SAF-Holland S.A., a global producer and supplier of systems and components for the truck and trailer industries, announced April 7 the acquisition of the landing leg (trailer support) product line from Austin-Westran.
The acquisition, terms of which were not announced, includes Austin-Westran’s China-based production operation, which SAF-Holland says significantly expands its presence in the world’s third-largest and fastest-growing market for commercial vehicles. SAF-Holland says that, combined with its technology, the local knowledge and manufacturing base of the Austin-Westran unit will allow it to deliver larger volumes of truck and trailer components into the booming markets of Asia and beyond.
“This acquisition represents a significant strengthening of our China strategy,” says Rudi Ludwig, chief executive officer of SAF-Holland S.A. “Based on discussions with existing and future customers, we are increasing our presence in the Chinese market with a wholly-owned manufacturing footprint to deliver our broad range of market-leading technology. We aim to be the first-choice partner of major truck and trailer manufacturers in China, and we are already in discussions with major OEMs to this effect.”
Austin-Westran manufactures landing legs at a site in Xiamen, China, which has an annual production capacity of about 150,000 pairs. SAF-Holland has purchased that manufacturing site and associated assets in the United States. Austin-Westran will continue its other U.S.-based product lines.
