Wabash and UP.Labs to Modernize Transportation Manufacturing with AI-Powered Tools
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) has announced a strategic partnership with UP.Labs to develop two AI-driven startups through the Wabash Venture Lab initiative. The collaboration, which began in fall 2024, focuses on modernizing transportation manufacturing with intelligent automation.
The first venture introduces an AI-powered configuration tool that streamlines the specification process for made-to-order trailers and truck bodies, improving quote generation efficiency and connecting CPQ, ERP, and CRM systems. The second venture develops an intelligent software platform for aftermarket parts optimization, using predictive analytics to manage production, distribution, and pricing in real-time.
The partnership leverages UP.Labs' venture-building expertise with Wabash's industry knowledge to create solutions tailored for their ecosystem. Both ventures are currently in development, with initial MVP capabilities expected later in 2025. This initiative aligns with Wabash's transformation strategy focused on customer value, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) ha annunciato una partnership strategica con UP.Labs per sviluppare due startup basate sull'intelligenza artificiale attraverso l'iniziativa Wabash Venture Lab. La collaborazione, iniziata nell'autunno 2024, si concentra sulla modernizzazione della produzione nel settore dei trasporti tramite l'automazione intelligente.
La prima iniziativa presenta un strumento di configurazione basato su AI che semplifica il processo di specifica per rimorchi e carrozzerie su misura, migliorando l'efficienza nella generazione dei preventivi e integrando i sistemi CPQ, ERP e CRM. La seconda sviluppa una piattaforma software intelligente per l'ottimizzazione dei ricambi post-vendita, utilizzando analisi predittive per gestire in tempo reale produzione, distribuzione e prezzi.
La partnership unisce l'esperienza di UP.Labs nella creazione di startup con la conoscenza del settore di Wabash per creare soluzioni su misura per il loro ecosistema. Entrambi i progetti sono attualmente in fase di sviluppo, con le prime funzionalità MVP previste entro la fine del 2025. Questa iniziativa è in linea con la strategia di trasformazione di Wabash, focalizzata sul valore per il cliente, l'efficienza operativa e la crescita sostenibile.
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) ha anunciado una alianza estratégica con UP.Labs para desarrollar dos startups impulsadas por IA a través de la iniciativa Wabash Venture Lab. La colaboración, que comenzó en otoño de 2024, se centra en modernizar la fabricación en el sector del transporte mediante la automatización inteligente.
La primera iniciativa presenta una herramienta de configuración impulsada por IA que agiliza el proceso de especificación para remolques y carrocerías a medida, mejorando la eficiencia en la generación de cotizaciones y conectando los sistemas CPQ, ERP y CRM. La segunda desarrolla una plataforma de software inteligente para la optimización de repuestos posventa, utilizando análisis predictivos para gestionar en tiempo real la producción, distribución y precios.
La alianza combina la experiencia de UP.Labs en creación de startups con el conocimiento del sector de Wabash para crear soluciones adaptadas a su ecosistema. Ambos proyectos están en desarrollo, con las primeras capacidades MVP previstas para finales de 2025. Esta iniciativa está alineada con la estrategia de transformación de Wabash, centrada en el valor para el cliente, la eficiencia operativa y el crecimiento sostenible.
Wabash (NYSE: WNC)는 UP.Labs와 전략적 파트너십을 체결하여 Wabash Venture Lab 이니셔티브를 통해 AI 기반 스타트업 두 곳을 개발한다고 발표했습니다. 2024년 가을에 시작된 이번 협력은 지능형 자동화를 통해 운송 제조업의 현대화에 중점을 두고 있습니다.
첫 번째 벤처는 맞춤형 트레일러 및 트럭 바디의 사양 과정을 간소화하는 AI 기반 구성 도구를 도입하여 견적 생성 효율성을 높이고 CPQ, ERP, CRM 시스템을 연결합니다. 두 번째 벤처는 예측 분석을 활용해 생산, 유통, 가격 책정을 실시간으로 관리하는 지능형 소프트웨어 플랫폼을 개발합니다.
이번 파트너십은 UP.Labs의 벤처 구축 전문성과 Wabash의 업계 지식을 결합해 그들의 생태계에 맞는 솔루션을 만들어냅니다. 두 벤처 모두 현재 개발 중이며, 2025년 말까지 초기 MVP 기능이 기대됩니다. 이 이니셔티브는 고객 가치, 운영 효율성, 지속 가능한 성장을 중심으로 하는 Wabash의 변화 전략과 일치합니다.
Wabash (NYSE : WNC) a annoncé un partenariat stratégique avec UP.Labs pour développer deux startups pilotées par l'IA dans le cadre de l'initiative Wabash Venture Lab. Cette collaboration, lancée à l'automne 2024, vise à moderniser la fabrication dans le secteur des transports grâce à l'automatisation intelligente.
La première entreprise propose un outil de configuration alimenté par l'IA qui simplifie le processus de spécification pour les remorques et carrosseries sur mesure, améliorant ainsi l'efficacité de la génération de devis et connectant les systèmes CPQ, ERP et CRM. La seconde développe une plateforme logicielle intelligente pour l'optimisation des pièces de rechange, utilisant l'analyse prédictive pour gérer en temps réel la production, la distribution et la tarification.
Ce partenariat combine l'expertise de UP.Labs dans la création de startups avec la connaissance sectorielle de Wabash afin de concevoir des solutions adaptées à leur écosystème. Les deux projets sont actuellement en développement, avec des premières fonctionnalités MVP attendues d'ici fin 2025. Cette initiative s'inscrit dans la stratégie de transformation de Wabash, axée sur la valeur client, l'efficacité opérationnelle et une croissance durable.
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) hat eine strategische Partnerschaft mit UP.Labs angekündigt, um im Rahmen der Wabash Venture Lab-Initiative zwei KI-getriebene Startups zu entwickeln. Die Zusammenarbeit, die im Herbst 2024 begann, konzentriert sich auf die Modernisierung der Transportfertigung durch intelligente Automatisierung.
Das erste Projekt stellt ein KI-gestütztes Konfigurationstool vor, das den Spezifikationsprozess für maßgeschneiderte Anhänger und LKW-Aufbauten vereinfacht, die Effizienz bei der Angebotserstellung verbessert und CPQ-, ERP- und CRM-Systeme verknüpft. Das zweite Projekt entwickelt eine intelligente Softwareplattform zur Optimierung von Ersatzteilen im Aftermarket, die mithilfe prädiktiver Analysen Produktion, Vertrieb und Preisgestaltung in Echtzeit steuert.
Die Partnerschaft nutzt die Venture-Building-Expertise von UP.Labs und das Branchenwissen von Wabash, um maßgeschneiderte Lösungen für ihr Ökosystem zu schaffen. Beide Projekte befinden sich derzeit in der Entwicklung, erste MVP-Funktionen werden für Ende 2025 erwartet. Diese Initiative steht im Einklang mit der Transformationsstrategie von Wabash, die auf Kundennutzen, operative Effizienz und nachhaltiges Wachstum abzielt.
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The partnership brings intelligent automation to made-to-order trailer and truck body manufacturing
LAFAYETTE, Ind., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC), a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions for the transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets, today announced a strategic partnership with UP.Labs, a pioneering corporate venture lab, to co-develop Wabash Venture Lab and two startups focused on enhancing configuration workflows and aftermarket parts optimization across Wabash’s technology platforms.
Initiated in fall 2024, the partnership is part of Wabash’s ongoing transformation strategy centered on long-term customer value, operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Wabash and UP.Labs are co-creating two AI-driven startups designed to simplify operations, elevate customer service, and enable smarter, faster decisions across Wabash’s extensive network of partners and customers. These ventures are reimagining the behind-the-scenes logistics infrastructure that quietly powers the products and services people depend on every day.
The first venture is a next-generation AI-powered tool that streamlines how customers and dealers specify made-to-order trailers and truck bodies. It intuitively guides users through the most relevant configuration options using real-time trade-off visualizations, dramatically reducing the time spent generating and reviewing quotes, and helping sales teams and customers move more quickly and confidently through the specification process.
Wabash expects this streamlined, top-of-funnel experience to unlock efficiencies across the entire manufacturing value chain, including production scheduling, supply planning and parts manufacturing. Acting as the connective tissue between CPQ, ERP, and CRM systems, the solution bridges critical feature and data gaps.
Wabash’s second venture is designed to transform the aftermarket industry with an intelligent software platform that uses predictive analytics to orchestrate the production, distribution and pricing of aftermarket parts in real time. Designed to unlock untapped value across fragmented supply chains, this innovation is poised to accelerate parts revenue and efficiency for Wabash.
The new software addresses an opportunity for OEMs with rapidly expanding parts and service operations, particularly those lacking robust intelligence across their supply chain or distribution networks. This includes mid-sized trailer manufacturers, engineered equipment makers, specialty vehicle OEMs, and emerging automotive brands who have struggled to meet rising demand with their existing systems.
“Our collaboration with UP.Labs gives us a faster and lower risk path to creating value for our customers and partners,” said Mike Pettit, chief growth officer at Wabash. “Rather than try to build the right solutions entirely in-house, we’re working with proven venture builders to co-create tools tailored to the needs of our business. From quoting trailers and truck bodies faster to ensuring the right parts are available when and where they’re needed, we’re unlocking smarter, more agile ways to enhance the customer experience and drive innovation.”
The UP.Labs model combines corporate expertise with entrepreneurial speed and agility to identify high-impact challenges and build bespoke startups powered by vertical AI and advanced analytics. For Wabash, this approach delivers faster access to breakthrough technologies purpose-built for its unique ecosystem and the ability to bring them to market quickly.
“Wabash has a clear vision for how to modernize industrial manufacturing,” said John Kuolt, UP.Labs CEO. “Together, we’re building ventures powered by advanced AI and deep industry expertise—solutions designed to solve real challenges for Wabash’s dealers and partners. Having worked with firms that are recognized leaders in their respective industries, including Porsche AG, Alaska Airlines and J.B. Hunt, we’re especially excited to bring our venture lab model into B2B manufacturing, where the products that drive global supply chains are built and where innovation at the system level can unlock enormous enterprise value.”
This partnership builds on Wabash’s broader business innovation strategy, which includes recent joint ventures behind Wabash Parts and Wabash Marketplace. Each initiative reflects the company’s commitment to moving faster, thinking differently and transforming the customer experience through a dynamic ecosystem of best-in-class partners.
The ventures are already in development with UP.Labs and expected to deliver initial MVP (minimum viable product) capabilities later this year. Over time, Wabash will have the opportunity to bring these startups fully into its ecosystem, expanding its digital capabilities in support of long-term growth.
About Wabash
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) combines physical and digital technologies to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that optimize supply chains across transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash designs, manufactures, and services an extensive range of products supporting first-to-final mile operations, including dry and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, platform trailers, tank trailers, structural composites and more. In addition, through the Wabash Marketplace and Wabash Parts, customers gain access to a nationwide parts and service network, Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠, and advanced tools designed to streamline operations and drive growth. By enabling businesses to thrive today and prepare for tomorrow, Wabash is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Learn more at onewabash.com.
About UP.Labs
UP.Labs is a pioneering venture lab that leverages vertical AI and advanced analytics to build B2B software startups that transform legacy transportation and mobility firms. By convening world-class founders, investors and corporate partners, UP.Labs unlocks innovation for corporations who have the scale and resources but cannot do it on their own. This approach accelerates a cleaner, safer and more accessible future. To learn more visit https://up.partners/labs/
Media Contact:
Dana Stelsel
Director, Communications
(765) 771-5766
dana.stelsel@onewabash.com
Investor Relations:
Ryan Reed
Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
(765) 490-5664
ryan.reed@onewabash.com
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