Trinity Truck and Trailer Service, a manufacturer of milk transport tank trailers, is expanding its operations in Ithaca, Michigan.
The $6.75 million, two-phase expansion of its headquarters facility, which includes a repair shop, will create 55 jobs, according to a news release from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The project is supported by a $192,500 performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC’s) Micro Michigan Business Development Program.
The first phase of the project will enable Trinity to pursue opportunities in the production of milk stainless steel storage silo manufacturing, pasteurization, and other hygienically designed equipment, officials said. Michigan’s agribusiness operations currently rely on out-of-state suppliers for storage silos. In-state production will all Michigan’s dairy producers to source their silos from within the state, resulting in a cost savings.
The second phase will include renovation of the company’s existing repair service facility.
“Trinity Truck and Trailer Service has been a proud member of the Ithaca community since 2018,” said Ron Lupa, Trinity owner and manager. “We specialize in truck and trailer repair and the manufacturing of tanker trailers for dairy, fertilizer, and other non-coded tanks. We are proud of our team’s hard work and accomplishments to keep the trucks and trailers of the community and surrounding areas running safely. With growing business, we will be expanding and incorporating vertical storage tanks and silos for the dairy industry into our line of work.
“The assistance from the MEDC will help in this endeavor. We look forward to the new job and business opportunities this will provide to the community.”
The city of Ithaca offered a 50% property tax abatement to support the project.
“Trinity’s expansion project will have far-reaching positive impacts on the agricultural and transportation industry in Michigan and throughout the country,” said James E. Wheeler, Greater Gratiot Development president.
“It is exciting to see Trinity grow and expand in Ithaca, Michigan.”
In 2020, Michigan ranked sixth in the U.S. for milk production, according to the release.
The state has about 900 dairy-farm families who care for more than 445,000 cows. The average dairy herd in Michigan has about 300 cows. Ninety-seven percent of Michigan dairy farms are family owned, many by multiple generations of the same family. In 2020, Michigan ranked sixth in milk production in the U.S. Dairy cows in Michigan produced 11.6 billion pounds of milk. The average Michigan cow produces more than 27,000 pounds of milk each year, or more than 3,100 gallons of milk, according to the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.