A trailer maker is expecting a flood of orders following a “highly successful” global launch for three new flagship products.
According to Ifor Williams Trailers the positive reaction from distributors across the UK and more than 20 different countries across the world had exceeded all their expectations.
The market-leading company unveiled the Eventa, its first ever horsebox with living accommodation; the StockMaster, its biggest ever livestock trailer and a totally new concept, a trailer called business inabox that can be used by mobile businesses.
The new trailers will start rolling off the production line in the New Year.
Design Engineering Manager Andrew-Reece Jones said: “The reaction from distributors certainly exceeded all our expectations and was so positive that we will undoubtedly expect a flood of orders after we start manufacturing the new products in early 2014.
“The products represent new areas of business for Ifor Williams Trailers which required new engineering skills and investment in new machinery.
“It will create additional jobs as these products are currently not produced by us, though it is difficult to put an exact figure on it at the moment.
“The expansion is also good news for our existing 500-strong workforce as we aim to build on our current success as the pre-eminent trailer maker in Europe.”
The company’s trailers are already sold through a network of 50 UK distributors and exported all over the world with distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.
The export market is growing with the sales turnover to mainland Europe increasing by 30 per cent since 2009.
During the same period sales to Germany have increased by 208 per cent and it will soon be the firm’s number one export country, leapfrogging France.
Among those who was “blown away” by the new products was Albertus Wieldraaijer, Sales Director for Ifor Williams Trailers in Germany and Austria.
He said: “The launch has been amazing. The high standard and quality of the inventions are exceptional and we all think Ifor Williams Trailers is such a friendly company. It’s been wonderful and very positive.
“Ifor Williams Trailers want to stay competitive in Europe and I believe these products will help them to do this. It is a sign of the company growing and getting better all the time.”
There was an equally enthusiastic reaction from Troels Hojvig, from Danish distributors Glad Trading.
He said: “We already have advance orders for the Eventa as we knew Ifor Williams Trailers was developing a horse trailer with living and our customers are definitely interested in that.
“It is great to now see it in the flesh and we are impressed with the look – classic but definitely up-to-date and modern at the same time.
“The business in a box idea is an interesting concept and it is great to see the creation of a new market which has been created with this new idea.”
Ken Skates, Clwyd South AM and also Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, said: “I was wowed and stunned by the innovation which was immediately obvious as soon as I saw the trailers. Their design is up to the moment and eye catching.
“It is quite clear a considerable amount of research, development and planning has gone into the launch of today’s innovative and highly technical new products.
“It’s fantastic to see Ifor Williams Trailers investing in new skills, designs and up-to-date techniques.
“As a market leader it is important to always be able to identify emerging markets and this is precisely what Ifor Williams Trailers has done in their development of these fantastic new trailers.”
Regional AM Llyr Gruffydd, who lives just seven miles from the head office site in Cynwyd and whose father-in law is a long standing customer, added:“This launch showcases the innovation, level of expertise and high quality design which we have at the heart of rural Wales.
“Ifor Williams Trailers shows that a company can be a world recognised business, continually evolving and on the cutting edge of design but still be based in Denbighshire and it sends a clear message out to what can be achieved.
“Today’s launch shows the ambition of the company and it makes a bold statement about its future which is very reassuring to see especially from the point of view of its position as a major employer for our communities.”
The launch also had wow factor for Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader of Denbighshire County Council.
He said: “We are very proud of Ifor Williams Trailers in Denbighshire and want to help them reach their vision. It is that vision which means they will move forward for the next generation of customers.”
