BPW: Continued optimism
- From the May 2011 issue.
Taking a glance behind the scenes of the BPW Transpec axle assembly operation in Melbourne’s west, Trailer Magazine was able to experience history in the making. After all, the German company has been a driving force in the world of commercial road transport since 1898 – and the future is yet to come.
Situated close to Melbourne’s vibrant CBD, the Australian BPW head office can draw on a time-honoured tradition. Hence it is no surprise that the building is radiating a sense of authority. From the outside, it may appear unadorned and functional, almost simple. Once inside the lobby space, however, the steady humming of the axle assembly line next door leaves no doubt that it is a place of ingenuity.
In 2005, and from 2007 to 2010, BPW has won the German Best Brand Award in the Trailer Axle category. In 2010, BPW produced more than 280,000 axles, generating a sales volume of EUR 530 million ($717 million) worldwide, backed by the concentrated knowledge of 5,000 people employed around the globe.
BPW Transpec Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of the German parent company and has supplied and serviced Australia with a comprehensive range of truck and trailer equipment and parts for the road transport and mining industries since 1955.
Today, the name BPW Transpec represents BPW, Edbro, Ringfeder-VBG, Cargo Floor, Cargomatic, Sesam, Tridec, Vigia, Hesterberg and PWP SA in Australia. “That’s why we maintain such a vast warehouse,” says Mario Colosimo, Product Centre Manager of the Trailer Equipment Division.
“The reason why we assemble axles in Australia is because it’s a more efficient way to approach the local market. We receive the material from Germany and assemble the axle in Melbourne. BPW’s experienced engineers have customised the axle and air suspension range to achieve superior performance under Australia’s trying transport conditions,” Mario explains. “It’s a perfect combination of German engineering and Australian know-how.”
Inside the production hall, the company makes no secret of the German origin. “The assembly line has been designed to be as efficient as possible, while guaranteeing an immaculate result,” says Mario, glancing at the grand, wall mounted BPW logo overseeing the production process. “We don’t want to waste time that we may use to service our clientele instead.
“Based on state-of-the-art CAD systems, our engineering department can provide expert technical solutions on the selection and fitment of all BPW products to ensure that all customers receive the best possible operational and payload results.”
According to Mario, the BPW suspension/ axle system is a premium product whose true potential will unfold in the long term. “If you weigh up the support and long-term operational savings you’ll achieve by using the fully integrated BPW suspension/axle system, you will be surprised,” says Mario. “In the long run, the price/performance ratio is outstanding. We have many customers who have been using BPW for years that are testament to this; we are the lowest cost product in the long run.”
To ensure a consistent quality, all employees in the workshop are trained to perform each and every step of the axle assembly. “The scope of work is changing every day, because we want to keep the staff motivated and challenged. There is no room for routine and carelessness,” says Mario. “Every single employee is able to perform every work step. It’s the BPW philosophy.
“In development, production, specification advice and aftermarket, all over the world BPW customers can rely on competent people who are committed to quality. Our product policy is equally reliable, designed as it is with an eye to the future and the aim of providing a favourable life cycle value. To this can be added a reliable, fast logistics service through which BPW guarantees worldwide availability.”
Although BPW only assembles the axle/suspension range in Australia, based on quality components produced in Germany, there is room to include local know-how and individual solutions. “I think we may have more Australian content than our opposition because we purchase key components from local suppliers. We’re probably more Australian than anybody in the industry,” says Mario. “We are able to customise each product according to individual requirements.”
In fact, BPW Australia can also offer complete sub frames, pre-fabricated and wired to be attached directly to a superstructure. “It’s still a niche, but it is growing,” Mario reveals. “We can pre-fabricate the entire sub unit, including the framework, the axle/suspension combination, and the braking system, featuring EBS on demand.”
As a result, there is a spirit of optimism in the air. “We want to forge ahead,” says Mario Colosimo. “There is always space to grow, and we can see the potential of the Australian marketplace, especially regarding EBS systems. Australia can only profit from the international know-how we have gained in the past century, and we can only recommend choosing a reliable partner when choosing an EBS system.
“One thing we live and breath is customer service. We don’t just say we do it, we do it. We support our product in a way that you would want a product to be supported. That’s the way we handle issues, and that’s what distinguishes BPW. “
Scrutinising the finalised axles, Mario does not hide being proud of the result. “It’s a simple truth - we do have a superior product. Therefore, our sales people are the luckiest people in the industry, because they can sell the best product, and if something does go wrong – and it’s a big if - it will get fixed in no time.”
Nonetheless, there is no sign of relaxation. “As soon as you think you’re the best, you will start going backwards. That’s why we always try to improve and stay in touch with the end users.”
One feature end users demand increasingly is an all-Australian specialty: the BPW chrome hub cap. “Many of the axles we assemble for the Australian market have to be re-fitted with chrome applications. It’s the Aussie way, I think.”
