Dorsey Intermodal recently partnered with Vietnamese manufacturer THACO Special Vehicles to produce a full line of marine and domestic chassis.
Dorsey, a division of Pitts Enterprises based in Pittsview AL, said the partnership will result in a new option for high-volume orders of quality chassis in the US market. Dorsey also recently completed a new production facility intended to bolster capacity and expand its chassis offerings, and the new partnership with THACO will more than triple volume capability, increasing from 3,000 units to more than 10,000 per year.
“We’re excited about the synergy that this partnership will create in the industry,” said JP Pierson, Dorsey president. “With our established brand recognition and trusted dealers, combined with THACO’s large-volume manufacturing capabilities, we’re uniquely positioned to offer customers an option that’s currently missing in the US marketplace.”
THACO manufactures cars for BMW and Kia, as well as commercial vehicles, including buses, dump trucks and trailers. According to the company, it chose to partner with Dorsey to gain access to the US market.
“America is a lucrative market that THACO has been seeking to enter,” a THACO spokesperson said in a recent statement. “It is one of the most challenging markets in the world, with strict quality standards.”
Pierson said he believes THACO is well prepared to meet high-quantity and high-quality demand in the US.
“The THACO facilities are fully automated with robotic welding, electrostatic painting and other efficiencies necessary for high volume production,” he said. “They also provide vigorous testing and quality controls to ensure each chassis meets the high performance standards our customers require.”
Unlike China, Vietnam enjoys a favored trade status in the US, an important factor in Dorsey’s decision to partner with THACO. “Dorsey Intermodal’s strategic plan included developing a full line of chassis models free from government tariffs,” Pierson said. “Through our partnership with THACO, we’ve reached that goal much quicker than we could have on our own.”
With “significant” pent-up demand in the current marketplace, Dorsey and THACO say they’re confident the partnership will provide US customers a much-needed supply of quality chassis available for high-volume orders, tariff-free.
Both companies staked a large investment in the venture, and the first shipment of THACO-built Dorsey Intermodal chassis already are in route to the US market, Dorsey said.