American Trailer World invests $18 million in Batavia Township
By Terry Troy
Batavia Township will soon be home to a new trailer manufacturing facility for America Trailer World (ATW), a project that will create 249 jobs in this township located just outside of Cincinnati. ATW, which manufactures trailers, truck equipment and related parts and accessories, is investing $18 million in the new facility. When the plant comes online it will be one of the largest and most technically advanced facilities in the industry, according to the company. Once completed, the facility will manufacture trailers under many of ATW current brands, including Big Tex ® and PJ Trailers®.
“We are pleased to announce our expansion of operations into the southern Ohio region. Also, we are excited to bring manufacturing jobs to the local community,” said Eric Blackwell, ATW COO.
ATW was looking to expand its business presence in the Midwest so it could meet increased demands for its products. The market for trailers, and RVs in particular, has exploded since the beginning of the pandemic.
The new site, located off State Route 32, will complement ATW’s current production facility in Mt. Orab. ATW considered locations in Michigan, Kentucky, and Indiana before choosing Batavia Township because of its proximity to existing operations and easy access to the rest of the Midwest.
“As many as 77% of companies say they are investing in their supply chain to increase capacity and avoid disruptions because of the pandemic,” said Kimm Lauterbach, REDI Cincinnati president, and CEO. “The Cincinnati region is poised to be at the center of this investment due to its access to the rest of the country and because of investments like ATW’s. I’m grateful for our partnership with JobsOhio and the Ohio Development Service Agency for supporting ATW’s growth in Batavia Township.”
Since the summer of 2020, ATW has seen a steady growth in sales and is anticipating a record year for 2021 fueled by demand for its products. ATW was created in 2015 as a result of the merger of Big Tex Trailers and American Trailer Works, two leading companies in the trailer industry. ATW is the largest manufacturer, retailer, and distributor of professional-grade and consumer-grade trailers, truck equipment, and related parts and accessories in North America. In the 4th quarter of 2021, the company will start hiring welders, assembly associates, materials handlers, painters, and leadership roles to fill the new facility. The Ohio Development Services Agency approved a job creation tax credit to support ATW’s growth. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed.
In increasing numbers, young people across Ohio are re-visiting opportunities in manufacturing as well as careers, as can be seen in the video from Lincoln Electric.
