| 53 Trayla Trailers MANUFACTURING Supplier to leading engineers and trailer manufacturers. GET INTOUCH 100%NZ FAMILYOWNEDAND OPERATED We’ve been in business for 50 years. In that time we have come to supply some of NZ’s major trailer and farm equipment manufacturers with Trailer Kits & Parts,Wheels, Rims and Tyres. T T Anne Boswell Demand increasing for commercial trailers The company employs six staff, and manufactures all of its trailers on-site in Levin. Over more than three decades, Trayla Trailers has built a reputation for producing quality, New Zealand-made trailers designed to stand the test of time. Now under the ownership of second-generation family member, Ben Hobbs, the Horowhenua-based business is entering a new era of growth while staying true to the values that established the Trayla name as a recognisable brand nationwide. The business began in 1991, when Dave Hobbs launched Trailer Centre as a one-man operation in Plimmerton. Nine years later, Dave and his wife relocated the business to Levin for a lifestyle change, rebranding as Hobbs Traylas. From there, the now wellknown ‘Trayla’ design was established, with more than 25,000 trailers produced to date. Ben joined the company in 2018 and, after seven years managing day-to-day operations, officially purchased the business from his father in April 2025. Today, the company employs six staff, and manufactures all of its trailers on-site in Levin, with a strong focus on quality workmanship and supporting local manufacturing. Built with full box section chassis, reinforced body designs and durable components, Trayla trailers are engineered for demanding New Zealand conditions. Supported by a two-year structural warranty, the business continues to back its products with confidence. Ben says customers are increasingly seeking out New Zealand-made products and asking more questions about where their trailers are built – something he actively encourages. “We’re seeing people wanting New Zealand-manufactured products because of the quality, the back-up service, and access to parts,” he says. “We tick all the boxes: quality, cost and availability.” After navigating the economic challenges of the past few years, the business has emerged with strong growth, particularly in the commercial sector. While smaller domestic trailers once made up much of the company’s workload, demand over the past three years has shifted towards larger commercial models in the 3500kg range. “A lot of businesses are now happy to invest in quality commercial trailers because they add real value to their operation,” Ben says. One of Trayla Trailer’s longstanding business relationships has been with Treadway, a key supplier of wheels and braking systems for the company’s commercial trailer range. The partnership has been in place for nearly 20 years, and continues to play an important role in ensuring the trailers meet the high standards customers expect. The agricultural sector has also been an area of growth. Trayla Trailers recently exhibited at the Central Districts Field Days, where strong interest from farmers and commercial operators resulted in a significant number of orders. “That really helped catapult us into this year,” Ben says. With Trayla Trailers able to freight trailers nationwide, customers from across the country are choosing locally made products over imported alternatives. Ben believes the company’s longevity and reputation are key reasons customers continue to trust the brand. “We stand by our workmanship and quality New Zealand-made products,” he says. “We’ve been around a long time, and we know what we’re doing. We’re here to stay.
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