Trailer manufacturer, Freighter Group has announce what it describes as an important step in its growth plan, with long-term partner Schmitz Cargobull increasing its investment to a 72 per cent majority in the business.
The company says the milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the trailer manufacturer, ensuring its 80-year legacy of local expertise is backed by the global technological resources of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer.
Freighter said that the transition represents a deliberate move to set the business up for the future, saying it combines a rich Australian heritage with world-class innovation.
It said that the transition to majority ownership represents a substantial vote of confidence in the Australian heavy vehicle market building upon the successful strategic partnership announced in April 2023,
The partnership ensures long-term stability for Freighter Group, and provides direct access to Schmitz Cargobull’s global expertise and product development pipeline according to the company.
Schmitz Cargobull is a leading European trailer manufacturer and according to Freighter brings proven expertise in refrigerated transport and cold-chain solutions, large-scale production and connected fleet solutions.
The company claims it supports customers with products and services designed to increase uptime, operational reliability and cost efficiency.
“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. This step is also testament to our belief in the strength of the local team,” said the CEO of Schmitz Cargobull, Andreas Schmitz.
“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,” Schmitz said.
The company claims the majority acquisition represents the next logical step in the company’s evolution and builds on significant recent investments, including a $50 million upgrade of its Ballarat manufacturing facility in Victoria, which it says has transformed it into a modern, advanced production hub.
Freighter Group says the infrastructure enables it to seamlessly integrate Schmitz Cargobull’s global engineering and production technologies with proven Australian-built durability.
The business said that it continues to strengthen its aftermarket service and parts network, ensuring customers benefit from increased uptime and access to both local and global parts supply chains beyond manufacturing.
Freighter Group has also announced the appointment of Michael Temminghoff as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately.
The company said that Temminghoff brings extensive leadership experience, having worked for Schmitz Cargobull in multiple roles for more than 15 years.
The company said that Temminghoff is focused on supporting the continued development of Freighter Group, and strengthening its capabilities while preserving the company’s humble, customer-first culture.
“I am honoured to lead Freighter Group at such a pivotal moment,” said Temminghoff.
“The synergy between Schmitz Cargobull’s global scale and Freighter Group’s local expertise is an exciting opportunity,” he said.
“Our role is to build on the strengths of the local business, supported by global capabilities and experience, and to help the team unlock its full potential, while further strengthening the quality and reliability our customers expect,” he added.
“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,” said Temminghoff.
“The dedication of the local team has been the driving force behind this transformation, laying the foundations necessary to thrive in an evolving market,” he added.
Freighter Group said that it will continue to operate under its name, ensuring that the legacy of the Australian brand remains intact as it builds the next generation of solutions for the Australian transport industry.
