Freighter Group adopts new Euro owner

A leading European semi-trailer manufacturer has increased its stake in major Aussie transport company, the Freighter Group.

The Australian trailer manufacturer says the move by Schmitz Cargobull to increase its investment to a 72% majority shareholding in the business, is a "substantial vote of confidence in the Australian heavy vehicle market".

Freighter Group said the milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the Australian trailer manufacturer, ensuring that its 80-year legacy of local expertise is backed by the global technological resources of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer.

“We have been supporting Australian customers for 15 years and by increasing our stake in Freighter Group, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to the Australian market," said Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull.

“Our role is to support and enable the continued development of Freighter Group — providing access to global expertise, technology and networks, while the Freighter team continues to shape the business with its deep local knowledge and customer focus.”

The investment comes off the back of Freighter Group recently changing its name from MaxiTRANS and completing a $50 million upgrade of its Ballarat manufacturing facility.

Freighter Group will keep its name in Australia, with Michael Temminghoff appointed as CEO to run the new entity.

“I am honoured to lead Freighter Group at such a pivotal moment,” Temminghoff said.

“The business enters this new chapter on a strong footing, thanks to a period of intense modernisation that has prepared the workforce and the facility for high-tech production."

Related: MaxiTRANS rebrands to Freighter Group