CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., September 27, 2011 – Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is sad to announce the passing of Walter Bennett, Utility’s former President and Director.
Walter was born in Los Angeles in 1918 to Ella and H.C. Bennett. He was the younger brother of Frank and John Bennett. Walter married Betty Jean Montgomery in 1941 and had three children: Hal, Craig, and Laurie. Hal Bennett is now President of Utility and Craig Bennett is Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Utility. Walter passed away on Sunday September 11, 2011 at the age of 93 in his Los Angeles, California home.
After graduating from Stanford University with a B.S. in Engineering, Walter Bennett began his career with Utility in 1940 joining his father, H.C. Bennett and his uncle E.W. Bennett who founded the family-owned company in 1914. Walter and his brother John Bennett successfully ran the company during the post World War II years. Their leadership and commitment to excellence enabled Utility to develop many patentable innovations and laid the foundation for the third generation of Bennett family leadership. Walter and John passed the reigns in 1982 to Paul, Hal, and Craig Bennett who have led Utility since.
“As we mourn the loss of our father, we remember a great man who modeled for us integrity in every aspect of his life,” said Hal Bennett, President of Utility. “His vision was pivotal in the success of our company, but more importantly his life will have an impact on our family for generations to come. With fond memories, my father will be greatly missed by all.”
About Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
Utility Trailer Manufacturing is America’s oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914, the company designs and manufactures dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner® curtainsided trailers, and side skirts. Utility currently operates five trailer manufacturing facilities across the United States. Utility’s 3000R® and the 3000R® multi-temp refrigerated trailers are manufactured at the Marion, Virginia and Clearfield, Utah plants. The 4000D® and 4000D-X Composite™ dry vans are manufactured at the Glade Spring, Virginia and Paragould, Arkansas plants. The 4000A®, 4000S®, drop deck and double flatbeds as well as the Tautliner® are all manufactured at the Enterprise, Alabama facility. Utility also has an extensive independent dealer network with over 100 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America.