Great Dane slates plant opening

Great Dane Trailers will begin using its new 327,000 sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Huntsville, TN, by July 11. The plant will operate three production lines for the company’s Freedom line, turning out flatbeds, all-steel drop decks and extendable flatbeds.

“We are in the middle of a boom in the flatbed market, and Huntsville is ready to meet high demands in this industry segment, which is likely to remain aggressive in the foreseeable future,” said Sam Gupta, senior vp of manufacturing.

Already, 60 employees have been hired for the plant; a total of 250 will be needed by the end of 2005.