Freighter has today announced that the business is well underway with its preparations for the next phase of its expansion plans, with the company investing over $50 million to grow and develop its Ballarat manufacturing site, located in regional Victoria. The investment will see MaxiTRANS transform the site into an advanced manufacturing environment, in turn expanding its manufacturing capabilities to further support the national distribution of its product range and enable the business to evolve with the changing needs of the transport industry.
“Since Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG) purchased the MaxiTRANS trailer business, our focus has been on setting the business up for long-term sustainability,” said Greg L’Estrange MaxiTRANS Executive Chairman. “Along with expanding the overall footprint of the facility, this investment will see the business transform the Ballarat site into a modern manufacturing environment, ensuring our business is well positioned to support the evolving needs of our customers.”
Freighter has been partnering with leading local and international suppliers to implement modern advanced manufacturing technology and processes into its trailer business to support its growth plans.
“We have been working towards the site upgrade since we purchased the MaxiTRANS trailer business in 2021. Installation of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment has already commenced at our Ballarat site,” said Greg. Adding that we will also see newly developed areas of the facility become operational over the coming months.
“Our aim is to transform the trailer manufacturing industry in Australia, improving our manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies to benefit our customers. This will enable MaxiTRANS to continue delivering the level of quality expected from all our trailer brands, with the ability to continue to be more agile and competitive with our offering. What’s more, it will also give us greater flexibility to adjust our production output in line with market demand,” said Greg.
Following the recent announcement that the business is closing its Queensland manufacturing facility by March this year, the production of tipper products from Carole Park to Ballarat has already commenced transitioning to help ensure minimal impact to customers during this time.
“Our people have been fantastic across both sites to manage a smooth transition. Their dedication to their work and ensuring minimal disruption to production has truly been outstanding to see and is to be commended.”
“The transition to Ballarat, coupled with the implementation of new manufacturing equipment and processes, will help further strengthen our already strong position in the bulk tipper market, as well as facilitate in streamlining the distribution of our extensive range through our national dealer network,” said Greg.
“It is an exciting project for Freighter Group, one that will completely transform our business once finished. What’s more, it will create an environment for our people to work in that is much more advanced and more satisfying. With it will see the business continue to build a more diverse skilled workforce, develop a positive work environment and continue to promote the Ballarat facility as a preferred choice of employment in the region.”
“I encourage those interested in a career with Freighter Group, and who would like to be a part of this exciting journey, to get in contact,” said Greg.
In addition to the Ballarat upgrade, Freighter Group has also been investing significantly in its dealer network to better serve the needs of its customers, most recently moving to larger purpose-built sites in both South Australia and New South Wales.
“Both sites have expanded their capabilities to meet the growing demand for servicing and maintenance, as well as parts support for our customers in these regions, enabling us to deliver ongoing uptime for our freight customers,” said Greg.
“We are also excited to share that the business has recently purchased a new larger site in Brooklyn located in Melbourne’s west as we move ahead with our plans to relocate our company-owned dealership from Derrimut. The new site will enable the business to deliver greater capabilities and allow Freighter Group to continue growing along with customer’s needs in the region,” said Greg. Adding that more details regarding the site relocation will be shared in the near future.
“It is all part of our total commitment to supporting our customers for the life of our product. From growing our manufacturing capability and investing in our product offering, to delivering a support network that enables our customers to continue delivering industry excellence. With thank all our customers and suppliers for their ongoing support throughout this journey so far, as we look forward with great excitement for the year ahead,” said Greg.
