Schmitz Cargobull buys into MaxiTRANS

Schmitz Cargobull has today become a minority shareholder (26%) in the Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG), in a partnership that MaxiTRANS says will continue to set the business up for long-term success in the Australian market.

Australian Trailer Solutions Group (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 products for its customers.

“We are extremely thrilled to have Schmitz Cargobull onboard with MaxiTRANS as a partner,” said Greg L’Estrange, MaxiTRANS Executive Chairman.

“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 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,” said Greg.

“In addition, it provides access to worldwide trends and technology that we can utilise and leverage in the Australian market.

Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull said the investment in MaxiTRANS: “Offers great potential to unlock manufacturing synergies and introduce advanced technologies to support and contribute to the Australian Trailer Industry.”

“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,” said Greg.

Schmitz Cargobull has an annual production of around 61,000 trailers and approximately 6900 employees, Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods. The company achieved sales of around €2.3 billion ($A3.77 billion) in the 2021/22 financial year.

The production network consists of 10 plants, one of which is located in Melbourne, where reefer semi-trailers are manufactured.