Utility adds steel options, expands plants

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. has added high strength steel options for its 4000D-X composite dry van and also announced expansion plans for two of its plants that will improve its ability to accommodate complex custom modifications for both its refrigerated and dry van trailers.

Intended to protect customers from fluctuations in the price of aluminum, Utility is now offering a high strength steel side panel as an option to aluminum on its DX-100 dry van.  Using the same .016-in. steel panels as a plate trailers, the new option provides pre-painted white, galvanized steel along the full length and front of the trailer.

A second option provides  new 18 gauge galvanized steel side wall posts in the trailer bay, or center, lowering overall weight for the dry van by 139 lbs. with the aluminum side panels and 26 lbs. with the new steel panels.

The company has also announced major expansions at its Marion, VA, refrigerated trailer plant and Paragould, AR, dry van plant.  Both facilities will get dedicated modification centers to better handle highly optioned trailers away from the company's moving assembly lines.

 The Marion plant expansion, which is adding 50,000 sq. ft., is scheduled to be completed in October. The Paragould expansion will add 22,000 sq. ft. and should be completed in September, according to the company.