After 40 years as an equipment supplier to the transportation industry and countless days on the road, Pat Freyer is understandably ready for a break.

The Onspot president and CEO announced that he will retire on Aug. 15. Freyer’s career consisted of 13 years with engine manufacturer Cummins and 27 years with Onspot, which offers automatic tire chain systems for school buses and other vehicles.

“Of the 40 years, I have lived out of a suitcase for 38 of them and, as such, have chosen to spend more time at home with my wife, who has somehow managed to put up with me being away nearly 80% of the time, and with my daughters and my granddaughter,” Freyer said in an announcement to colleagues.

Onspot of North America was launched in Freyer’s basement in Connecticut in 1988. The Onspot Automatic Tire Chain System itself was invented in Sweden in 1977. Onspot of North America imported the product from 1988 to 1992 and then began manufacturing it in the company’s factory in North Vernon, Indiana, in 1992.

The Onspot system allows the vehicle operator to engage and disengage tire chains at the flip of a switch to enhance traction and reduce stopping distance in snow and ice.

Freyer noted that Onspot had its best year in the history of the company in 2014, and he said that 2015 is shaping up to be even more promising.

“It’s nice to leave on a high note,” Freyer said. “I take this opportunity to say thank you, for your business, for your time, for your support and for your friendship. It is the personal relationships I will miss most.”

Three Onspot staff members will replace Freyer: Tony Jarvis, plant manager; Eric Jones, vice president of sales and marketing and Daniel Corriveau, regional sales manager, eastern Canada.