In a significant move within the European transportation industry, Schmitz Cargobull, a prominent German manufacturer, has acquired a 49% stake in the Austrian vehicle body builder Berger Fahrzeugtechnik. This acquisition, which received the green light from antitrust authorities in January 2024, follows an agreement signed in September 2023. The deal marks a strategic expansion for Schmitz Cargobull, as Berger's trailers, known for their lightweight construction, will now be available through Schmitz Cargobull's sales network.
Boris Billich, chief sales officer of Schmitz Cargobull, emphasized the benefits to customers, noting the broader range of vehicles and an expanded service package now available across both product lines. Berger, specializing in the production of light semi-trailers labeled as "ecotrail," manufactures these at its Tyrolean facility in Radfeld. These trailers are designed to increase the payload capacity of articulated lorries and will be supported through the Schmitz Cargobull Service Partner network. Future plans include expanding Schmitz Cargobull's entire service portfolio to incorporate Berger's lightweight vehicles.
Berger's origin story dates back to 1962 when founder Johann Berger, a trucker transporting marble from the quarries in Verona to German buyers, utilized his central location in Tyrol to develop vehicles with low tare weight. This led to the establishment of Berger Fahrzeugtechnik in 1994, focusing on in-house light semi-trailer production. The company introduced the Bergerecotrail semi-trailer, with a tare weight of 4.7 tons, at the Radfeld facility in 2010, which was later expanded in 2019.
Massimiliano Barberis
