CRACO Manufacturing salutes veterans

When CRACO Manufacturing’s Mack Anthems roll down America’s highways wrapped in full digital desert camo, they do more than turn heads. They carry a powerful message of patriotism and pride — from the steel they haul to the trucks themselves. For co-owners Jamie Crane and Randy Adams, it’s a rolling tribute to America’s veterans and a declaration of CRACO’s all-American values.

CRACO was founded in 1982 by Jamie’s father, Jim Crane, in York, South Carolina, with a card table, a lawn chair, and a phone. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a multi-regional steel service center, thanks to unwavering principles of quality, hard work, and personal customer service. “Our growth is driven by loyalty — ours to our customers, and theirs to us,” Jamie Crane says. “We give people personal attention, which you just don’t find much in today’s automated business environment.”

When Jim retired in 2003, he sold the company to Jamie and his longtime friend Adams. They took the wheel and grew CRACO to a $30–50 million operation with over 30 employees that services customers across the continental United States. The company produces ICC-certified steel framing components known as “steel studs,” a full line of coated and painted steel products, all purchased from domestic steel mills. From its strategic Southeastern location in York, CRACO offers overnight delivery throughout the Eastern U.S., with job-site drop-offs and off-loading capabilities within a four-hour radius.

The company’s fleet reflects its values, especially the two newest additions: 2024 Mack Anthem 70-inch stand-up sleepers with MP8-445C engines. These powerhouse trucks are wrapped in striking digital desert camouflage by Charlotte-based Industrial Sign & Graphics, honoring veterans of Desert Storm while turning heads wherever they go.

The reaction is immediate — and emotional.

“Drivers say they get honks, waves, thumbs-up,” Crane says. The positive response is amplified on military bases, where CRACO often delivers and the wrap hits home. “People light up. They recognize the symbolism. It creates this shared moment of respect and pride.”

Each wrap costs about $13,000, but Crane sees it as an investment in morale, reputation, and recruiting. “It’s a bold way to show who we are. And it helps us attract drivers who care about what we stand for.”

Driver reaction so far has been enthusiastic. They love the power, comfort and style of the trucks, describing them as “mean.” “And when they call the trucks ‘mean,’ they mean it in the best possible way!” Crane says.

CRACO’s new Mack Anthem additions are supported by John Clark and the team at McMahon Truck Centers in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “Uptime and reliability are crucial for us, and Mack delivers,” Crane says. “We’ll continue leaning heavily on them as our partner.”

As construction ramps up and steel demand grows, CRACO is well-positioned for the future. Still, Crane is clear on what matters most: culture.

“I tell every new hire: if you wake up dreading your day at CRACO, something needs to change,” he says. “This should be a place you’re proud to work. We’re proud of our country, our people, and the service members who keep us free. That’s what these trucks stand for.”