Steadplan, the Clitheroe, Lancs-based MAN dealer and service agent and UK distributor for Belgian-trailer maker STAS, plans to expand its operation in the North-West.
It already has a satellite depot at Leyland and is keen to add more sites to its network, as well as other products.
"If there was an opportunity to sell a UK-based
product that didn't infringe on STAS and wasn't beholden to the exchange rate, we would be interested," says sales manager Jon Wilcock.
Since signing STAS in 2006, the group has sold more than 170 tippers and moving-floor trailers.
Wilcock revealed details about new aerodynamic styling on STAS products that is claimed to cut fuel use and reduce drive-by noise.
Although the official launch is planned for later this month at the Trailer '09 show in Kortrijk, Belgium, Wilcock says the majority of changes will come from smoothing out the airflow underneath the chassis.
Steadplan also wants to expand its 16-strong STAS service agent network, and is looking for a service agent in the North-East.
In addition, the firm wants to expand its rental and contract maintenance business. "We did one rental deal last year. This year people say they don't want to commit to buying, so they rent. We now have 12 trailers and are looking to expand to 20," says Wilcock.
Setting up an internal contract maintenance (ICM) package was a risk, says service manager Graham Macmillan, but it has paid off. "We now have more than 70 vehicles on ICM. We are not a major manufacturer, but we are prepared to offer something others aren't.
"With the moving floor, we can do good things with that [on ICM] because the parts are expensive.
"We are trying to build in the full maintenance over five years, so if you are on high-wear work, we will provide a fixed cost for cover," he says.
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