Polar Tank Trailer, IAM reach agreement on five-year labour contract

ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- Polar Tank Trailer and the International Associations of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union have reached an agreement on a new five-year labour contract.

The agreement was ratified Tuesday through a majority vote by IAM members at Polar's manufacturing facility in Opole, Minn.

IAM District 165, Local 623, represents approximately 365 employees at Opole.

The new contract, which includes the addition of a third and fourth shift, replaces the three-year agreement that expired on Nov. 30.

"The committee worked hard to negotiate an agreement that will benefit our employees and our business," said Ted Fick, CEO of Polar Corp. "It's another step forward in our efforts to meet the quality, cost, and delivery expectations of our customers."

Last year, employees at the company's Holdingford, Minn. and Springfield, Mo. facilities each ratified a five-year labour agreement negotiated by Polar and the IAM.

View the original article here

'Nimble' Polar Corp. celebrating 65th anniversary

ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- Polar Corp., a manufacturer of aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel tank trailers, is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

"As we celebrate this milestone, it's a great time for Polar and our customers," said Ted Fick, Polar CEO. "We're combining advanced technology and production techniques with a legacy of innovation, engineering, and customer support. At 65, we're more nimble than ever."

The company started as the Opole Blacksmith Shop owned by brothers Vince, Roy, and Frank Warzecha, welders who built stainless steel tanks for bulk milk distribution. Today, Polar employs more than 1,700 and is comprised of three companies: Polar Tank Trailer, Polar Service Centers, and Quality Trailer Products.

With three manufacturing plants, Polar Tank produces custom tank trailers for oil and fuel, food products, asphalt, chemicals, corrosives, and pneumatic bulk cargoes, as well as vacuum truck bodies. Polar Service Centers is a factory-owned repair and parts network, with 28 locations in 17 states. Quality Trailer Products manufactures and sells parts and components for the light-duty trailer industry, including fenders, axles, brakes, and wheels.

Officials say recent investments at the company include 3D mechanical design and digital prototyping tools, precision manufacturing tools, and plant-footprint expansions.

View the original article here