Action Manufacturing has announced the acquisition of refrigerated truck body and trailer manufacturer Fairfax Industries.
Spread across two manufacturing sites in Auckland and Hamilton, Action Manufacturing employs over 200 people is the largest vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand.
The company, which is part of the Tourism Holdings (THL) group, is a primary supplier of motorhomes to the New Zealand market as well as specialist vehicles for the medical, emergency, tourism and transport sectors.
Fairfax Industries is a leader in the manufacturing of refrigerated truck body and trailers. It has operated for over 40 years and has 60 employees working out of its facility in Takanini, South Auckland.
There will be no redundancies as a result of the merger.
Action Manufacturing managing director Grant Brady says the acquisition of Fairfax Industries is part of a long-term growth strategy, particularly in the refrigerated transport industry.
“Action has been very strong in the light commercial sector, whereas Fairfax has been strong in the heavy commercial market. We see this acquisition as a way for the two companies to meet in the middle and to now utilise shared resources,” Brady says.
“Action will be able to contribute scale of manufacturing, we have an international supply chain, a great in-house design team as well as some new technology that we will be able to incorporate such as our own composite panelling system – Omni Panel.
“Fairfax has a strong brand, with an incredible reputation for reliability and durability which is a perfect fit alongside the range Action already offered in the market.”
Brady says there will be further growth for Action Manufacturing as it looks to meet increasing market demand for its wide range of products.
“We will also be making significant investment into both businesses in the form of new technology and equipment to boost production and enhance current capabilities.”
Fairfax Industries managing director Michael Carpenter will remain within the business during a transition phase and says he is excited for the future of the company.
“It was important for me personally to find the right fit for the Fairfax brand, and I believe that Action are a great match with similar beliefs and an equal passion for New Zealand manufacturing.
“With their planned investment, I look forward to seeing Action take Fairfax to the next level in the industry,” Carpenter says.
Action Manufacturing recently completed a project partnering with TNT courier services to refine and understand final mile delivery systems and saw Action secure a two-year supply agreement and an initial order of 50 units.
These units are already showing up on the streets around Australia with 24 in Brisbane, 24 in Melbourne and more being trialled in Adelaide and Perth.
