The Economy

China-based Trailer Manufacturer to Grow in Indiana

Nov. 12, 2010

Announcement came just days into governor's trade mission to Asia.

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.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.