Andreas Schmitz, chief executive officer at Schmitz Cargobull, says: “The UK is a key transport and logistics market and an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market for us. 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.
Its aftercare sales support is based on an authorised network of 1,700 workshops located across the UK, Ireland and in Europe.
The new operation joins a production network including German facilities in Vreden, Altenberge, Gotha and Toddin, as well as bases in Lithuania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Australia.