Strategic partnership approved – Schmitz Cargobull takes next step in expansion

In March of this year, Schmitz Cargobull, Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers, and bodies based in Münsterland (Germany), and GT Trailers, a leading manufacturer of high-volume bodies and trailers based in the Opole region of Poland, announced their strategic partnership. 

The relevant authorities have now approved the cooperation and Schmitz Cargobull AG’s 48 percent stake in GT Trailers. Effective immediately, both companies will combine their strengths and expertise in technology, design, production, and sales of truck bodies and trailers with galvanised chassis. 

“At Schmitz Cargobull, we are convinced that cooperation and strategic partnerships are the most important drivers of innovation and growth in our industry,” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull. “By working with GT Trailers, our customers will benefit from a broader product portfolio that meets both our requirements for reliability and innovation.” Customers will benefit from a broader product portfolioFor high-volume combinations (HVS) and truck bodies (body works), GT Trailers offers an extensive and custom-fit portfolio with individualisation options for every application. Customers can choose between curtainsider and box bodies as well as different equipment lines (Basic, Prestige, 2504). The "Prestige" line features an impressive light-weight frame, floor and body made from aluminum for minimal tare weight, while the "2504" line has a particularly large interior width. In the "Basic" line the customer receives a galvanised steel frame. Application-specific equipment options such as various load securing possibilities, through-loading option, tail lift or forklift mount as well as implementation of individual customer requirements are also part of GT Trailers’ range of services.

GT Trailers further offers swap systems, in particular central-axle trailer for swap bodies, swap bodies and swap bodies armaments for trucks in a durable galvanised design. In the semi-trailer segment, the portfolio includes city trailers and single-axle semi-trailers (with a loading volume of up to 98m3 and a payload of over 10,500kg with a permissible gross weight of 16,000kg).

GT Trailers is also active in the development and construction of special vehicles and the project business.

The cooperation will now enable the use of proven Schmitz Cargobull components such as the Schmitz Cargobull axle, FERROPLAST bodies for temperature-controlled transport, and tarpaulin or box bodies for city trailers with steering axles. The two companies will also realise synergy effects in their project business. 

Agata Duliniec, CEO of GT Trailers, says: "The cooperation is to the benefit of our customers, as it opens up new opportunities for innovation in our products, services, and market development. We can drive forward our commitment to quality and sustainability in an even more targeted manner and secure our strong market position" 

In a next step, GT Trailers customers will also be able to take advantage of Schmitz Cargobull’s range of services, such as financing and used vehicle marketing.