Dutch specialist trailer builder Broshuis recently celebrated 140 years of operation with an all-in event showcasing some of its and its partners’ products.

Europe has many long-standing trailer builders renowned for their high quality and innovative products globally. One of them is Broshuis from Kampen in the Netherlands. Last January, the company celebrated its 140-year jubilee. Established in 1885 as a family firm in the town of Muiden, it started building semi- trailers for special and oversize transport in 1924. An all new 5000m2 factory was set up-in 1962 in the town of Kampen.

Since then, this factory site has grown to a total ground space of 100,000m2. About 1000 custom-built trailers leave the facility each year. A workforce of 500 men and women are active daily, producing high- quality trailers, fully designed and fabricated in-house. This is all done in one location to guarantee the highest standard of build.

Trailers are built for different applications, such as the construction industry, infrastructure, wind turbine energy, transport of mobile houses, sea containers and other oversized or overweight commodities. Interestingly, as proof that the Dutch products are up to a very high standard, between 2019 and 2022, Broshuis received orders to deliver over 600 EHETs (extra-heavy equipment trailers) from the US Defense Department.

Following this, just a year ago, the family firm received another major order from the Americans for 557 METs (medium equipment trailers). These two-plus-four PLZ dolly low- bed trailers, with oscillating axles, are to be delivered between 2026 and 2031. In total, nearly 1200 trailers, including prototypes, will be shipped to the US.

Some of this impressive defence equipment and nearly 100 civilian special transport trailers could be seen at the recent Broshuis event. Almost all heavy haulage combinations were presented coupled to a prime mover with a matching load on the trailer, which was nice for the visiting truck buffs. Most heavy-truck importers had a stand, as did several important component manufacturers. In addition, the ancillary industry and other partners involved in producing the trailers – think safety, quality and innovation – were also present. And, of course, everybody could look inside the factory halls.

An important selling point of the Dutch trailers is the high quality of the products, with certification including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AQAP 2110. Using modern computer technology, Broshuis has also managed to build heavy-duty trailers that are now 15% lighter than in the past, importantly, without losing structural strength. In recent years, its best-sellers to the transport industry have been rear-steer, wide-spread, semi-low loaders with nine- tonne capacity axles.

Oversize and overweight haulage has always been an attention grabber on the road. The Broshuis event was the perfect place to watch all this impressive rolling stock from up close. No wonder the day attracted several thousand visitors. And best of all, you could admire it all with a free drink and a sausage bun in your hand. How’s that for promoting your product?