Breaking news: Germany-based trailer builder, Schmitz Cargobull, has invested in an Australian operation.
Schmitz Cargobull has today become a minority shareholder (26 per cent) in the Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG), in a partnership that will continue to set the MaxiTRANS business up for long term success in the Australian market.
ATSG comprises 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.
“We are extremely thrilled to have Schmitz Cargobull onboard with MaxiTRANS as a partner,” said MaxiTRANS Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange.
“Schmitz Cargobull has a great reputation for high quality, innovative design and durability across its expansive product offering.
“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 the businesses to partner on technology, scalability and processes that can then be implemented into 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,” said L’Estrange.
“In addition, it provides access to worldwide trends and technology that we can utilise and leverage in the Australian market.”
Schmitz Cargobull CEO, Andreas Schmitz, said: “Our investment in MaxiTRANS offers great potential to unlock manufacturing synergies and introduce advanced technologies to support and contribute to the Australian trailer industry.
L’Estrange added: “We look forward with great excitement at the future of the MaxiTRANS business as we work together with our investment partners and continue to support our customers for the life of our product.”
Schmitz Cargobull Australia Managing Director, Les Lange, told Global Trailer this investment is a good fit for both businesses and is bound to have a positive impact on the Australian trucking industry.
“There is so much activity in the industry at the moment,” he said.
“With increasing demand for the timely and safe delivery of perishable goods, among other commodities and critical cargo, fleets are on the lookout for state-of-the-art trailing equipment that will best serve their customers and keep supply chains moving.
“We see a brilliant synergy in motion between Schmitz Cargobull and MaxiTRANS and will leverage our combined expertise and technologies to empower fleet owners and operators.”
In other news, Schmitz Cargobull, has joined forced with a technology company specialising in controlled data management.