Mar 13, 2012 10:42 AM

Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) recently partnered with Australian-based Macfield to bring ArcticLite refrigerated vans to the Australian market.

“Weighing up to two tons less than conventional refrigerated trailers previously available in Australia, our independently commissioned research suggests ArcticLite vans will drastically reduce comparative annual operating costs,” said Ben McDonald, director, The Macfield Group. “Plus, the proven performance and lower total cost of ownership of Wabash National trailers versus competitive offerings will prove to be extremely attractive to our customer base. Now we can offer a more durable trailer that costs less over the long haul backed by America’s best trailer builder and a five-year structural warranty.”

“This relationship represents the latest step in executing Wabash National’s strategic plan as we expand into new markets,” said Dick Giromini, president and chief executive officer of Wabash National.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, Macfield has more than 20 years of experience supplying materials for the transportation sector in Australia. Its primary clients include major freight logistics operators with equipment supplied under wholesale rental agreements. Due to sometimes challenging road conditions and hauls of more than 2,000-3,000 miles, Australian trailers are equipped with triple-axle suspensions to withstand strenuous demands.

Distributing trailers overseas is a bit more complex than simply transporting trailers across the United States. To export ArcticLite refrigerated vans to Australia, trailer bodies are fully built in Lafayette IN by Wabash National, then transported to Oakland CA before being loaded on a cargo ship to the Land Down Under. Once the trailer body arrives in Adelaide, the final assembly of ArcticLite trailers is completed by Macfield engineers and technical experts.

Macfield plans to test the market with ArcticLite and other Wabash National products to possibly expand distribution of refrigerated equipment to other geographic areas in need of lighter-weight transportation options—such as Asia, where Macfield already has a presence.

Visit www.wabashnational.com or www.Macfield.com.au for more information.