Schmitz Cargobull is opening a new factory in Manchester, England, to build customized vehicles for U.K. and Irish operators, Europe's leading manufacturer of semi-trailers reports.
“The UK is a key transport and logistics market and an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market for us,” Andreas Schmitz, CEO at Schmitz Cargobull, said. “With the new plant we are moving closer to our customers and ensuring that we can address their needs offering the most reliable chassis and a proven local body.”
Production at the 7,500 sq m facility in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, is scheduled to start this summer with a capacity of 50 units per week including freepost curtainsiders and box van semi-trailers.
The site will also contain a 1,000 sq m spare parts warehouse for local supply and, by the end of this year, will become the main base for the complete Schmitz Cargobull UK team. Managing Directors of Schmitz Cargobull UK are jointly Paul Avery for operations and Alan Hunt for the sales and service activities.
The new operation joins an extensive Schmitz Cargobull production network including German facilities in Vreden, Altenberge, Gotha and Toddin, as well as bases in Lithuania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Australia.
“We want to support transport companies in the UK and Ireland in a best possible way with our comprehensive range of reliable and innovative transport solutions,” Boris Billich, director of sales at Schmitz Cargobull, said. “This includes vehicles with market-specific features, shortest possible delivery times, an extensive 24/7 spare parts supply as well as our proven range of services from financing to telematics and used vehicle sales.”
With its network production plants, Schmitz Cargobull is able to respond to local market requirements and currently produces around 46,000 trailers on an annual basis, the company suggests.
Its aftercare sales support is based on an authorized network of 1,700 workshops located across the UK, Ireland and in Europe.