Global equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, received a milestone order from Chinese transportation business and trailer manufacturer, Changjiu, furthering its expansion in the region.
Changjiu Special Vehicle Group will now equip its semi-trailers with axle and suspension systems from SAF-Holland using special low loader axle systems equipped with the SAF MODUL air suspension system, according to the global equipment specialist.
“This system is unique in its versatility and number of combination options,” SAF-Holland said in a statement.
“The delivery agreement covers a period of five years with delivery of the first systems already underway. Sales of around €15 million are expected in 2018 under this agreement.
“Legislation is driving demand for modern disc brake and air suspension technology. The main driver of the strong demand for weight-reduced truck and trailer components in China is the restrictions on the total weight permitted for vehicles and truck and trailer combinations, which were introduced in September 2016 (GB1589). This has sparked increasing customer interest in more sophisticated, weight-saving systems, such as those offered by SAF-Holland.
“At the same time, dimension limits and loading regulations introduced for the vehicle transportation segment came into effect, which has led to a significant reduction in the number of transportable vehicles per semi-trailer. As a result, experts assume that it will be necessary to expand existing transportation capacity in this segment by 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
“In addition, the new GB 7258 regulation, which will take effect in stages, prescribes the use of disc brakes and air suspensions for all trucks and trailers transporting dangerous goods for safety reasons. Consequently, vehicles in this category will be required to use disc brake technology starting in January 2019 and, additionally, air suspension systems as of the year 2020. As a specialist in this field, SAF-Holland therefore expects to see favourable opportunities for further sales and earnings growth in China.”
SAF-Holland said it is expanding its production capacity in China to realise the region’s strong expected organic growth in the years ahead, particularly for modern trailer axle and suspension systems.
The Group reportedly plans to increase investment in 2018 and spend a high single-digit million-euro amount in 2018 in a new central production centre with manufacturing space of around 30,000m². The centre is scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2019, according to SAF-Holland, and is planning to triple its sales in the region to well above €100 million by 2020.
SAF-Holland Chief Financial Officer, Dr Matthias Heiden, said China is one of the most important growth markets for the transportation industry.
“With this milestone contract and our greenfield investment, we are laying the groundwork for our company's long-term and profitable growth in this region,” said Heiden.
“As a result of the new legislation, we expect demand for new trucks and trailers in China to remain high in the years ahead, especially for the transportation of dangerous goods and vehicles,” he said.
SAF-Holland CEO, Detlef Borghardt has also commented on the company’s expansion plans in China.
“In order to fulfil the legal requirements, components must meet stringent quality and safety requirements,” said Borghardt.
“The premium segment, where SAF-Holland is well positioned with its product portfolio and years of expertise, stands to benefit the most from these requirements.
“By investing in a centralised, highly efficient production centre in the region, we are preparing for our future growth and are implementing one of the core building blocks of our 2020 Strategy, while improving our cost structure in the region at the same time.”
(Image: SAF-Holland Chief Financial Officer, Dr Matthias Heiden.)