Martin Marietta Composites, Inc. announced the completion of its first composite trailer manufactured in its Sparta, NC plant. The 48 foot, live-floor transfer trailer is the first composite trailer of its type manufactured in North America, company officials said.
They claim the trailer is lighter and more durable than conventional trailers, because it is constructed of virtually all glass fiber reinforced polymer materials, with the exception of the king pin, the landing gear, axles, wheels and brake components and miscellaneous fasteners.
A ceremony marking the completion recently was held at the 185,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in western North Carolina and customers Mike McClanahan and Matt Chapman both of the West Palm Beach Solid Waste Authority, were on hand to accept the first trailer. McClanahan stated, “We are always looking for better technology that provides us opportunities to best utilize our assets. I am impressed with this product and the people who build it.”
The delivery of this trailer represents the culmination of ten years of development in Europe by Composittrailer n.v. of Belgium, two years of adaptation to U.S. specifications and market requirements, as well as 18 months in acquiring and equipping a new production facility.
