Southland announces expansion to build advanced manufacturing plant in southwest Alberta

Posted on 4 October 2022 by Ryan Dahlman

GLOBE NEWSWIRE

 Lethbridge County has been selected by Southland Trailers as the site for the new manufacturing facility. The expansion is in part thanks to a $2.06 million boost from the Alberta government’s rural stream of the Investment and Growth Fund (IGF).  

The 85,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing plant in Lethbridge County will create 250 new jobs over the next three years, building on their existing 380-strong workforce. The new facility will integrate robotic processes that will allow Southland to double its cargo trailer production capacity from 20 per day to 41 per day.  

A family-run Alberta business, Southland Trailers has grown to be one of the largest trailer manufacturers in North America. Southland’s expansion in southern Alberta reinforces Southland’s commitment to Alberta and grows Alberta’s innovative edge in manufacturing 

Today’s announcement is the result of close collaboration between Southland, Lethbridge County, the Government of Alberta, and Invest Alberta, to fuel regional economic development.  

“Southland Trailer Corp. is thrilled to work with the Government of Alberta on our new expansion. We look forward on continuing to provide new job opportunities and strive to make Southern Alberta a pinnacle in the manufacturing industry. The new jobs provided by this expansion will help boost Lethbridge’s economy and provide more opportunity to the people of Lethbridge. We look forward to bringing new team members of all skill sets to Southland Trailer Corp,” explained Monty Sailer, President and CEO, Southland Trailers. 

“Many companies prepared to invest in new projects are seeking a proactive signal of commitment and support from government. A deal-closing incentive – regardless of amount – shows serious investors that investment attraction, and in particular high-impact investments that create meaningful jobs, is a high priority for the province,” noted Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. 

“This investment is great news for our province and a prime example of the important role rural areas play in our economy. This is the first use of the fund’s rural stream, and I look forward to many more exciting, innovative investments in Alberta businesses outside larger centres,” noted Honourable Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development.

“As rural Alberta is the province’s economic driver, the government’s announcement of an additional five million dollars to attract investment and growth to rural communities is great news. This funding will support more rural innovation, economic diversification, and job creation. It will also further increase the profile of rural Alberta as a prime investment destination for companies seeking a strong workforce and willing municipal partners,” said Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

Southland Trailers is a home-grown Alberta success story, and their expansion is evidence of the opportunity for investment and growth in Alberta. Southland’s expansion in southern Alberta is another example of high-impact, high-value investment in Alberta that creates jobs, supports our local communities, and grows Alberta’s innovative edge in manufacturing,” stated Rick Christiaanse, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Alberta.