Stoughton expands production as efficiency tests signal it's among industry's best

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Todd Eicher, Stoughton Vice President
Todd Eicher, Stoughton Vice President

Stoughton Trailers is kicking off a multimillion-dollar expansion of its manufacturing capabilities alongside new data signaling the Wisconsin-based manufacturer is a leader in thermal efficiency.

Stoughton — the only North American trailer OEM to increase output (4%) last year versus 2024 — recently completed a total reconfiguration of its Evansville facility. The project increased floor space dedicated to refrigerated units by 87% and introduced parallel production paths to accommodate more complex trailer designs.

The expansion comes as the company seeks to capitalize on recent independent testing conducted by Element Labs in Huntsville, Ala. According to the results, Stoughton’s PureBlue refrigerated trailer was 18.2% more thermally efficient than five leading competitors. The study also found the units to be 27.7% more airtight than the competitive average, a factor that helps maintain stable internal temperatures and reduces wear on refrigeration systems.

Beyond efficiency, Stoughton Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Sanders said the company is pivoting toward more versatile equipment. Stoughton has begun offering factory-installed hardware for multi-temperature zones, allowing trailers to carry mixed loads requiring different climate settings. The company recently delivered its first multi-temp build to a national retailer, a move the company said opens new doors in the pharmaceutical and food-service sectors.

The investment in Evansville is intended to support what the company describes as high growth expectations for the refrigerated product line.

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected]. 
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