Utility’s Utah plant builds 300,000th reefer

Utility Trailer Manufacturing’s Clearfield, Utah, facility recently produced its 300,000th unit—a 3000R refrigerated trailer.

The trailer industry’s largest manufacturer of reefer trailers reached the milestone when US Foods purchased and received its 3000R multi-temp trailer in June.

“This could not be accomplished without the support of everyone, from customers like US Foods to our sales team, corporate office, and the team here at the Clearfield, Utah factory,” said Todd Smith, Utility’s Clearfield plant manager. “We have a great team that takes pride in their work and are proud to be part of this great milestone.”

Jim Johnston, director of fleet management at US Foods, said the food distributor was pleased to participate in the milestone celebration, adding that the company also celebrated 23 consecutive years of partnering with Utility.

“Utility and Midwest Utility-Chicago have evolved into a unique, trusted, and essential partnership that has used a strategy of continuous improvement to produce our highly customized multi-temp distribution models to service our national distribution,” he said. “This partnership is responsible for development of highly refined products that deliver significant advantages to our business model in productivity, safety, thermal performance, and longer in service life.

“Utah’s consistent quality and reliable production are a direct result of the passionate and long-term employees and management of the Utah production facility.

“US Foods offers congratulations and continued support for our friends in Utah.”

Utility’s first Clearfield plant, which manufactured the 2000R reefer, opened its doors in 1965 in the Freeport Center. It produced 100,000 refers and other trailer products before closing in 1999, when the trailer OEM completed the new, retooled manufacturing facility exclusively dedicated to producing the re-engineered 3000R.

The new plant, which turned out its 250,000th reefer five years ago, features a moving assembly line that boosts productivity and product quality, Utility said.

“Congratulations to the entire Clearfield Utah factory team in achieving this milestone,” said Craig Bennett, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Utility. “With all the production challenges we’re facing today, their commitment to building high-quality reefers is the reason we’re No. 1 in the marketplace.”