WAYNE – Just over five years ago, the Great Dane Manufacturing Facility in Wayne broke the 100,000 mark in trailer production. Wednesday afternoon with employees, community members and more celebrated the 125,000th Everest SS Trailer.
The day began with visitors arriving at the west entrance before being escorted to the event area to enjoy a meal. Production was paused for plant employees to be served as well.
Plant Manager of Great Dane Wayne, Lee Byers thanked everyone for attending to open the ceremony. Speakers included Dean Engelage, President of Great Dane; Lt. Governor Mike Foley, State of Nebraska; Mayor Cale Giese, Wayne; Jim Hawk III, Co-Owner – Jim Hawk Truck and Trailer and Steve Schuster, President – Schuster Company.
Lt. Governor Foley talked about a lot of people think Nebraska is just an agriculture state.
“And we are, we are a powerhouse when it comes to agriculture,” said Foley. “But there’s a lot more going on in our state than people realize. We got 100,000 Nebraskans that went to work this morning (Wednesday) in high-tech manufacturing; building lawnmowers to jet skis to subway cars.”
The newest trailer was an Everest Single-Temp reefer designed exclusively for Schuster Company of Le Mars, Iowa. Schuster has been a customer of Great Dane since 1988.
Engelage added the industry is very competitive with companies that are larger and smaller than Great Dane, but stating Great Dane makes the best trailer.
“We charge a premium for it,” Engelage added. “We earn the premium based off of the quality and the total cost of ownership and how much warranty expense and how light the trailer is. So, it’s great to hear that all those things go together and ultimately come together as the best trailer made.”
Over 700 employees make up Great Dane who produces roughly 5,000 trailers a year. Trailers are made for some of the nation’s largest fleets, along with Schuster, including Walmart, IWX and Decker. The 257,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Wayne opened their two production lines in 1986 and since have made five additions to the plant.
Lt. Governor Foley described the 125,000 Great Dane trailers as “Cadillac” super sealed trailers that are shipped out across the country.
“Their so proud of the quality workmanship that goes into these trailers because they’re being used to help the transfer of commerce throughout the United State of America and beyond,” Foley mentioned. “So, it’s a great day for Wayne and just fun to be a part of the celebration and meet the workforce and the leadership of this company.”
Lt. Governor Foley joined others for a tour of the plant.
Members who were a part of making the first trailer in 1986 as well as representatives of each shift were also recognized.