Freighter Group has announced an important step in its growth plan, with long-term partner Schmitz Cargobull increasing its investment to a 72 per cent majority shareholding in the business.
This milestone marks a new chapter for the Australian trailer manufacturer, ensuring its 80-year legacy of local expertise is backed by the global technological resources of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer. The transition represents a deliberate move to set the business up for the future, combining a rich Australian heritage with world-class innovation.
Building upon the successful strategic partnership announced in April 2023, the transition to majority ownership represents a substantial vote of confidence in the Australian heavy vehicle market.
For Freighter Group, this partnership ensures long-term stability and provides direct access to Schmitz Cargobull’s global expertise and product development pipeline.
As a leading European trailer manufacturer, Schmitz Cargobull brings proven expertise in refrigerated transport and cold-chain solutions, large-scale production and connected fleet solutions. The company supports customers with products and services designed to increase uptime, operational reliability and cost efficiency.
“We have been supporting Australian customers for 15 years and by increasing our stake in Freighter Group, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to the Australian market. This step is also testament to our belief in the strength of the local team,” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull.
“Our role is to support and enable the continued development of Freighter Group — providing access to global expertise, technology and networks, while the Freighter team continues to shape the business with its deep local knowledge and customer focus.”
Above L-R: Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull; and new Freighter Group CEO Michael Temminghoff
The majority acquisition represents the next logical step in the company’s evolution and builds on significant recent investments, including the $50 million upgrade of the Ballarat manufacturing facility, transforming it into a modern, advanced production hub.
This infrastructure enables Freighter Group to seamlessly integrate Schmitz Cargobull’s global engineering and production technologies with proven Australian-built durability.
Beyond manufacturing, the business continues to strengthen its aftermarket service and parts network, ensuring customers benefit from increased uptime and access to both local and global parts supply chains.
To lead this new chapter, Freighter Group has announced the appointment of Michael Temminghoff as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Michael brings extensive leadership experience, having worked for Schmitz Cargobull in multiple roles for over 15 years. He is focused on supporting the continued development of Freighter Group, strengthening its capabilities while preserving the company’s humble, customer-first culture.
“I am honoured to lead Freighter Group at such a pivotal moment,” he says. “The synergy between Schmitz Cargobull’s global scale and Freighter Group’s local expertise is an exciting opportunity. Our role is to build on the strengths of the local business, supported by global capabilities and experience, and to help the team unlock its full potential – while further strengthening the quality and reliability our customers expect.”
“The business enters this new chapter on a strong footing, thanks to a period of intense modernisation that has prepared the workforce and the facility for high-tech production. Adding that the dedication of the local team has been the driving force behind this transformation, laying the foundations necessary to thrive in an evolving market.”
Freighter Group will continue to operate under its renowned name, ensuring that the legacy of this iconic Australian brand remains intact as it builds the next generation of solutions for the Australian transport industry.
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