Little more than a year after breaking ground on its new refrigerated trailer manufacturing plant in Statesboro, Ga., the Great Dane facility was opened for production after a recent ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We are thrilled to finally open the doors of our brand new production facility here in Statesboro,” President and CEO Bill Crown said. “This building reflects the diligence and focus of countless individuals over the past two years, working together toward this day in some of the most difficult economic times we can remember. Just as Great Dane has set the standard for excellence with our products over the past century, this plant sets a new standard for cutting-edge manufacturing and efficiency. We are proud that it will serve as a model of the most technologically advanced, environmentally sound production practices in the world.”
The plant encompasses 450,000-sq.-ft., including office space and a 3,000-sq. ft.-climate-controlled, noise-free customer preview center. The facility is dedicated to manufacturing the company’s all-new Everest refrigerated trailers, the TL model reefer for truckload carriers and the CL model reefer, built especially for the unique needs of multi-temp and foodservice operations, especially those in the Southeast.
Great Dane said it has remained committed to serving this market for nearly 75 years since pioneering the refrigerated trailer industry with the first wet ice bunker and gas engine and blower system for hauling produce over long distances.
The Statesboro facility incorporates such technologies as the use of robotic welding, automated production processes, computer-controlled foaming operations and an optimized material handling system for quality and efficiency, the company said. In addition, numerous green initiatives have been put in place, including energy-efficient lighting and the use of a building management system to automatically control lights, air quality and building temperature; programs to reduce water consumption; and the use of load monitors to ensure optimal energy consumption.
The plant will begin operating with one production line, with a second line and second shift to start up later in the year. At full capacity, the new facility will be able to produce more than 5,000 trailers annually. Crown is optimistic about reaching this capacity quickly and about the future. “The opening of this site not only demonstrates Great Dane’s confidence in American manufacturing, but it reinforces our commitment to our customers, our dedication to our workforce and our firm belief that our products are the very best in the industry.”
Great Dane
www.greatdanetrailers.com
