Trane Expands Vidalia Plant

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). The Trane Company Incorporated (Tyler, Texas), a part of American Standard Companies (NYSE:ASD) (Piscataway, New Jersey), is well underway with a major expansion at its Vidalia, Georgia, plant. The plant had already expanded its existing facility in Vidalia three times and had no more room to expand. A spec building located right behind the plant, which belongs to the city of Vidalia, became available, so Trane was able to lease it for $1 a year, provided that it employs and maintains 80-100 new employees for the duration of the contract.

General contractor for the project is Harry Moses Construction (Vidalia, Georgia). Project completion is targeted for April. This plant manufacturers air handlers, but when the new addition is finished, Trane plans to produce heaters, also.

Elsewhere in the Trane world, the company's main plant in Tyler, Texas is doing very well. According to a statement by Doug Hunsley, Trane Vice President and General Manager, they maintained an average of 2,000 employees throughout 2002, but he predicts business will, compared to 2002, remain fairly flat. Provided that housing starts remain strong and interest rates low, Trane should have plenty of business this year.

American Standard Companies is a leading maker of air-conditioning systems, plumbing products, and automotive ABS and EBS braking systems (through its subsidiary Wabco). American Standard's air-conditioning unit makes products under the Trane and American Standard brand names.