CUTTING EDGE INNOVATION KEY TO EXPORT SUCCESS
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Date:Friday, 18 December 2009
While many Kiwi export businesses struggle to see light at the end of the recessionary tunnel and cope with an inflated local currency, Christchurch based Steelbro remain focused on innovation and cutting edge technology to further cement their worldwide market leadership and ride the new wave of economic recovery. Operating since 1878, the company has a 131 year perspective on how to overcome and, in-fact benefit from challenging times.
A major aspect of Steelbro's dedication to innovation and development has been strategic partnerships with suppliers such as Transpecs in the supply of running gear, braking and ancilliary equipment for their trailer based products.
Three Dropdeck Sidelifter trailer units manufactured in Christchurch for Victoria based FBT Australia is an example of this partnership. As FBT required the safest Sidelifters on the market for loading, unloading and transporting dangerous goods on Australian roads, Steelbro teamed up with Transpecs to deliver their SB361 series Sidelifter running the award winning SMARTlift control system and cutting edge trailer technology from Transpecs, so FBT will be commissioning the most advanced equipment seen to date. This includes SAF Intradrum integrated axles and air suspensions, the latest WABCO EBS E-Series braking system and ALCOA Durabright alloy wheels, all supplied by Transpecs.
The WABCO technology introduced into these trailers is truly leading edge. This includes ECAS (electronically controlled air suspension) which intelligently configures the suspension of the trailerto optimize trailer stability specific to the transport situation. The ECAS system has been integrated into the very latest Trailer EBS from WABCO the E-Series. This integration of systems has led to fewer components and a reduction of costs.
FBT will benefit from this world leading braking systems. Other features of this technology include faster, more-responsive braking, load-sensing, roll stability support, and vehicle/driver performance monitoring technology.
FBT will also benefit from the SAF Intradrum integrated axles and suspensions. SAF is well recognised as a world-leading manufacturer of axles and suspensions and these units feature weight-saving technologies in combination with precision engineering that provide high quality drum-brake axles as a perfect base for the trailer unit.
Of equal importance to Steelbro alongside the exceptional qualities of the
SAF, WABCO and ALCOA brands was the worldwide aftermarket support network offered with these products.
All-in-all, it is the delivery of container handling Sidelifters that perform exceptionally for the customer that is Steelbro's ultimate objective. That is a dedication to equipment that delivers optimal on-job performance and long term profitability that will continue to see Steelbro reinforce and enhance its market success in tough times and good.