To keep abreast of burgeoning trailer demand, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. is expanding its Paragould, AR dry van production plant by adding a second assembly line. This will boost production output as well as reinforce manufacturing flexibility and versatility.
Encompassing about 80,000 square feet, the added assembly line represents a $4 million investment by Utility and will help it produce its 3000D and 4000D-X dry van trailer models.
This is the second expansion effort by Utility this year, as it is investing $11.5 million to overhaul its manufacturing plant in Marion, VA. It could hire up to 200 more workers this year to improve productivity 10%, said Hal Bennett, Utility’s president.
“We anticipate a 30% increase in our output this year— we just can’t build trailers fast enough,” he said at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show. “When all is said and done this year, we hope to reach a total annual production goal of 31,000 units.”