Schmitz Cargobull opens new UK plant

Schmitz Cargobull AG recently opened a new manufacturing plant in Manchester, along with unveiling its latest curtainsider semi-trailer.

Close to 200 customers and dignitaries gathered at the new production facility on 30th March in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, where trailers have been specially developed for the UK & Ireland markets since the summer of 2021 – all equipped according to market-specific customer requirements.

In addition to the dry freight box S.BO PACE and the curtainsider S.CS FIXED ROOF, the “pillarless” curtainsider S.CS FREEPOST now complements the trailer portfolio manufactured there.

Andreas Schmitz, CEO at Schmitz Cargobull said the opening of the new plant marks a significant milestone achievement for the OEM as it strengthens its presence in the UK and Ireland market.

“The plant joins our network of highly flexible production facilities, enabling us to respond quickly to local market requirements,” he said.

Boris Billich, director of sales at Schmitz Cargobull added: “The new Manchester plant enables us to bring trailers to our customers in the UK and Ireland that fit specific market demands, while offering the most reliable and proven chassis solutions in order to help achieve best total cost of ownership.

“In addition, transfer costs, CO2 emissions and throughput times are minimised.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s new Manchester facility is the latest of a total of 10 production sites across Germany, Lithuania, Spain, Slovakia, Turkey, Australia and South Africa.

The 7,500 sq m production area in Manchester offers a total capacity of 60 units per week in single-shift operation. The 1,000 sq m spare parts warehouse ensures rapid local supply.

Schmitz Cargobull employs a total of 72 people in the UK. The team is led by Paul Avery, managing director operations, and Colin Maher, who has held the position of managing director sales & services since January 2023.

“We want to support transport companies in the UK and Ireland in the best possible way with our comprehensive range of reliable and innovative transport solutions,” said Maher.

“This includes vehicles with market-specific features, the shortest 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.

“The introduction of the new semi-trailers means we now have our strongest ever product portfolio in the UK.”