| 57 MD Engineering TRANSPORT T T Russell Fredric Stand-out rig includes special features The striking custom designed B-train refrigerated rig rolled out by the M D Engineering workshop in July. The reputation of Balclutha company MD Engineering for high quality bespoke builds of truck tractor and trailer units is well recognised throughout New Zealand. The business was established in 2000 by Michael Jelley who had worked as a truck mechanic and driver for 15 years, experience that gave him valuable insight into what makes a great truck and trailer build. Increased demand in recent years for M D Engineering’s services has required the addition of three staff for a total of 11 to meet its current commitments out to mid-2025. A recently completed project is a standout example of the type of work the company has become known for. Both the company and the client, Talleys Group Ashburton division, are delighted with the result of a striking custom designed B-train rig that rolled out of M D Engineering’s workshop in July. The seven axle refrigerated B-train and its Scania tractor unit has a maximum gross weight of 59 tonnes and a tare weight of 23,500 kilograms. “This project has been a while in the making but the results are well worth the time and effort,” Michael says. “It has a few special things included; it was a bit of a testing ground on some things. The tare weight that we achieved was a big thing, it’s about 600 kilograms lighter that the last one they had built and the unit we built has an extra axle, a steer axle. “[Overall] it gained them about a tonne and a half in payload.” It has a fully insulated roof comprising a material uncommonly used in truck transport that is proving a huge success, drain troughs in the floor with large effluent tanks, Carrier fridge units on both units and insulated side curtains.” The decks have been arc sprayed with zinc for corrosion protection against the harsh salt products carried. It also features large stainless steel and polished alloy toolboxes for straps and corner boards, a stainless steel and polished alloy dunnage box on each unit for carrying deck spacers to keep fish bins tight on the deck. The B-train trailer runs on SAF intradisc axles and a Wabco electronic braking system. Completing the rig is its shiny Alcoa forged alloy wheel rims, which match the equally shiny storage boxes and the striking graphics on the curtains featuring a panoramic seascape and a red Talley’s fishing vessel along its full length. The total build time was two months, but there was a considerable lead time for determining the specifications and design and planning the project. “Talley’s are extremely happy with it. It’s everything they wanted and more.” M D Engineering recently marked a milestone, its 100th build, and although for some companies this is not a high volume, it reflects the time and quality focus that is fundamental to its work. For much of the 23 years in has been in operation, it has employed only about four to five staff and while some companies are production oriented, considerable thought is given to the design of each rig and every project is a custom build, Michael says. “In my mind, everything has got to be as perfect as it can be. We are focused on quality and keeping our clients happy.” Michael says he and his wife Donna are extremely grateful for the commitment of their staff to produce such a high standard of work. “Without our staff and clients, we wouldn’t have a business. We appreciate them enormously; they are our business, it’s as simple as that.” Proudly Supporting MD Engineering Ltd 0800 255 638 Leading importer and distributor of Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper & Zinc, for New Zealand Manufacturers. Proudly supporting MD Engineering The most advanced heavy vehicle designs in New Zealand. Higher productivity through low tare, high reliability, improved chassis dynamics, advanced design tools and exceptionally skillful engineers.
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