US brand Utility, one of North America's largest manufacturers of refrigerated trailers, has announced the expansion of the company's reefer manufacturing plant located in Marion, Virginia.
Utility has constructed a new 50,000 square foot (4,650 square metre) modification centre for high option and complex refrigerated trailers and an additional employee lunchroom. This expansion will increase the brand's production capabilities to meet growing demand for high option reefers while allowing for increased production of more standardised trailers at the same time.
“We are currently in our 18th consecutive year as the market leading reefer trailer manufacturer consistently building over half of all the reefers in North America. This expansion is evidence of our continuing commitment to lead the reefer trailer industry,” said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.
The expansion also includes the acquisition of over 100 acres (40 hectares) of property adjacent to the facility to accommodate additional parking for up to 1,400 trailers. Utility’s Marion Plant Manager, Brad Starkey expects the full expansion to be completed in late October.
The Marion plant is one of five trailer manufacturing facilities across the United States. In addition to the Marion plant, Utility has expanded its Glade Spring, Virginia and Paragould, Arkansas dry van plants this year.