Schmitz Cargobull, Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, is opening a new factory in Manchester to build customised vehicles for UK and Irish operators.

Andreas Schmitz, Chief Executive Officer at Schmitz Cargobull, says: “The UK is a key transport and logistics market and an important semi-trailer and rigid truck market for us. With the new plant we are moving closer to our customers and ensuring that we can address their needs offering the most reliable chassis and a proven local body.”

Production at the 7,500 sq m facility in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, is scheduled to start this summer with a capacity of 50 units per week including freepost curtainsiders and box van semi-trailers.

The site will also contain a 1,000 sq m spare parts warehouse for local supply and by the end of this year will become the main base for the complete Schmitz Cargobull UK team. Managing Directors of Schmitz Cargobull UK are jointly Paul Avery for operations and Alan Hunt for the sales and service activities.

The new operation joins an extensive Schmitz Cargobull production network including German facilities in Vreden, Altenberge, Gotha and Toddin, as well as bases in Lithuania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Australia.

Boris Billich, Director of Sales at Schmitz Cargobull, says: “We want to support transport companies in the UK and Ireland in a best possible way with our comprehensive range of reliable and innovative transport solutions. This includes vehicles with market-specific features, shortest possible delivery times, an extensive 24/7 spare parts supply as well as our proven range of services from financing to telematics and used vehicle sales.”

With an annual production of around 46,100 trailers, Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers, and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods. The company employs more than 5,700 people and achieved sales of approximately €1.87 billion in the 2019/2020 financial year.