Waste equipment maker Petersen Industries Inc. has changed ownership.

The Lake Wales, Fla.-based company said in a news release that Casey Hardee and Sam Petersen, son of company founder John Petersen, acquired the company through a full stock purchase.

The purchase marks the first change in majority ownership by the Petersen family since the company’s inception in 1957, said owners Nancy and Lee Rathbun.

Hardee will serve as president and Petersen vice president of sales and marketing.  Hardee most recently was Petersen’s national accounts manager, and also was president and general manager of Jim Hardee Equipment Co.

Petersen has worked in a variety of manufacturing and professional capacities.

Petersen Industries’ products include the Lightning Loader grapple truck system for bulk waste collection.