Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG) has welcomed a new minority shareholder to the fold with news that Schmitz Cargobull has purchased a 26 per cent stake in the business
A major investment into the Australian trailer market is expected to accelerate growth for MaxiTRANS and its parent company Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG).
The investment, by European OEM and trailer specialist Schmitz Cargobull, is expected to benefit both businesses through the sharing of technologies, production processes and systems.
Schmitz Cargobull CEO Andreas Schmitz says the move into the Australian market was timely.
“Our investment in MaxiTRANS offers great potential to unlock manufacturing synergies and introduce advanced technologies to support and contribute to the Australian Trailer Industry,” Schmitz says.
Ballarat based Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG) comprise a group of investors, including a number of Ballarat locals.
Since ATSG purchased the MaxiTRANS trailer business in September 2021, its primary focus has been on supporting Australian manufacturing, its people and delivering a high-quality product for its customers.
MaxiTRANS executive chairman Greg L’Estrange was upbeat about the new deal.
“Schmitz Cargobull has a great reputation for high quality, innovative design and durability across its expansive product offering,” L’Estrange says.
“To have a Company with such an international reputation see value in our plans for the MaxiTRANS business is testament to our people and the on-going support of our customers who have helped continue to build the business since ATSG came onboard.”
“The partnership with Schmitz Cargobull will allow our businesses to partner on technology, scalability and processes that can then be implemented in the MaxiTRANS operation.
“The backing of Schmitz Cargobull, coupled with our own investment into the business, will allow us to streamline our processes, deliver global supply chain benefits and allow MaxiTRANS to continue to focus on delivering outstanding quality and support for our customers.
“In addition, it provides access to worldwide trends and technology that we can utilise and leverage in the Australian market.”
MaxiTrans supplies locally manufactured heavy duty road transport trailer solutions including major brands Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Lusty EMS, Hamelex White, Trout River and AZMEB.
Schmitz Cargobull produces about 61,000 trailers a year and employs 6,900 staff in Europe, achieving sales of about 2.3 billion EURO in the 2021/22 financial year.
Its production network consists of 10 plants, one of which is located in Melbourne, Australia, where reefer semi-trailer vehicles are manufactured.