Utility’s Paragould Manufacturing Plant Enjoys Record Year

The 100, 000^th Trailer Comes Off the Assembly Line for Forward Air

Congratulations to Utility’s Paragould, Arkansas dry van manufacturing plant on their record-breaking, landmark year! As the economic recovery continued through 2011, the plant produced 7,896 dry vans, breaking the previous plant record set in 2006 and increasing plant production from 2010 by nearly 39%.

The plant also built its 100,000^th dry van since opening in 1994. The 100,000^th dry van was received in early February 2012 by Forward Air Corporation, a North American transportation and logistics service provider for the air freight and LTL market. “We are honored to be the recipient of Utility Paragould’s 100,000^th dry van,” said Jeff Taylor, Vice President of Maintenance for Forward Air. “We congratulate Utility on achieving their record numbers and we look forward to continuing the partnership.”

In 1994, Utility produced 330 dry vans in its approximately 250,000 square foot Paragould manufacturing facility. With building additions over the years, the plant has now grown to approximately 350,000 square feet with 600 employees producing Utility’s durable, light weight 4000D-X Composite^® and 4000D™ dry vans.

Pictured from Left to Right:
Dave Neighbors, Plant Manager for Utility Paragould
Corey Fletcher, Plant Superintendent for Utility Paragould
Hal Bennett, President of Utility
Jeff Barber, Vice President of Interstate Trailer Equipment
Jeff Taylor, Vice President of Maintenance for Forward Air
Jeff Bennett, Vice President of Engineering for Utility
Sean Bicknell, Regional Sales Manager for Utility
Bob Maki, Director of Manufacturing for Utility
John Oliver, Quality Manager for Utility Paragould