Melbourne acquisition last year followed by national expansion
New Zealand-based TR Group’s Australian evolution sees its local Semi Skel Hire subsidiary relaunch as TR Group Australia.
TR Group acquired the Melbourne-based trailer rental company in July 2019 as a first step into the Australian truck and trailer hire market.
The past year has seen the Australian arm diversify into prime movers, adding 45 units to its 1,300 strong trailer fleet.
TR now also has more than 20 PBS-approved A Doubles and Super B Combinations, fully permitted in accordance with NHVR regulations.
Its nationwide expansion now includes a Brisbane branch close to the port on Lytton Road, opened in February this year, while its new 75,000m3 Melbourne site on Boundary Road opens in September.
How TR Group bought Semi Skel Hire, here
The business has operated as TR Semi Skel Hire in Australia since the takeover, under the leadership of TR Group’s Chris Perry, who relocated to Melbourne from New Zealand.
“We bought a fantastic business in Semi Skel 12 months ago that was extremely well-known here in Melbourne as a great trailer hire company,” Perry says.
“As we expand beyond Melbourne and add trucks to our fleet, we feel the time is right to be clear about who we are and what we can offer to the Australian transport industry.”
Perry and the Australian operation remains confident in its future direction.
“TR Group has grown steadily over the last 30 or so years in New Zealand, on the back of being the best we can be at renting and leasing trucks and trailers,” Perry says.
“We couldn’t have done that without a great team and the support of our fantastic customers.
“Our aim is to try and build a similar business across Australia showing the same level of service and expertise so we can all be successful together.
“We appreciate these are tough times for everyone here in Australia, but our aim is to be ready for our customers with quality Australian-built gear at competitive rates whenever and wherever we’re needed.
“If we can do that, I’m confident customers will see the benefit in what TR Group has to offer for all of their heavy commercial short-term and long-term needs.”