China-based Trailer Manufacturer to Grow in Indiana

Vanguard National Trailer Corp., a subsidiary of the Shenzen, China-based China International Marine Containers Group Ltd., said it plans to expand its operations in Monon, Ind.

The company, which manufactures a variety of semi-truck trailers and operates a network of service centers, will invest more than $600,000 to upgrade machinery and make existing facility improvements at its White County manufacturing facility, creating up to 20 new jobs by 2011.

The announcement came just days into Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' trade mission to Asia.

"Vanguard National's expansion in White County is great news as we continue our jobs-hunting mission in Asia," said Daniels from Hangzhou, China. "A key objective of our trip is to cultivate existing relationships with companies like Vanguard so that when they are ready to invest again, they'll think of the friends they've made in the Hoosier State."

Vanguard National Trailer, which employs nearly 200 manufacturing associates in Monon, plans to continue hiring additional production and supervisory associates in the fourth quarter as facility upgrades are completed and new production lines are phased in, according to the state.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Vanguard National Trailer up to $18,000 in training grants based on the company's job-creation plans. White County will consider property tax abatement at the request of the White County Economic Development Group, according to the state.

Vanguard National Trailer's expansion announcement in Monon came less than a week after Daniels departed on a trade mission to China and Japan with a delegation of Indiana state and local government officials and business leaders.

The trip, which will include meetings with local business and government officials, marks the governor's second visit to China and fifth to Japan since 2005. The state delegation's trip is entirely funded through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.