Defensive posture: Heil scales up with $9.8M Athens investment

Heil Trailer International is expanding its manufacturing operations in Athens, Tennessee, as part of a $9.8 million investment after securing a new 10-year contract to produce Tactical Fuel Distribution System (TFDS) trailers for the U.S. Army. The project will include the construction of warehousing space, state-of-the-art automated paint and welding systems, a testing area, and an expanded welding and training school; and create 18 jobs for technicians.

The trailer manufacturer’s Heil Trailer Defense team also hosted a low-rate initial production event in conjunction with the announcement from Tennessee’s economic development agency that featured Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, National Tank Truck Carriers President and CEO Ryan Streblow, and Army Lt. Col. Michael White. Ryan Rockafellow, CEO at Heil parent EnTrans International, said the company expects to produce more than 2,100 TFDS pretroleum refueling tankers for “warfighters” over the life of the contract.

“Heil Trailer Defense has been building equipment for the U.S. military for the past 40 years and we are just getting started,” Rockafellow said in a LinkedIn post.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announcement generated praise from several national and state officials, including Sen. Adam Lowe, Rep. Mark Cochran, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who said Heil’s decision underscores why the state is “leading the nation” as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. “I look forward to this company’s continued success and the lasting impact this project will have on our Southeast region,” Lee said in a news release.

Heil, which this year is celebrating its 125th anniversary, produces approximately 50% of all tankers in the U.S., according to the release. “I’m proud Heil Trailer has made yet another investment in our workforce and will continue its presence in our community that has existed for 48 years,” McMinn County Mayor John Gentry said.

Cochran said the manufacturer’s latest investment will contribute to Tennessee’s “booming automotive and transportation sectors.” Rockafellow thanked the city, county and state for their support; and called the TFDS project a “milestone initiative” in its partnership with the Army and Athens.

“The TFDS program represents a monumental win for Heil Trailer, EnTrans, and the Athens community, aligning directly with the Army Transformation Initiative to deliver critical capabilities to soldiers rapidly, at scale, and affordably,” Rockafellow concluded. “In support of this mission, Heil Trailer is expanding its Athens facility to ensure TFDS orders are produced on time and on budget.”