ack on track Fruehauf's fortune has been something of a
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rollercoaster of late, but its management team has brought stability back to the Grantham tipper builder Words: Anay saLter REBUILDING ANY business following administration can be a thankless task. When your previous owner was as universally disliked around the industry as the former Fruehauf stakeholders, then you could be forgiven for giving it up as a bad job.
When Fruehauf went into administration three years ago, many expected the once-great marque to finally bite the dust. While it was challenging at first, the management team, led by MD David Snodin, appears to have turned the business around, winning over old foes and gaining the respect of some of its competitors.
We caught up with Snodin at the firm's Grantham HQ and could see there were encouraging signs that the wheels are turning once again.
Several new trailers were parked up awaiting customer collection, along with a number of tidy refurbs. Snodin says the firm is producing 35 tipping trailers a month, and a number of walkingfloor trailers are also being built. Fruehauf has a healthy order book and is reviewing expansion plans that could see the range of products extended significantly.
Snodin is an engaging and humorous interview subject, and it's easy to see why he is beginning to command loyalty and respect from staff and customers. He makes no bones about the fact that it has been a struggle since the firm went into administration.
Rebuilding the business "There weren't many people shedding tears for Fruehauf when the holding company went into administration in 2010," he says, "but we went back to basics, focused on quality and set about rebuilding the operation. We were supported by some great suppliers who are now benefiting due to the volume increases, high-quality staff and loyal customers, and I would like to think we are now beginning to take steps forward."
One of those steps has been the investment made around whole vehicle type approval and ensuring the business is fully compliant for the future. "We were getting conflicting opinions from UK authorities as to the best way forward, and it didn't look like they could meet the required timings to get us approved," says Snodin.
"We took a decision to go to Europe and seek approval through the TIN authorities in Luxembourg. It cost us a fortune, but we now have our processes in place, our designs fully approved, and it opens up the European markets to us, which may be of value further down the line.
"Whole vehicle type approval hasn't brought any benefits as far as I can see, only costs, but you would hope it will raise standards across the market."
Fruehauf will be exhibiting at Tip-ex 2013 later this month and is making a welcome return to the UK's only exhibition for the tipper and bulk haulage sector.
"The 2013 edition of the exhibition looks like being a great show and we're delighted to be a part of it," explains Snodin. "We'll have some interesting innovations on display and are looking forward to renewing acquaintances, as well as meeting new customers."
For the future, Fruehauf continues to review the product line-up, ensuring it is building products in line with customer expectations. "We are seriously considering whether we should revive the rigid Snodin concludes, leaving us to speculate on what lies ahead for the Fruehauf brand. • • Tip-ex 2013 will take place between 30 May and 1 June at the Harrogate International Centre. Go to tip-ex.co.uk now to register for free entry to the event.