Bevan acquires glass specialist
The UK's number one manufacturer of specialised glass carrying commercial vehicles is now trading under new ownership, following its acquisition by the fast-growing Bevan Group.
It is now 'business as usual' for the 20-strong company team at Supertrucks, who supply and fit glass-carrying bodies and 'frails' (racks) for rigid trucks and vans of all sizes.
Supertrucks operates from a production facility in St Helens, Merseyside. It was founded in 1981 by former chairman Peter Wright, who is staying on for the time being in a consultancy role.
The decision by Halesowen-based bodybuilder Bevan Group to purchase the business – for an undisclosed sum – comes less than a year after it launched its own glass carrying vehicle. Bevan quickly won orders for more than 70 units from two of the biggest names in the industry.
However, as managing director Anthony Bevan acknowledges: "When it comes to designing and manufacturing systems that allow for the safe transportation of glass by customers from the glazing and related windows and conservatories industries, Supertrucks is the undoubted market leader."
Bevan's financial muscle, as well as its sales and marketing expertise, mean Supertrucks has a bright future, said Mr Bevan. "Supertrucks represents an exciting new addition to the Bevan Group portfolio and we look forward to growing the business with the enthusiastic support of the team in St Helens."
As well as dominating the UK market Supertrucks exports its glass carrying products, with Germany accounting for the majority of overseas sales. "Supertrucks has been a very successful company for the last 32 years and enjoys an unrivalled reputation within the glass industry," said Peter Wright.
"I have no doubt that this business will prove a sound investment for its new owners."
The acquisition of Supertrucks caps an busy 12 months for family-owned Bevan Group, which has headquarters in Halesowen and a second factory in nearby Oldbury.
A long-established supplier of dry freight commercial vehicle bodies to some of the biggest and best-known operators on Britain's roads, it began manufacturing temperature-controlled bodywork for rigid vehicles a year ago, after entering into a strategic partnership with Schmitz Cargobull.
In October Bevan purchased a stake in Black Country neighbour A&R Vehicle Services, an accident repair and refurbishment specialist, the first step in a process that will ultimately see it assume total control.
And Bevan followed this a month later by announcing an after-market deal with DEL Equipment (UK)to maintain the manufacturer's range of tail-lifts in the field.
