Sep 12, 2012 11:18 AM

VT Hackney Inc, a unit of VT Systems Inc, plans to increase production of its Kidron insulated and refrigerated truck bodies by more than 50% per year with its recently opened 70,000-square-foot production facility in Independence KS.

The facility provides the company the capacity to produce more than 2,000 insulated and refrigerated truck bodies annually.

Completed in less than a year, the new plant delivers Kidron’s ColdShield system, the latest technology used at the plant. A total temperature management system, ColdShield is offered exclusively in Kidron’s refrigerated distribution truck bodies and trailers. A critical component of ColdShield is a state-of-the-art foaming system that lets Kidron truck bodies protect refrigerated products by maintaining cold temperatures longer.

About 250 people attended the grand opening ceremony for the Kidron production facility July 12. Attendees included employees, local business representatives, state and local leaders, and company executives.

“This is an historic day for our company, employees, and the city of Independence,” said Mike Tucker, president and chief executive officer. “Our reputation rests firmly on the quality of the products we manufacture and deliver to our customers. The Kansas team has been manufacturing market-leading, innovative transportation products since 1972. The Kidron product offering is a great fit with our current production capabilities. Our employees are looking forward to serving this important customer base.”