Advance, a leading manufacturer of front-discharge concrete mixer trucks, has reached a major manufacturing milestone by producing its 20,000th front-discharge mixer. The milestone unit, a Commander Series FD4000 mixer, was built for Ernst Concrete, one of the largest family-owned and operated ready-mix concrete suppliers in the United States.

"Producing our 20,000th front-discharge mixer is an important milestone for Advance and a testament to the dedication of our team, the loyalty of our customers, and the strength of the product we have built over more than 50 years,” said Dave Grabner, general manager of Advance. “Every mixer that leaves our facility carries decades of engineering expertise and our team members' commitment to reliability, performance, and customer support. We're proud of what this achievement represents and excited about the future."

With a long history of serving commercial, residential, industrial, and public infrastructure projects across the Midwest and Southeast U.S., the company said it continues to invest in equipment that supports safe, efficient, and productive concrete delivery operations.

Advance’s Commander Series

The Commander Series remains a popular choice for concrete producers and contractors operating in demanding environments. Designed to tackle challenging terrain, the range is available in 10 axle configurations and features all-wheel drive as standard.

Built to deliver productivity and versatility in challenging jobsites, the FD4000 is equipped with front and rear tandem drive axles, disc brakes, and an improved front-axle wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability.

Its lightweight rear tandem axle design accommodates both super single and dual tire configurations, providing flexibility for a wide range of applications.

Powered by a Cummins X12 diesel engine producing 385 hp and 1,450 ft.-lb. of torque, Advance said the truck delivers the durability, performance, and reliability required by today's concrete operations.

Making Mixers Since 1964

The production of the 20,000th mixer marked another chapter in a story that began almost 80 years ago when innovator Jack Willard first envisioned a better way to deliver concrete.

From the development of the original Rite-Way Truck in 1964 and the establishment of Advance in Fort Wayne in 1972, to becoming an industry-leading front-discharge mixer manufacturer, the brand has continued to build on a legacy of innovation, purpose-driven engineering, and close collaboration with customers across North America.