Vanguard National Trailer Corporation: Handcrafted and Growing at Record Pace

aboutusSituated on U.S. Route 421, about 30 miles north of Lafayette, is the town of Monon with a population of approximately 1,800 people. Known for the Monon Food Fest which takes place annually the first Saturday in June, the town is also home to Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, the fastest growing trailer manufacturer in North America.

On St. Patrick’s Day, I had the privilege to travel to Monon to see what goes into making a trailer that ultimately hauls goods all across our great country. I joined up with Vanguard Human Resources Manager Jake Pinkerton, who provided me with the history of the company and what has made it into an industry leader.

After establishing operations in Monon in 2003, the first trailer left the manufacturing line in February 2004. Since that time, Vanguard has implemented innovative processes that streamline operations for more efficient results. With leadership and support from parent company CIMC, Vanguard has continued to grow at an accelerated rate. The company is dedicated to its customers and is committed to advancing the trailer industry one trailer at a time.

Today, Vanguard manufactures approximately 45 trailers per day; they are constructed, quite literally, by the hands of more than 500 Hoosier workers. Very few (if any) parts of the manufacturing process include high-tech machinery. In fact, as you tour the plant, you readily notice the handcrafted care that goes into each customized trailer.

In 2015, Vanguard will manufacture more than 10,000 trailers, a production record for the company.

So next time you travel the highways of Indiana and see the name Vanguard, just know that the hands of fellow Hoosiers made it possible.

To learn more about Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, visit www.vanguardtrailer.com.

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