38 | Trayla Trailers MANUFACTURING Best to invest a bit more on NZ made ‘Many trailer suppliers tell you their trailers are made or assembled in New Zealand, but they are actually imported.’ T T Karen Phelps With many trailers marketed for sale in New Zealand there are advantages to purchasing New Zealand manufactured, says Ben Hobbs from Trayla Trailers. “We often have people come in that have purchased a low cost imported trailer and regretted it. Spending a little more upfront on a New Zealand manufactured trailer saves stress and money in the long term,” says Ben, who now runs the day-to-day operations of the family business. Based in Levin, Trayla Trailers stands firm in its commitment to local manufacturing, continuing a legacy that spans over three decades and more than 20,000 trailers produced. The company’s dedication to quality is evident in the design philosophy. “The design of our trailer hasn’t changed since day one. We have a design across our range that has stood the test of time,” explains Ben. “This consistency extends to the componentry, ensuring replacement parts are readily available even for decades-old trailers.” He says this is important as when purchasing a trailer people need to take into consideration the back-up service. “Ensure you are not left in a difficult situation with a trailer that lacks straightforward repair options or requires rare and often costly replacement components,” he advises. What sets Trayla Trailers apart is the attention to practical design details, says Ben. The distinctive v-fold pattern in the trailer sides provides additional strength, while high-mounted lights offer better protection. Perhaps most importantly, Trayla Trailers opt for a replaceable grip deck ply floor over steel. “Typically, a steel floor is part of the structure of the trailer and welded into the frame and when it eventually rusts or breaks it is very hard to replace. A timber floor gives more longevity to the trailer,” says Ben. The business, which employs seven staff at its Levin manufacturing facility, has come a long way since Ben’s father, Dave Hobbs, started as a one-man operation known as Trailer Centre. After relocating to Levin, the business rebranded as Hobbs Traylas, eventually evolving into today’s Trayla Trailers. The father-son duo now brings a combined 39 years of experience to the New Zealand trailer industry. With hundreds of trailers manufactured each year, Trayla Trailers serves both domestic and commercial markets nationwide. Its range has expanded to include heavy commercial trailers with a 3.5-tonne rating, designed for transporting heavy machinery or commercial goods. In an industry where imported products often mask their origins, Ben emphasises the importance of transparency. Performance. Protection. People. Nothing outlasts Valmont® Coatings. Regardless of size, complexity or location, project-based or structural, hot-dip galvanizing from Valmont® Coatings ensures a surface that’s harder than steel — standing up to rough handling, extreme conditions and more. So you gain performance and protection that lasts over a lifetime of wear. You also have the added advantage of experienced professionals who build relationships that last as long as our coatings. WHY WAIT? See our full range of capabilities. PALMERSTON NORTH 23 Kelvin Grove Rd. Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4414 PHONE: 06 356 1246 CHRISTCHURCH 27 Washbournes Rd. Wigram, Christchurch 8042 PHONE: 03 348 8522 AUCKLAND 40-44 Gavin St. Ellerslie, Auckland 1060 PHONE: 09 579 0063 For more information visit www.unitedsteel.co.nz or call us on 0800 800 649 We are proud to be working with Trayla Trailers “Many trailer suppliers tell you their trailers are made or assembled in New Zealand, hiding the fact that they are actually imported. We suggest you do your homework before purchasing. Don’t get caught out.” The company welcomes customers to view trailers during production, offering complete transparency about the manufacturing process. This openness, combined with the ability to customise trailers to specific needs, has helped build trust with its customer base, says Ben. While positioned in the mid-range price bracket, Ben says Trayla Trailers offers features that justify the investment: a full box section chassis, double-ribbed pattern for extra strength, tie rails and rope hooks, spare wheel, jockey wheel and a grip deck ply floor. All trailers come with a two-year structural warranty and a 12-month parts warranty. Ben says Trayla Trailers is exploring growth opportunities including the possibility of opening more outlets. In addition to supplying direct from its headquarters to customers nationwide it also currently has one small outlet it supplies just south of Hawkes Bay called Trailer Parts Hawkes Bay. “We can provide great quality at a great price,” says Ben. “There is quality in New Zealand manufactured trailers and we can also customise a bit to suit each customer’s needs. It could be a little longer or wider - we can accommodate whatever people require.”
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