Wabash is expanding manufacturing capacity of EcoNex Technology to address customer demand and equipment challenges that refrigerated carriers have faced for years, including thermal efficiency, strength, weight and asset life.
As part of this expansion, Wabash is investing an additional $20 million at its 53-acre facility in Little Falls, Minn., and adding over 200 jobs by the end of 2023.
“Although Wabash developed EcoNex with trailers in mind, its scalability across our portfolio is substantial,” said Brent Yeagy, president and chief executive officer. “At the end of 2021, we announced the launch of our refrigerated home delivery vehicle, and our initial backlog of $10 million for these new vehicles doubled in the following 90 days.”
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A refrigerated trailer with EcoNex Technology is estimated to save up to 13.5 metric tons of CO2e per year compared to Wabash’s former ArcticLite refrigerated trailer made with conventional materials. Wabash believes this structural composite can be applied to other markets, further justifying the company’s Little Falls expansion.
EcoNex Technology boasts greater thermal capability while being lighter weight, and Wabash believes this technology substantially reduces corrosion and extends asset life. This sustainability advantage is additive to customers’ environmental objectives. Wabash has demonstrated the unique, value-add properties of EcoNex Technology with over 30 million miles of actual use.
“I admire Wabash’s commitment to corporate citizenship and am proud to see the incredible impact this expansion will have on our local economy and community,” said Mayor Greg Zylka of Little Falls.
