Bevan and Schmitz announce plans for rigid reefer production 16 January 2013

Dry-freight bodybuilder Bevan Group is joining forces with Schmitz Cargobull to manufacture rigid reefers for the UK market.

While Schmitz Cargobull is best known for its refrigerated semi-trailers, Bevan's expertise lies in box, curtainsider and platform bodies. So the pair plan to offer rigid fleet operators "high-quality reefer bodies, backed by industry leading support".

The new refrigerated bodies will be assembled at Bevan's production facilities in the West Midlands, using designs, components and materials supplied by Schmitz Cargobull – including the company's bolted and galvanised sub-frames and high-performance Ferroplast panels.

"We're both keen to broaden our product ranges and develop new opportunities, and this partnership provides a platform that allows us to do just that," comments Bevan Group managing director Anthony Bevan:

Initially, the partnership will target 12-tonne and above rigid truck operators, with bodies starting at 6m in length.

Schmitz Cargobull technical director Derek Skinner says they can be supplied with virtually any make or model of refrigeration unit, and mounted on the customer's preferred chassis.

"Whilst our rigid reefers are a relatively new proposition over here, we manufacture thousands every year for operators in mainland Europe," comments Skinner.

"Ferroplast is made up of high-quality expanded, closed cell polyurethane foam, housed between steel skins - ensuring completely vapour diffusion-tight surfaces that are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant," he adds.

At a time when industry pundits predict that many bodybuilders may suffer in the face of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval legislation, bodies offered by the new partnership will be covered by Bevan and Schmitz Cargobull's accreditations.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Bevan Group Bodies Ltd
Schmitz Cargobull (UK) Ltd

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