Bodybuilder Bevan Group is joining forces with Schmitz Cargobull to manufacture rigid reefers for the UK market.
The refrigerated bodies will be assembled at Bevan’s site in the West Midlands, using designs, components and materials supplied by Schmitz Cargobull. The product range will include bolted and galvanised sub-frames and Ferroplast panels.
Initially, the partnership will target the 12-tonne and above rigid truck market, with bodies starting at six metres in length. They can be supplied with virtually any make or model of refrigeration unit, and mounted on the customer’s preferred chassis.
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.
“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. “While our rigid reefers are a relatively new proposition over here, we manufacture thousands every year for operators in mainland Europe.
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.”
