Great Dane Sets Up Training for New Plant

Nov. 30, 2011
Great Dane Trailers and Georgia Quick Start, the state’s workforce training organization, announced plans for training the company’s projected 400 new employees

Great Dane Trailers and Georgia Quick Start, the state’s workforce training organization, announced plans for training the company’s projected 400 new employees.

Great Dane has built a 450,000-square-foot facility on a 118-acre site in Statesboro. In its first phase, the plant will be able to produce more than 5,000 trailers annually and will employ more than 400 people. The company’s manufacturing processes will feature the latest technology in foaming methods and automation of key production operations.

Quick Start is developing job-specific training on the high-tech processes and equipment in each

production area that will include safety, precision measurement, fabrication, robotics and extensive assembly and welding operations. Leadership skills development, team skills and lean technologies are also covered in the plan.

“We’re proud to help this longtime Georgia company continue to grow and create new jobs in our state,” said Quick Start head Jackie Rohosky.

The Quick Start training agreement was developed based on a study conducted at Great Dane’s Brazil, Ind., facility. Quick Start will design and develop training material and provide instructors for the classes.

The training program involves three partners: Great Dane Trailers, Ogeechee Technical College and Quick Start. The partnership will not end when the Quick Start training is completed. Ogeechee Technical College will be available to help Great Dane with ongoing training programs.

“We are delighted to have Great Dane in our community and to be involved with providing the qualified workforce that they will depend on to be successful,” said Ogeechee Tech President Dawn Cartee.