Lamar Trailers Commits $1.3M to Enhance Employee Comfort and Growth
SUMNER, TX — Lamer Trailers recently completed a major project to fully insulate its 223,000-square-foot manufacturing shop, using innovative solutions to enhance employee comfort and pave the way for future growth. The $1.3 million investment aims to significantly improve working conditions for employees by reducing temperatures approximately 20 degrees during scorching summer months.
“We’ve been committed to enhancing our working conditions for years, and this insulation project is a major step toward achieving that goal,” said William Peters, Visionary and CEO of Lamar Trailers. “When our team members are comfortable, they’re more productive, more engaged, and better equipped to deliver high-quality results for our customers.”
In the past, shop temperatures could exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a heatstroke risk for employees wearing flame-resistant clothing and heavy-duty gloves. Additionally, an 80-foot-long paint-cure oven is set at 450 degrees and used in the powder coating process, adding to the heat in certain areas. Traditional air conditioning was not a viable option for the large facility, making this insulation project crucial.
“Working in the Texas summers can be very challenging. By investing in this insulation project, we not only improve their comfort, but we make it easier for our team members to enjoy their work without being hindered by temperatures,” Peters added.
Following the introduction of Lean Manufacturing practices in 2016, Lamar Trailers has committed to keeping a clean and organized place to work. The insulation project not only improves temperatures but also enhances the building’s aesthetics, creating a cleaner, brighter and more organized environment.
“Today, it’s about 98 degrees outside, but inside the shop, it feels like 80 to 82 degrees,” said Jose Rios, forklift operator. “I’m on the forklift and feel the wind, but the guys on the floor definitely appreciate the cooler environment and work harder because it’s not as hot.”
The project uses state-of-the-art insulated metal panels that incorporate a composite design with foam insulation sandwiched between metal faces, supplying a comprehensive solution for external protection, air and moisture barriers and thermal insulation.
About Lamar Trailers
Lamar Trailers is a leading open trailer manufacturer based in Sumner, Texas. Since its establishment in 2003, the company has built over 130,000 trailers and has over 120 dealers across the United States. The company currently employs over 200 people in Lamar County at its manufacturing facility and corporate office. Looking ahead, the company has plans for significant growth, with a target to increase its workforce from 200 to 500 by 2030.
To learn more about Lamar Trailers or to explore career opportunities, visit lamartrailers.com.
