The Wielton Group, a manufacturer of semi-trailers and truck bodies, has announced its results for 2018. They were influenced, among others, by the acquisition of the British company Lawrence David. The takeover of the British company caused the sale of Wielton’s products to exceed 18,000 units last year.
In total, in 2018 Wielton sold altogether 18,396 products not only under the main brand but also under the brands Fruehauf, Viberti and Cardi, Langendorf and the aforementioned Lawrence David. This translated into 482 million euros in revenues.
Compared to 2017, the sales result is 21.8% higher. Most of the sales, that is as many as 13,537 units, the trailer manufacturer made on foreign markets.
In France, total sales of 5,352 products amounted to 6.6% increase year-on-year. In Russia and Germany, Wielton generated sales growth of 12.2% and 7.2% respectively. In the fourth quarter, the results of Lawrence David, which was acquired in September, were added to the result. Currently, this company is the second on the British market, with a share of 10.3% of annual sales.
In Poland, the Wielton Group sold 4,859 products last year, growing by 7.1% year-on-year. Revenues from the Polish market amounted to 107 million euros and were higher by nearly 10%. As a result, the company has a 15.5% share in the domestic market (total sales in Poland in 2018 amounted to 26,120 registered vehicles – an increase of 9.6% y/y).
The results we have seen since Lawrence David was incorporated into our structures bring us even closer to achieving the objectives set out in the 2017-2020 development strategy. This is the fourth such important acquisition of the Wielton Group. It is worth noting that we are growing not only due to acquisitions but also due to intensive organic growth,” said Mariusz Golec, President of Wielton.
Wielton Group develops production capacity
As part of the development of production capacity, an automated paint line for corrosion protection of chassis and bodies by cataphoresis was launched last year at the Wielton plant. The construction of a substitute paint shop has also started, and at the same time, works on the implementation of the target investment have begun.
At the same time, advanced works on the construction of a factory of refrigerated semi-trailers are underway. Design and construction works concerning the prototype of a refrigerated semi-trailer are being carried out and the technology of refrigerated panels is being developed,” the company’s announcement reads.
Wielton has also received a permit from the Łódź Special Economic Zone to carry out investments in the area. The aim is to further expand production capacity.
Photo: Wielton
