company headquartered in Burlingame, Calif.

Butsch joined Primrose Alloys in 2021 and will retain his current responsibilities as VP of global business development for Primrose Alloys, in addition to being president of Primrose Equipment and Fabrication.

Primrose Equipment and Navistar Defense's Joint Venture

Primrose Equipment is partnered with Navistar Defense to provide contract manufacturing to assemble vehicles, systems, subsystems, and vehicle-adjacent products.

The joint venture between Primrose Equipment and Navistar Defense is designed to offer on a global basis complete commercial vehicles, truck upfitting, and contract manufacturing services.

Their customers will include fleets, fleet management companies, commercial original equipment manufacturers, and government customers. Contract assembly is available for either ICE or BEV vehicles.

“Our partnership with Navistar Defense will help fleets keep their production and labor costs down while getting products completed quickly with a high level of quality and expertise,” said Butsch. “We can also assist with completed trucks and assemblies such as mechanics' bodies and the full range of Truck Upfitting.

According to Butsch, Primrose Equipment and Navistar Defense have access to an established supply base and industry network.

Since 2003, Navistar Defense has built more than 43,000 military and logistics support vehicles. The Navistar Defense assembly plant with 650,000 square feet of facilities under one roof is located on 160 acres in West Point, MS.

“Primrose Equipment and Navistar Defense also offers a line of militarized commercial-off-the-shelf (Milcots) vehicles that are available in various cab options, multiple body configurations, and axle configurations,” said Butsch. “Whether carrying equipment or personnel, the Milcots ergonomic cabs coupled with flexible axle options ranging from 4x2, 4x4, and 6x4 ensure that occupants can complete missions efficiently and safely.”

Commercial Chassis Offered

Three commercial chassis are offered: the International CV-based chassis, International MV-based Chassis, and International HV-based chassis. 

In addition, the chassis are available in more than 20 body configurations including cargo/flatbed, dump body, roll back recovery, load handling system, and tractor with a fifth wheel. In addition, Primrose Equipment can also install upfits for customer-supplied chassis.

Mike Butsch's Experience 

Prior to joining Primrose, Butsch had extensive upfitting experience with companies such as Pro-Haul Manufacturing, Stellar Industries, and Innovative Vehicle Solutions.

Butsch started his fleet career as Director Of Global Fleet Operations for Komatsu Mining Corp. – (formerly Joy Global), where he worked for more than 18 years managing $65 million in fleet assets in all aspects of lifecycle management supporting five global leaders in above and below ground mining equipment businesses.

Butsch also managed the company’s fleet acquisition and upfitting program for service trucks and delivery vehicles (mechanics trucks, dump trucks, semis, etc.).