In Business Since 1962
The Beginnings:
Shortly after World War II, the Downingtown Iron Works became involved with building propane delivery trucks. William F. Keehn, Jr. (Bill), a DIW employee at that time, headed up the team assigned to the design and fabrication of these trucks. Around 1960, the Iron works decided that new tank truck fabrication and tank truck repairs were a bad mix and therefore gave up all tank truck repairs. Visualizing a need for someone to perform this repair work for various customers, Bill decided to start his own company in 1962 for the purpose of building, testing and repairing propane tank trucks and trailers.
In actuality, Keehn Service was initially started as a division of Brandywine Valley Fabricators in Coatesville. Bill split away from Brandywine later in the 60’s and became incorporated as Keehn Service Corporation. The new company purchased the old Gulf Oil property on North 11th Avenue in Coatesville and continues to call this address home today.
About this same time, Dick Willard, also an employee of the Iron Works, decided to leave his employer and go to work for Bill Keehn. Dick was credited with adding propane transport repairs and modifications for the new company. During this period, Keehn Service qualified for and obtained an ASME Code stamp which provided a means for repairing and modifying ASME Code pressure vessels. This added another important service for our growing list of customers. Keehn now had the capability to make repairs and alterations to propane tanks and also build new vessels.
The First Transition
Bill and Dick continued the operation of Keehn Service Corporation until 1985 when four existing employees purchased the company. Butch Keehn (Bill’s Son), Rich Willard (Dick’s Son), Rod Seibert and Bill Robb became the new owners and carried on the company philosophy. During this period, new customers were added providing much needed diversity to our service. At the same time, Keehn became “computerized”, providing exceptional customer service and top notch engineering capabilities. We became involved with new chemical commodities such as hydrogen peroxide, anhydrous ammonia, dimethyl ether, and others. We offered repairs and alterations for ISO containers, pressure vessels as in storage tanks, and even an occasional rail car.
Traveling into the Future
With the previous retirement of Bill Robb in 2006 and the sudden retirement of Rich Willard in 2012 due to medical reasons, it became clear that Keehn Service would have to be sold to a new group of owners. On December 31st, 2014, the new owners Jon Willard (Rich’s son and third generation) and Steve Kovacic assumed ownership of Keehn Service Corporation. Jon is a long time tank truck fabricator while Steve has been the company’s full time engineer since 2006, Steve has been performing DCE work since the early 90’s.
Over the past few years with Keehn’s development of a universal harmonized wiring harness and multiplex switch system, to implementation of the “pull style” production line process which increased propane tank truck production three fold, it became apparent that Jon and Steve were the ones to take the company into the future.
Keehn’s Credentials
• ASME “U” stamp for pressure vessel fabrication
• National Board “R” stamp for pressure vessel repair
• US Federal Department of Transportation registration
• In house AutoCAD design capabilities
• Members of National Truck Equipment Association (MVP Member)
• Propane Truck Builders Association (Founding Member)
• American Welding Society
• Chassis integration specialists
Propane Truck Industry Affiliations
Why Choose Us?
Decades of Industry Experience
Since 1962, our deep-rooted experience in the propane truck industry has allowed us to fine-tune our products and services, ensuring that we provide only the best in quality and reliability.
Comprehensive Service Offering
From building & selling to servicing & providing roadside assistance, Keehn offers a complete range of propane truck services. You can count on us for every aspect of your vehicle's lifecycle, making us a one-stop solution!
Unmatched Quality Assurance
Our vehicles and services undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet the highest industry standards. Our dedication to quality means you can have complete confidence in the reliability and performance of your fleet.
Customer-Centric Approach
We prioritize our customers' needs and satisfaction above all. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service and support, ensuring that your specific requirements are met with the utmost efficiency and care.