Fast forward to today. ATC Trailers just opened a state-
of-the-art, 110,000 square foot production facility. The
building layout supports CEO Steve Brenneman’s vision of
continuously improving ATC Trailers’ Lean Manufacturing
capabilities.
If you’re unfamiliar with Lean Manufacturing, it’s the
philosophical approach that propelled Toyota into
prominence in the 1980s and what many US auto makers
were forced to adopt to keep up with Toyota’s ability to
quickly adapt to the changing auto market.
The essential principal of Lean is to eliminate waste and
to sharply focus on customer value. In the trailer industry,
customer value begins with a soundly built frame and axles,
then the features that provide added functionality and an
aesthetic that gives each trailer manufacturer its identity.
ATC Trailers developed a niche in the highly competitive
trailer industry by focusing on quality instead of quantity.
In an industry flooded with quickly built steel trailers, ATC
uses higher priced aluminum (though, ATC does build
with steel if the customer prefers) and focuses on frame
durability and premium fit and finish. Despite a higher
price tag, ATC has seen steady growth and continues to
develop high end features and options.
continued on page 33
www.natda.org
NATDA Magazine
31