Bevan and Schmitz join forces
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WEST MIDLANDS-based bodybuilder Bevan Group has entered into a partnership with German manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull to assemble rigid reefer bodies in the UK.
The deal will allow Bevan Group to offer reefer bodies on 12-tonne GVW chassis and heavier with bodies up to 6m in length. Components will be shipped from Germany and assembled at Bevan's Halesowen site. The product range includes the bolted and galvanised sub-frames and Schmitz's Ferroplast insulation panels.
Bevan Group MD Anthony Bevan said both companies have similar aspirations to broaden product ranges and develop opportunities. "The market potential is very big. Our sales team will have a learning curve to negotiate, but it will be relatively short and we will be working together on all aspects of customer liaison, vehicle specification and ordering," he added.
Bevan explained that both Bevan and Schmitz sales teams will sell the Bevan Cargobull-badged reefer body and that there is an ongoing discussion exploring an opportunity to produce reefer bodies for the 7.5tonne chassis cabs, but nothing is confirmed.
Bevan Group builds its own box, curtainsided, and platform bodies, as well as the Bevan21 aerodynamic profiling. Schmitz Cargobull UK started building the rigid reefer body in 2009 at its Harelaw factory, in County Durham, before the decision was taken to close the factory the following year.