In 1936, Fruehauf Company, a major semi-trailer manufacturer, began construction on a factory in Fairfax. It would be the second largest plant of its type in the nation and would employ 400-500 people. During WWII, the Fruehauf Trailer Company expanded from 8-10 anti-aircraft searchlight carriers a day to 50 units daily by increasing the work force from 500 to 1,000 workers and expanding operations to 24 hours day. Trailers were sent to army camps throughout the nation to be equipped with giant searchlights for military use. In 1946 the company expanded with a new garage and warehouse. In 1947, Fruehauf Trailer was retooled to produce all-steel truck bodies. The new production line was expected to produce 5-10 bodies an hour and was expected to employee 350 people. Fruehauf Trailer relocated to Cleveland in 1949, and J. & L. Steel Barrel Company took over the Fruehauf site in Fairfax.
