Schmitz Cargobull AG, Europe's largest manufacturer of semi-trailers, has acquired a majority stake in Atlantis Global System, the leading Spanish manufacturer of telematics solutions for monitoring and maintaining the cold chain. Telematics solutions from AGS are used by most of the 50 largest companies for the transport of temperature-controlled goods in Spain, according to Schmitz Cargobull.
The AGS telematics system for real-time refrigeration data will be available immediately for all Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated semi-trailers produced at the Zaragoza plant. The data from the TrailerConnect telematics system, which Schmitz Cargobull integrates as standard in all its semi-trailers, will also be made available on the AGS telematics platform. On customer request, the telematics data from the AGS system will be available within the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect portal.
AGS will remain an independent cold chain specialist within the Schmitz Cargobull Group and will continue to operate independently in the market to ensure the best service for customers.
“The partnership with Schmitz Cargobull is an important step to strengthen and further develop the solutions developed by AGS in Spain,” said AGS Founder Rafael del Pino, who will continue as CEO. "It offers a great opportunity to promote new products and further develop advanced fleet management solutions."
The technology developed by AGS will also allow Schmitz Cargobull semi-trailers to be integrated into the customer’s logistics system, offering an improved overview of the entire cold chain.
To celebrate the deal, Schmitz Cargobull and AGS are offering a special welcome package for customers in Spain, including the Cargobull refrigerated box body, the TrailerConnect telematics and the AGS intelligent temperature recorder (thermograph) which will be combined with refrigeration units from Schmitz Cargobull and other manufacturers. The complete package will be manufactured and installed at the new Schmitz Cargobull plant in Zaragoza.
Schmitz Cargobull important milestones in the financial year 2023/24 include:
- the opening of the new plant in Zaragoza;
- the strategic alliance with the Austrian manufacturer for lightweight trailers Berger;
- the opening of new locations in Georgia and Kazakhstan; and
- the successful entry into the US market with Schmitz Cargobull’s transport refrigeration units in a partnership with Utility Trailer Mfg.