Heil Trailer Expands Production in McMinn County With New Contract

Heil Trailer, a subsidiary of Engineered Transportation International (EnTrans), recently launched a new program to provide fuel tankers to the United States Army. The Tactical Fuel Distribution System (TFDS) Program will allow the company to better meet the needs of the armed forces while creating jobs in McMinn County, Tennessee.

“This is an important piece of equipment for the army,” says Michael Gray, Vice President of Defense Programs at EnTrans. “Regardless of your branch of service, the saying is ‘You can't win a war without beans, bullets, fuel, and water. “Our company is fortunate to support the operation and distribution of two of those commodities, and we also manufacture transportation systems to bring the beans and bullets to the warfighter.”

Heil Trailer has had a presence in McMinn County for nearly 50 years. This expansion highlights the value it finds through operating in the region.

Heil Trailer Has Been an Innovator in Transport for 125 Years 

Heil Trailer has been developing transport trailers for 125 years and currently serves 85 countries worldwide. It first opened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1901, but moved its operations to Athens, Tennessee, in the 1970s. Over the past 50 years, Heil Trailer has expanded and acquired other firms through the EnTrans family. Other notable brands connected to this organization include Polar Tank Trailer, Kalyn Siebert, and Jarco.  

“Heil Trailer has worked with various branches of the American armed forces throughout its history,” says Jarrod Johnson, Director of Marketing at EnTrans. “It was particularly valuable during WWII.”

The trailer produced through the TFDS Program is designed to venture far into the battle space. It incorporates the latest military technology to maximize its effectiveness.

Heil Trailer works with both military and civilian clients. It has thousands of commercial customers worldwide that rely on its products. 

Heil Trailer Celebrated the First New Tanker Created in Athens

With the TFDS Program underway, the team at Heil Trailer wanted to celebrate the first tanker produced and the successful launch of the updated facilities in McMinn County. The team held an event in January 2026 to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved.

“The Navy traditionally breaks a bottle of champagne over the keel of a boat as a token of good luck, and we wanted to do something similar,” says Gray. “We invited congressional and local leaders to the Athens facility to sign the very first tank barrel completed on the floor.”

A few of the local leaders who attended include: 

• Senator Marsha Blackburn
• Representative Chuck Fleischmann
• State Representative Mark Cochran
• McMinn County Mayor John Gentry
• Athens Mayor Larry Eaton
• McMinn EDA Executive Director Lindsey Ferguson

This debut is the result of several years of hard work, from developing quality products to creating a scalable production facility in McMinn County. 

More Than 250 Employees Work at Heil Trailer Locally

The TFDS Program led to an estimated 10% increase in Heil Trailer's workforce in McMinn County, bringing its local headcount above 250. Not only is Heil Trailer a major employer in Athens, but it also plays an important role in hiring entry-level workers and upskilling them. The company trains new hires in welding, with multiple levels to advance through. The Master Welder Program requires the most technical skill set and offers the highest pay.  

The facility upgrades in Athens also bring advanced systems to Heil Trailer. The company will now use robotic welding and painting tools in support of the TFDS and commercial manufacturing. However, this doesn’t necessarily affect headcount. Instead, it creates opportunities for employees to learn new skills and become familiar with modern systems.

“We are bringing highly-skilled career opportunities to the community,” says Johnson.

Quality training and development are particularly important when fulfilling military contracts. Heil Trailer delivers the same specifications and precision required by the military to all its customers, regardless of whether they operate in the defense or commercial sectors. 

The Economic Development Authority Made Choosing McMinn Easy

The team at Heil Trailer worked closely with the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) throughout the expansion process.

“We started the conversation at the federal level, meeting with Senator Bill Hagerty and his staff,” says Gray. “He quickly introduced us to the Tennessee Economic Development team, specifically Sam Wills at the state level, and then Lindsey Ferguson at the McMinn EDA and Mayor Gentry.” Wills was the regional director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

“Tennessee is eager to attract businesses,” says Gray. “Everyone we met at the state and local level has offered incredible support to make this program a reality.”

Heil Trailer would also like to thank the team at the Athens Utilities Board for making sure the company will have the electricity and water it needs throughout the expansion and beyond.

Gray adds that the City of Athens also makes it easy for Heil Trailer to showcase the facility to potential customers. It is a great place to bring customers and is easy to get to. 

Heil Trailer is One of Many Manufacturers in McMinn County

McMinn County is home to several manufacturing companies that produce essential parts and equipment for the global economy. Advanced manufacturing is a focus sector for the McMinn County EDA, which works diligently to attract new businesses to the region.

If you aren’t familiar with McMinn County, discover the location advantages of this community in Eastern Tennessee. Contact the EDA and let us help you bring your business here. Your organization can operate alongside Heil Trailer and other manufacturing leaders in the United States.