FTE’s fibreglass advantage
- From the July 2011 issue.
Marcus Reid, General Manager of Fibreglass Transport Equipment, has no false modesty talking about refrigerated transport equipment made in Dandenong, stating, “You can bank on us wherever you need reliable equipment.” Yet reliability is only one reason why Toll WA again decided on FTE. “The key advantage,” says Regional Manager Sid Moore, “is thermal efficiency.”
Toll WA’s experienced Regional Manager has been using FTE material for almost 30 years and is familiar with the company’s unique manufacturing process. “It’s definitely better than the competition because of the solid construction. It’s strong, long lasting and can endure the hard work in WA,” he explains.
Based on the outskirts of Melbourne, FTE concentrates all energy on making high quality refrigerated trailers for the transportation of temperature-controlled products. “Our fully moulded fibreglass solution is able to stand the test of time in Australia’s demanding conditions because we never sacrifice on quality,” Marcus explains. “We built the first vehicle for Toll WA in 2004, but we’ve been providing solutions for our Western Australian clients since 1980.”
Since 2004, FTE built 50 refrigerated trailers for Toll WA, with the latest order comprising 30 vehicles at once. “We’re the manufacturer of choice because we deliver a reliable product. It’s both thermal efficient and strong, plus we’re able to individualise each trailer based on our clients’ unique requirements,” Marcus explains.
In February, Toll Express placed the order for 30 new, fully moulded fibreglass freezers. The first unit was delivered in April, and the last one is to be finished in September. “The 30 units will be delivered within six months from the initial placement of the order as we want to maintain a high quality level and schedule the builds in conjunction with existing commitments,” says Marcus. “Because of our hand made approach and our unique process, it takes a certain time to make each trailer. It’s all about attention to detail, individual specifications and build quality. There are no shortcuts in our manufacturing process, no matter what the specification is.”
The new FTE equipment will complement Toll WA’s fleet of 80 refrigerated vehicles stationed in Perth. “It’s a huge order, but it was time to upgrade the fleet and replace out-dated material,” Sid says. “We’re using them in WA’s northwest, where the temperatures can climb up to 45°C, to supply food products to local supermarkets. We’re transporting ice cream and vegetables up north; and take produce and seafood back to Perth. All the way, the temperature within the box has to remain at 25 degrees below zero – and the FTE trailer can handle the vast temperature difference without a problem.”
According to Sid, a single trip in WA’s northwest can last about 4000km. “Therefore we’re banking on FTE’s tried and tested insulation, Thermo King refrigeration equipment and BPW’s heavy-duty suspension system. It’s a fairly standard vehicle.”
Seeing a “standard” product conquering the vast west, Marcus is convinced the FTE design is unique by nature. “We don’t change anything for WA. Our products can operate both in WA and on the eastern seaboard, the manufacturing process is the same. Competing manufacturers generally need to upgrade a trailer for use in WA, but our material is strong enough from the outset. We still have some units that have been in operation since the early 1980s, and they have outlived every prime mover.”
Especially in winter the roads in WA can be rather tough, but the combination of an FTE box, a Thermo King fridge and BPW running gear has proven itself in the field. “We know that our equipment is treated roughly in WA and that the conditions in that climate are abrasive,” Marcus says. “In fact, WA is different to anywhere else in Australia, but we’ve always been well supported by our clientele over there, which is proof that we are doing the right thing.”
Each and every trailer delivered to Toll WA will retain the sparkling white surface created by using high quality fibreglass in the moulding process – decorated with a modest Toll decal. “It’s a white surface, and it’s best to leave it white. Dark materials absorb more UV light creating additional opportunities for unnecessary heat, which can affect thermal efficiency. Everyone loves sign writing, but realistically, white is the most intelligent choice,” Marcus explains.
To maintain the sparkling look and showcase an immaculate fleet around the country, Toll WA maintains an in house truck wash and service centre. “We place high value on a flawless presentation,” Sid explains. “And in WA, the gear will get dirty from the first kilometre, so we look after it.”
It is FTE’s dedication to detail and the commitment to craftsmanship that has made the company become a leading force in the refrigerated transport industry. “Our product is tried and tested and made us become the number one in the refrigerated market for thermal efficiency,” Marcus says. “But we’re never going to be a mass producer, and we don’t want to be one. We rely on long-term business relationships and prefer quality instead of quantity. When you buy FTE, you buy something that will last.”
Despite the ongoing success, Marcus Reid is honoured by Toll’s attention. “It’s a huge order, and it’s terrific to be part of the Toll story. WA is a very challenging environment for any manufacturer to have its product perform, and we’re happy that they trust in our product,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s a premium brand choosing a premium product. FTE products can bank on a high level of engineering, proven reliability – and will become real assets.”
