Heavy transport manufacturer Fruehauf NZ has acquired Christchurch-based transport engineering company Adams & Currie.
The acquisition will complement Fruehauf’s existing manufacturing and service centre sites in Feilding and Auckland.
Fruehauf owner and managing director Jeff Mear says it’s “business as usual for all staff at Adams & Currie”.
Adams & Currie have several key strengths that were attractive to Fruehauf, he says.
“Adams & Currie people are highly capable, skilled and experienced trailer and body manufacturers, who have successfully delivered a range of products since 1976.
“The manufacturing site at Lunn Road will continue to serve the needs of Adams & Currie while also providing a service centre site for the entire South Island customer needs for not only Adams & Currie products but also Fruehauf and Schmitz Cargobull,” Mear says.
Two former executive directors Peter Laurenson and Keith Robinson will remain with Adams & Currie while Pat Lagan has chosen to retire.
“We will over time explore areas where Fruehauf’s capability can assist Adams & Currie and vice versa. There are several areas where there are distinct synergies but not concerning people numbers.
“We forecast to be growing staff numbers over future months to help attend to our growing South Island service offer,” Mear says.
Fruehauf has already secured the number one market position for trailer builds in 2023 and the acquisition is expected to strengthen its presence.
“The industry has many existing competitors; however, we remain focused on what we do and where we are heading and Adams & Currie was a key part of our strategic plans to spread our reach to our many loyal South Island customers and to build resilience in our product and stronger service offerings,” Mear says.
