CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., March 19, 2009 – Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of dry freight vans, reefers, flatbeds, and Tautliner® curtainsided trailers, celebrates 95 years of innovation and quality as the world’s oldest, privately held trailer manufacturer. From its beginning in 1914 and throughout its history, Utility has sought innovative solutions to the challenges facing the trucking business. This penchant for raising the bar is evident in the very first trailer utility manufactured and continues today. For instance, Utility took the bold step of completely redesigning their refrigerated trailer in 1999 to create the strongest, lightest, and most thermally efficient reefer on the market: the 3000R®. Today, the 3000R® continues to enjoy the position as the top-selling reefer in the industry for 15 years running. In addition, Utility recently introduced its newest flatbed, the 4000A®. This marvel of engineering features an aluminum/steel design accentuating the proven one piece plasma-cut main beam webs and 80,000 lb. frame rating. The result is a strong, yet surprisingly lightweight flatbed perfect for today’s demanding loads. Finally, Utility’s penchant for innovation and quality has also resulted in the revolutionary design of its 4000D-X® Composite™ dry van. The 4000D-X® Composite™ combines the durability of a composite wall with the low maintenance and flexibility of sheet and post construction. It has been innovations like these that fueled Utility’s market share gains in every product category since 2008. Utility’s ongoing commitment to the trailer industry is evident throughout the organization. For instance, this assurance is visible in Utility’s ongoing investment in R&D to provide the industry with long-term technological solutions to its biggest challenges. Moreover, this pledge is apparent in the investment in new sales and service facilities by its dealer network, the largest in the industry. In addition, Utility supports the trailer industry through its allied membership in the ATA. Finally, this affirmation is manifest in the dedication of the fourth generation of Utility’s founding family to pursue innovative and quality solutions for the industry. “Our policy when I was active was based on the following: Our team must work together to reach our goals,” according to Walter Bennett, surviving member of the 2nd generation brothers, John and Walter, who together led Utility for about 40 years. “Our team is composed of ourselves, our employees, our dealers, our suppliers, and our customers. These five groups must work together for the benefit of everyone in these groups. So our team becomes unbeatable. It was always our team, our team, our team.” “As a family run business we have the opportunity to remain committed to the ideals of teamwork that were the hallmarks of our founders,” said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing. “While we are certainly aware of the unique challenges facing the industry, we realize that our future success rests on our team’s ability to stay focused on delivering cutting edge solutions for the industry.” Utility will be celebrating its 95th anniversary this year in booth #34185 at the upcoming Mid America Trucking Show (MATS). To learn more about Utility’s history, its trailers, or its 100 dealer locations in North America, visit www.utilitytrailer.com
