Utility Trailer Expands Its Paragould, Arkansas Plant to Satisfy Increasing Dry Van Demand

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--Aug. 2, 20046, 2004--Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans and Tautliner(R) curtainsided trailers and which is celebrating its 90th year as America's oldest trailer manufacturer, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Paragould, Arkansas dry van plant.

Responding to increasing demand for its dry vans, Utility Trailer Manufacturing is expanding its Paragould 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.

"We manufacture the 4000D-X(TM), our newest dry van, as well as our 3000D(TM) dry van at the Paragould plant. The 4000D-X(TM) leverages the innovative features of our 3000D(TM) to offer greater productivity, versatility and durability than before," said Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "The 4000D-X(TM) 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."

Paragould, a city of about 30 square miles and with about 23,000 residents, is the county seat of Greene County and was ranked as the 2nd Best Place to Live in America. Known as "The Friendly City" and recognized as the safest city in Arkansas, the city has been home to one of two Utility Trailer dry van manufacturing plants since 1994. Ranked among the top 10 area employers, the Utility Trailer plant currently employs about 465 local residents.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary as America's oldest trailer manufacturer, Utility Trailer has built a reputation for innovative designs and a resolute commitment to quality, from its market leading line of 3000R(TM) refrigerated trailers, and its full line of flatbed and Tautliner(R) products, to the new, innovative 4000D-X(TM) dry van and the reliable 3000D(TM) manufactured in Paragould. This penchant for innovation and quality continues today as the company looks to the future in the State of Arkansas.

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, Mexico and South America. For more information, contact Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company at 626-965-1541, or visit the company's web site at www.utilitytrailer.com