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Jan 15, 2013 9:20 AM

Dry-freight bodybuilder Bevan Group has partnered with Schmitz Cargobull to manufacture rigid reefers for the UK market.

Schmitz Cargobull is best known in the UK for its refrigerated semi-trailer product line, while Bevan’s expertise is in the manufacture and marketing of box, curtainsider and platform bodies.

The refrigerated bodies will be assembled at Bevan’s production facilities in the West Midlands, using designs, components and materials supplied by Schmitz Cargobull. The product range will include features unique to Schmitz Cargobull including bolted and galvanized sub-frames and high-performance FERROPLAST panels.

Initially, the partnership will target the 13-ton and above rigid truck market, with bodies starting at 20 feet in length. They can be supplied with virtually any make or model of refrigeration unit, and mounted on the customer’s preferred chassis.                                                                   

“Essentially we are taking our respective strengths in the manufacture and assembly of refrigerated trailers and combining them to enhance our offering to UK customers,” said Schmitz Cargobull Technical Director Derek Skinner. “Whilst our rigid reefers are a relatively new proposition over here, we manufacture thousands every year for operators in mainland Europe.

“Importantly, our rigid bodies benefit from the same insulation concept used for our range of refrigerated trailers. FERROPLAST is made up of high-quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam which is housed between steel skins - ensuring completely vapor diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant. We look forward to extending these benefits to UK fleets.”

Bevan Group Managing Director Anthony Bevan continued: “The two companies have similar aspirations. 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.”

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