Fruehauf North America held a grand opening for the semi-trailer manufacturer’s multi-million dollar facility in Warren County.
The new $15 million plant, announced in June 2021 and opened earlier this year, includes assembly of dry van trailers in Bowling Green’s Transpark. The new plant signals Fruehauf’s return to the U.S., as the company closed its previous U.S. plant in 1997, and began exclusively manufacturing trailers in Mexico.
So far, the company has filled 75 positions, with plans to add an additional 215 employees by the end of 2022.
“On target with our short-term goal to become a top-5 player in the region, this facility adds 5,000 units of capacity for a total of 13,000 units for Fruehauf North America,” said Eugenio Clariond, chairman of Fruehauf North America. “We will continue investing and developing our brand in the region and are delighted to have partnered with the Bowling Green community for this endeavor.”
Fruehauf has manufactured transportation products since it was established in Detroit, Michigan, in 1890. The company’s founder, August Fruehauf, was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2017 as the inventor of the semi-trailer. In addition to semi-trailers, the company produces dollies, platforms, container chassis, tanks and hoppers.
“I always love to see a new company locate in the commonwealth, but it speaks to our many advantages when a company decides to locate its first U.S. operation in 25 years in the commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Fruehauf is a welcome addition to Kentucky and the Bowling Green area, and this is the start of what I know will be an excellent partnership for years to come.”
(Photo courtesy of Kentucky Today)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
