Aero Industries has grown considerably since it was founded by the Tuerk family in 1944. Today it’s still a family-owned company and has become a leader in the manufacturing of transportation industry tarp systems and accessories. In this interview, Jim Tuerk, grandson of company founder Paul Frederick Tuerk, shares wisdom from his time at Aero’s helm…more
Aero’s Conestoga has long been one of the company’s top products, but in the late 1990s, Aero faced challenges related to the tarping system’s width that threatened to put an end to the product…more
Since its founding in 1944, the employees at Aero Industries have been the engineering problem-solvers of the tarp business. Built on a heritage of community-building and family values, Aero has left its mark on generations of employees and customers. Read how employees interpret Aero’s legacy and the strengths that launched it to its position as a leader in the transportation industry…more
Aero Industries’ Conestoga rolling tarp system had an unconventional start, filling a need at the proving grounds of one of the nation’s leading auto manufacturers. Aero Executive Chairman Jim Tuerk explains how a chance encounter in the mid-1980s led to one of the company’s biggest-selling products…more
Aero Industries isn’t a leader in manufacturing tarp systems and transportation accessories simply because of its sales. It’s a leader because of its ideas. The company has filed more than 100 utility patents, consistently creating solutions that solve problems for its customers…more
Building Relationships
Fueled by family values for over 80 years, Aero prides itself on being a relationship builder. Long-term bonds with customers, employees and community members have established Aero’s reputation as a trustworthy partner…more
Ever thought history was a dull subject? Not this history! Before he founded Aero Industries, Paul Frederick Tuerk escaped death twice and started a ladies’ lingerie business…more
From its start in 1944, Aero Industries has earned a reputation for innovation and resilience, even among its competitors. Paul Tuerk founded the company on bedrock values…more
When Aero’s first employee, Margaret Rice, began sewing tarps in 1945, By the time Rice retired, Aero would be renowned throughout the transportation world for its innovations…more
Aero’s Nylon Revolution
In 1949, Aero Industries launched an innovative waterproof, vinyl-coated nylon product line, perhaps inspired by Aero Founding Father Paul Tuerk’s experience at Real Silk Hosiery…more
Aero Helps with Legislation
Aero introduced its revolutionary rolling-tarp system, the Conestoga, in 1984 to immediate fanfare. With a Conestoga, a driver could back a truck to a dock, unload and be back on the road in seven minutes — faster than it took to hard boil an egg. But a decade later, legal problems threatened Aero’s most popular product — and the drivers who used it. Resolving the issues would require change at the national level…more
It’s been said that “If Paul could fit a woman, he could fit a truck.” Aero Industries Founding Father Paul Tuerk’s tailoring skills literally began with fitting women’s bodies. How did he get from Point A (slips and bras) to Point B (custom-fitted tarps)? Here’s the story in pictures…more
Between 1920 and 1970, millions of people migrated from Appalachian states to industrial cities in the Midwest. In what is now called the “hillbilly highway,” workers moved north to find better opportunities than those available in their rural hometowns…more
During the mid 20th century, orders for Aero’s innovative neoprene tarps outpaced demand for traditional cotton canvas tarps. Since neoprene tarps seams are glued instead of sewed, expert seamstresses — including…more