Bevan Group is joining forces with Schmitz Cargobull to manufacture rigid reefers for the UK market.

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 including bolted and galvanised sub-frames and high-performance Ferroplast panels.

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 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.