Hampshire-based heavy haulage transport specialist Andover Trailers has been appointed sole UK and Ireland distributor for Trailer System Engineering (TSE), a German company which manufactures specialist trailer components ranging from sliding roofs to body kits for commercial vehicles and trailers.

Andover Trailers' appointment follows a strategic partnership formed between the two companies in 2008, when Andover's sales team identified TSE as the only manufacturer able to supply an all-steel bespoke sliding roof system to fit a fleet of forklift trailers being manufactured for Briggs Equipment UK.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover Trailers, said: "TSE was the only company which could supply a sliding roof capable of withstanding buffeting from the wind when operating with the roof partly open. Other systems we’ve experienced use plastic hinges which are damaged too easily, leaving operators with a major challenge to change them."

In the UK, the most common use for sliding roofs is on forklift truck trailers, specifically when operators want to transport high mast machines. In Europe such systems are far more common, with many operators electing to load trailers through the roof by crane when collecting supplies from factories.

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Andover Trailers itself experienced this dependence on roof-loading in Europe only last month when it sent a large UK operator to collect some steel and the German steel manufacturer would not load the trailer because it did not have a sliding roof. The load had to be collected by a German operator with a suitably equipped trailer.

"We are also exploring opportunities to supply TSE's high quality components to other trailer manufacturers and body builders in the UK and Ireland. We've geared up to carry a full stock of spare parts, which will support both our own and other manufacturers’ needs, without having to rely on flying spares in from Germany.

"What's more, in the event a repair is ever needed, unlike most other systems, you can simply unscrew each individual roller in the roof and carry out the repair without major disruption. Any downtime is kept to the absolute minimum," added Collins.

Andover Trailers' appointment as a distributor for TSE marks its second franchise with a German manufacturer, following a highly successful and ongoing 15 year relationship with Goldhofer, which has seen the company supply some of the most specialised heavy haulage trailer equipment ever sold in the UK.

The sales function for TSE will be managed by the company's head office in Andover, Hampshire, supported by its team of sales staff who visit operators, trailer manufacturers and body builders across the UK and Ireland.

For information on the heavy haulage and specialist transport solutions provided by Andover Trailers, contact Ivan Collins at Andover Trailers Ltd, Unit 75, Columbus Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5NP. Tel: 01264 358 944 or e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.andovertrailers.co.uk