Capital Equipment News May 2015

LIFTING

TRAILER MANUFACTURERS innovate to keep ahead

By Pierre Sanson

D emand for trailers is driven mainly by availability of capital and demo- graphics. The profitability of indi- vidual manufacturing companies depends on the uniqueness of the product, design and effective marketing. Large companies have the advantage of brand recognition but smaller companies can compete as effectively with an original product design and by providing service levels that can be individually tailored. Although larger companies may have more than one production facility, most manu- facturers have a single facility that includes metal fabrication, welding, CMC machines, bending brakes and paint facilities under one roof. This can make for better control of the manufacturing process. Some manufacturers hold patents for compo- nents and designs that produce better results and give them the edge. Product innovation technology development has been the driving force in the trailer business especially in the electronic safety systems built into trailers today. To differentiate their products, man- ufacturers have added electronic features, especially in the braking, to offer operators better control of their rigs.

a trailer, helps improve not only the stability but in combination with the truck, allows an improvement in the fuel consumption of the rig. Aerodynamic technologies include gar fairings that reduce turbulence between trac- tor and trailer, side skirts that minimise wind under the trailer and rear fairings that reduce turbulence and pressure drop at the rear of the trailer. Using fairings in combination with one anoth- er offers the potential to provide an estimated 5% fuel saving when used in conjunction with an aerodynamic truck tractor. The stringent laws that are coming into ef- fect regarding safety and environmental conformity have also impacted on the trailer business and, combined with the current eco- nomic climate, have forced manufacturers to introduce some innovations to ensure their products remain high in the value chain. Local trailer manufacturers have had to cope with many challenges to keep their respective businesses on a profitable path and the influx of trailer components from the Far East has impacted on the sales volumes. This impact has also been felt by the steel merchants whose supply chains have been eroded as a result. One of the innovations though, is the initiative of a steel supply company to pro- vide components to refurbish existing trailers

as a means of overcoming the onslaught of cheaper products from the East and main- taining a market for their steel. The trailer industry is a vital cog in the trans- port wheel and has been a stalwart in the ever-changing dynamics of the tough market in which it operates. Changes to meet the challenges have meant providing the right solutions at the right time in order to ensure the survival of many a manufacturer. b on the trailer business and, combined with the current economic climate, have forced manufacturers to introduce some innovations to ensure their products remain high in the value chain. The stringent laws that are coming into effect regarding safety and environmental conformity have also impacted

Another innovation which has crept into trail- er design is the aero-kit which, when fitted to

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