Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., manufacturer of refrigerated trailers, dry freight vans, flatbeds, and Tautliner curtain-sided trailers, announced that Utility’s Glade Spring, Va., manufacturing plant has been awarded the 2014 Manufacturer of the Year by Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM).
The Manufacturer of the Year Award seeks to highlight a company that has gone above and beyond in the categories of innovation, corporate citizenship and advocacy, according to Utility. David Matlock, vice president of Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), initially nominated Utility for this annual award. VHCC has been partnering with Utility’s Glade Spring plant to help educate students and close the skills gap that exists for regional manufacturers, noted Utility.
According to the alliance, SVAM’s mission is to support the sustainment and advancement of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. SVAM noted that it awarded Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. for a variety of achievements that have positively impacted the quality of life in Virginia, including the many benefits they offer to employees, their role in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, their involvement in Dress for Success—a program in collaboration with SVAM and local manufacturers to help secure clothes for underprivileged high school seniors entering the manufacturing field, and so much more.
“We are honored to receive this award from SVAM. As leaders, we have an obligation to share opportunities that have been made available to us with the next generation,” said Sam Cassell, plant manager for Utility’s Glade Spring manufacturing plant. The Glade Spring facility manufactures Utility’s 4000D-X Composite dry van trailers and is one of five manufacturing facilities across the United States.
