Utility Trailer Marks 90th Anniversary With New Milestones.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. -- Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans and Tautliner(R) curtainsided trailers, commemorates its 90th year as America's oldest trailer manufacturer with new product introductions, plant expansions, and a road tour of its 90th Anniversary Show Trailers.

Among the highlights of this milestone year was the introduction of the new 4000D-X(TM) dry van series which features a patented steel lined "sandwich" wall design that offers a full 101-1/4" of ID width from lining to lining. The 4000D-X's(TM) new wider inside width will accommodate a large variety of load types and also provides load securement A-slot posts every 24" of the trailer length. With additional attributes such as a new galvanized 80,000 psi high-tensile steel low-profile wearband, the 4000D-X(TM) is one of the most versatile trailers on the market today.

In addition to the 4000D-X(TM), Utility Trailer introduced the "Wide Track System" which is ideally suited to take full advantage of the weight savings and increased fuel economy of Michelin's new generation wide single tire, the X-One. Utility's wide track suspension system also includes a Hendrickson air ride slider with 6" wider suspension centers and 6" longer axles. This system can be used with either "zero" offset aluminum wheels or with the new "zero" offset Motorwheel steel wheel. This new Utility "Wide Track System" also allows the use of any, industry standard wheel end and bearing system without a reduction in bearing life or gross axle weight rating.

The new 4000D-X(TM) and the Wide Track System were both displayed in March at the Mid America Truck Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. In commemoration of the Company's 90th Anniversary, Utility's market leading 3000R(R) refrigerated trailer and its new 4000D-X(TM) dry van were custom outfitted as show trailers boasting full length, customized graphic reproductions of Utility's advertising campaign now appearing in national trucking magazines in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Recipient of the American Graphic Design Award for excellence in communication and graphic design, the show trailer graphics are notable for their portrayal of national cultural events reflective of the innovation and excellence that took place in 1914, the same year that Utility began building trailers. Remarkable for their fresh design and vibrant imagery, and using the full expanse of the 53 foot trailers as rolling billboards, the sidewalls of the trailers feature a vivid depiction of Henry Ford's assembly line on one side and a lifelike portrayal of Babe Ruth on the other.

With a stop at the Utility Trailer dealer in Salt Lake City, the show trailers began a nationwide tour in April which included stops at the North American Truck Show in Baltimore in April, the North American Truck Show in Baltimore, the Raleigh Dealer Open House and the Utah Trucking Association in May, and the Las Vegas Truck Show in June. When not exhibited at major truck shows the trailers made stops in North Carolina, Utah, Missouri, Virginia, Idaho, Pennsylvania, California, Minnesota, and Ohio. The trailers were on display this month at the International Truck Show (ITS) in Anaheim, California.

Increased demand for Utility's refrigerated trailers and dry vans resulted in plant expansions in Virginia and Arkansas. Employing more than 700 people and in operation since 1989, Utility's Smyth County Virginia facility increased its production capability of its market-leading 3000R through an $11.5 million investment. Responding to increasing demand for its dry vans, Utility Trailer Manufacturing is expanding its Paragould, Arkansas plant to increase capacity and leverage production efficiencies. Centrally located to conveniently serve the USA as well as Mexico, the plant will now boast a second assembly line which will serve to boost production output as well as provide an extra degree of manufacturing flexibility and versatility. Encompassing about 80,000 square feet, the added assembly line will allow Utility Trailer to keep up with demand for its 3000D(TM) dry van as well as meet growing demand for the 4000D-X(TM). It is anticipated that the 4 million-dollar expansion will add approximately 100 jobs to the local economy.

In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Utility Trailer started the year with a brand new strategy from The Artime Group for its advertising, marketing and public relations initiatives. "We wanted Utility Trailer to look like the market leader that it is and to set a new standard for communicating the innovation and quality that has been the hallmark of our products since 1914," said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, Utility Trailer.

Founded in 1914 by two brothers, E.W. and H.C. Bennett, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company has had a major part in the industrial growth of the United States. From its humble beginnings in Los Angeles, through both World Wars, post-war growth, and into the 21st century, the Company which first started building trailers around the time Henry Ford introduced the assembly line continues to build trailers to this day. "From the beginning our business has been building trailers, and we still embrace the values and vision expressed by E.W. and H.C. in the early 20th century as we conduct business in the early 21st century," stated Hal Bennett, President Utility Trailer. "While we have grown to over 3,000 employees and have five plants around the country, our focus and those initial ideals have remained the cornerstone of how we conduct business each day."

About Utility Trailer

Based in City of Industry, California and celebrating its 90-year anniversary building trailers, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is America's oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Building trailers since 1914, the company designs and manufactures dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, and Tautliner(R) curtainsided trailers. Utility is the largest producer of refrigerated vans and the third largest trailer manufacturer overall in the U.S.A. Utility currently operates five regionally placed trailer factories: two for refrigerated trailers, located in Marion, Virginia and Clearfield, Utah; two for Dry Vans, located in Glade Spring, Virginia and Paragould, Arkansas, and a Flatbed and Tautliner(R) factory in Enterprise, Alabama. Utility's historical position as America's largest producer of refrigerated vans is a direct result of its management's focus on providing innovative solutions to customer problems. Utility's extensive dealer network has over 100 locations throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico and South America. For more information, contact Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company at [phone], or visit the company's web site at www.utilitytrailer.com