Utility reopens damaged manufacturing plant

May 10, 2011
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has reopened its Glade Spring, Virginia, after the facility suffered heavy damage from a tornado April 28

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has reopened its Glade Spring, Virginia, after the facility suffered heavy damage from a tornado April 28.

“Fortunately, no employees were on the site at the time,” says Harold Bennett, president of Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company. “While our building and roof sustained damage, Utility was fortunate that our machinery and tools were undamaged by the storm. Our employees and contractors have done a masterful job of clean-up, debris removal, and clearing damaged inventory and trailers. We plan to build up our production and reinstate most employees at an aggressive rate.“

To increase production, Utility shifted some of the Glade Spring backlog to the company’s dry van plant in Paragould, Arkansas.

“Between the two plants, we hope to be caught up on our delivery commitments within 90 days,” Bennett says. “The committed effort by Utility employees at cleaning up and restarting Glade Spring reinforces our faith in the human spirit and people’s ability to rise above near tragedy.”