Two of New Zealand‘s well-established truck trailer builders are combining operations to present the local road transport industry with an unprecedented combination of economy of scale and cutting-edge innovation.

Rotorua-based Roadmaster Limited is to join Hamilton-based MTE Group from 1 October.

MTE Group founder and chairman, Robin Ratcliffe, welcomed the move, saying he considered it a logical expansion for MTE.

“It gives the market the best range of trailer options it has ever had –combining MTE‘s Australasian resources with Roadmaster‘s history of pushing the edge of technology and innovation.”

Roadmaster‘s CEO, Ross Bell, said that under the joint arrangement Roadmaster would continue to operate out of its Rotorua plant and he and Lyall McGee, Roadmaster‘s design director, would remain in their respective roles.

He said it was important that Roadmaster‘s valued clients were guaranteed continuity of service, and that Roadmaster‘s staff would now have many more opportunities for career growth and opportunities.

“To be honest, I believe it is a win-win situation for everybody. It will work for the clients, for the market, and for the staff.”