US trailer giant Wabash National Corporation has partnered with Australian trailer distributor Macfield to bring ArcticLite refrigerated vans to the Australian market. The product made its Aussie debut at the Melbourne truck show last week.
“Weighing up to two tons less than conventional refrigerated trailers currently available in Australia, our independently commissioned research suggests ArcticLite vans will drastically reduce comparative annual operating costs,” said Ben McDonald, director of The Macfield Group. “We believe the proven performance and lower total cost of ownership of Wabash National trailers versus competitive offerings will prove to be extremely attractive to our customer base. Now we can offer a more durable trailer that costs less over the long haul backed by America’s best trailer builder and a five-year structural warranty.”
“This relationship represents the latest step in executing Wabash National’s strategic plan as we expand into new markets,” explained Dick Giromini, president and chief executive of Wabash National Corporation. “Developing innovative solutions that enhance transportation and logistics allows trucking companies to preserve the integrity, quality and safety of the products they deliver – to better serve distributors of goods around the world.”
Headquartered in Adelaide, Macfield has more than 20 years experience supplying equipment for the road and rail transportation sectors in Australia. The company’s primary clients include major freight logistics operators with equipment supplied under wholesale rental agreements.
The ArcticLite refrigerated vans are built in Wabash National’s Lafayette, Indiana, plant then transported to California for shipment to Australia. Upon arrival in Adelaide the final assembly is completed by Macfield engineers and technical experts.
“While engineering and manufacturing a product for export is a challenging combination of processes, it showcases how Wabash National’s flexible manufacturing system is capable of meeting a diverse set of customer needs,” stated Brent Yeagy, vice president and general manager for Wabash National’s Commercial Trailer Group. “We are very excited to work with an innovative group like Macfield to offer the Australian market more options for transportation equipment.”
Macfield plans to test the market with ArcticLite and other Wabash National products with a view to expanding its distribution to other geographic areas in need of lighter weight trailer options – such as Asia– where the company already has a presence.