Bevan Group teams up with Schmitz Cargobull

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.

The two companies will now offer rigid fleet operators the guarantee of high quality reefer bodies backed-up by industry leading support.

Cargobull

The refrigerated bodies will be assembled at Bevan’s production facilities in the West Midlands, using designs, components and materials supplied by Schmitz Cargobull. The product range will include features unique to Schmitz Cargobull including bolted and galvanised sub-frames and high-performance FERROPLAST® panels. These attributes, coupled with Bevan’s attention to detail, premium build quality and rapid turnaround times, mean customers are guaranteed a first-rate service.

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.

"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. "Whilst our rigid reefers are a relatively new proposition over here, we manufacture thousands every year for operators in mainland Europe.

"Importantly, our rigid bodies benefit from the same insulation concept used for our range of refrigerated trailers. FERROPLAST® is made up of high-quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam which is housed between steel skins - ensuring completely vapour diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant. We look forward to extending these benefits to UK fleets,” added Skinner.

 

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.”

Bevan Group’s experienced sales force is now undergoing technical training on the new body range, as well as the specific requirements of temperature-controlled transport operators.

"Our sales team will have a learning curve to negotiate but it will be relatively short and we will be working together closely on all aspects of customer liaison, vehicle specification and ordering,” said Bevan.

At a time when industry pundits predict that many bodybuilders may suffer in the face of new European Whole Vehicle Type Approval legislation, bodies offered by the new partnership will be covered by Bevan and Schmitz Cargobull’s established accreditations.

"This is a very exciting development and we look forward to knocking on the doors of refrigerated transport specialists to tell them all about it,” added Bevan.