
Thermo King celebrated 50 years at its Arecibo, Puerto Rico, plant recently. It opened in 1974 and has manufactured more than 1 million trailer units for the North American market.
"Our people are the reason behind Thermo King Arecibo's long success. They never quit, and they are devoted to taking care of our customers and their community, no matter the obstacle," says Adam Wittwer, president, Thermo King Americas. "Their expertise, dedication and creative actions are a positive force of momentum. This team has helped move the industry — and the world — forward with advanced technologies and an inspirational, passionate spirit."
The company marked the occasion by making a $10,000 donation to The Food Bank of Puerto Rico through the We Move Food program. The Puerto Rico team also contributes to the United Way of Puerto Rico and the CAP Foundation for young oncology patients. It donates and serves Thanksgiving meals to people experiencing homelessness.
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"The Thermo King Arecibo team is special. We take pride in having produced more than 1 million refrigeration units in these 50 years, which ensure the delivery of important goods such as ice cream and medicine across North America," says Marco Miranda Orta, plant manager. "But that is nothing compared to the pride we have in making a difference here in our community. We are resilient, committed and excited to continue making an impact for years to come."
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The plant plays a part in Thermo King's sustainability efforts. Arecibo has earned the Puerto Rico EPA award for five consecutive years for compliance with wastewater treatment plant parameters. It reduced its energy use by 10% last year and has reduced CO2 emissions by 2,673 metric tons since 2020. In 2022, the plant transitioned trailer units to a new refrigerant designed to lower global warming potential, reducing long-haul customers' refrigeration carbon footprint by nearly 50%. It also reduced its non-hazardous waste to landfill by 239 tons, converting it to energy instead.
Arecibo has an instrumental role in delivering the Precedent trailer transport refrigeration unit, introduced in 2013. The Precedent was the first unit to achieve Evergreen California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA Tier 4 engine compliance.
In May 2022, a EF-1 tornado severely damaged the Arecibo plant's main assembly building. To limit customer disruptions, the Puerto Rico team divided trailer unit assembly into multiple buildings on the campus, ensuring a manufacturing continuum for more than 40,000 trailer units over the 17 months it took to rebuild. The plant now has Trane's first continuously moving production line.