TRANSTEX acquires SmartTruck's TopKit, LeadEdge aero assets

TRANSTEX, which develops and manufactures aerodynamic devices and fleet safety technology for commercial vehicles, recently acquired the TopKit and LeadEdge Top Fairing assets from SmartTruck, a precision aerodynamics company based in Greenville SC.  

The transaction is intended to help TRANSTEX provide customers with “leading-edge” solutions that maximize fuel savings.

The TopKit, which is EPA SmartWay verified and CARB compliant, redirects air toward the rear of the trailer to reduce drag, and benefits dry vans, reefers and straight trucks with swing or rollup doors. The LeadEdge improves the airflow between the truck and trailer, or two tandem trailers.

“This strategic acquisition allows us to work even more closely with our customers to provide additional solutions that help them stay competitive,” said Mathieu Boivin, president and CEO of TRANSTEX.

“With these new aerodynamic assets in our bank of IP, we’ll create new synergies with our continuous investment in R&D. By leveraging our engineering expertise, we’ll develop new products and refine our solutions so these innovations can build on our long-term growth strategy.”

This asset purchase complements TRANSTEX's EDGE aerodynamics product line. For example, the new combination of EDGE Skirts and TopKit enables trailer manufacturers to certify their trailers under CARB’s GHG Phase 2 Regulations in the USA and Canada.

“For years, the majority of today’s most-admired fleets chose to equip their trailers with either TRANSTEX EDGE Skirts or SmartTruck Aero TopKits,” said Todd McGuire, vice president of sales at TRANSTEX. “So this acquisition combines two respected industry innovators, and will be beneficial to both fleet and trailer industry suppliers alike.

“Those looking to combine both technologies as a sole-source bundle can now take fuel efficiency, profitability and North American regulatory compliance to the next level in 2019 and beyond.”