Goldhofer AG is a world leader when it comes to heavy-duty and special transportation. The German firm is quite unmatched today in its ability to cover an extremely wide range of requirements for any kind of transport task. The company has proven time and again its competence in the challenging combined transportation fields covering road, rail, sea and air modes of transport, which has made it one of the most reliable solution-providers in the field globally. Having sold a good number of products in the Indian market, GOldhofer has recently developed a modular trailer series to cater specifically to the growing requirements in the Asian region. We get to know more about Goldhofer and its plans in this exclusive interview with Mr. Jean-Philippe Martin, Area Sales Manager, Goldhofer AG.
Excerpts:
Let’s start with a background about Goldhofer’s inception and growth over the years. How did it all start and what position have you reached in your field of operation today?
Goldhofer is one of the oldest established providers of vehicle systems for the heavy haulage industry, with roots going all the way back to 1705. The success story of the company as it exists today began in 1946 when Alois Goldhofer entered vehicle engineering by building trailers for agricultural applications. In 1963 the company launched its first heavy-duty trailer in the TPA series, a precursor of today’s THP modular system. With the development of the first towbar-less aircraft tractor in 1987, Goldhofer diversified into an additional market, revolutionizing aircraft handling on the apron.
In recent years, Goldhofer has been more innovative than ever in the field of transport equipment. In 2012 the company unveiled its first high girder bridge in the “Faktor 5” series with a 5:1 payload-to-deadweight ratio. In 2013 it introduced its pioneering “MPA Axle Technology” for low loader semi-trailers, which has since received numerous international innovation awards, and in 2014 it redefined the design of heavy-duty modular systems with a new vehicle generation featuring not only electronic multiway steering but also hydraulically adjustable track width and axle loads of up to 60 tons.
Goldhofer has been one of the most renowned names when we talk about ODC and extraordinary transport applications. Could you brief us on the different vehicle types and application solutions you offer?
Our orders come from a wide range of industries, but especially from the booming energy sector. That involves all kinds of loads for power plants and companies in the energy industry. Whatever is being built – power plants, refineries and also wind power plants (off- and on-shore) – Goldhofer has the axle lines of choice for transporting individual components or large assemblies. This is where its high-end self-propelled modules really come into their own, moving ultra-heavy loads without the need for a tractor, and turning and positioning them on the construction site with millimeter precision without additional manoeuvring.
For ODC haulage, Goldhofer’s THP series of heavy-duty modular trailers and PST self-propelled modules are the vehicles of choice. With a hydraulic suspension stroke for longitudinal and transverse control and lateral leveling, these trailers are ideal for both on- and off-road operations. And Goldhofer’s unique modular system means the haulage company can find the right solution for every job.
How important is the Indian market for Goldhofer?
India is an important market as it is one of the booming regions of the world where transport volumes will continue to increase in the future. The growing demand for high-end heavy-duty vehicles is reflected in the interest shown in Goldhofer products at the bC India trade show in Delhi.
India being a price-sensitive market, how do you approach customers here?
One of Goldhofer’s big strengths is dedicated vehicle development for specific transport operations. In such cases we focus on the essential specifications without making any concessions in terms of quality and performance. By concentrating on the key features and leaving out the frills, we are able to minimize vehicle costs.
Could you give us an idea of your production capacities and also the number of Goldhofer trailers currently on road globally?
All the Goldhofer Group’s high-end transport systems are manufactured in Germany where we have an annual production capacity of about 1,200 vehicles. Today there are a total of 35,000 Goldhofer vehicles on the road worldwide. Annual production figures vary, as we offer such a wide range of vehicles – from standard trailers to aircraft tractors. In order to optimize the workflow in our production facilities and increase our output for faster deliveries, we are currently investing in the construction of a new logistics center with 6,000 sq.m. of floor space.
Why do you think customers would go for Goldhofer products when they have other options in the market? What strengths/advantages do you offer through your products and services?
Any operator in the field of heavy haulage must be able to rely 100% on his equipment at all times. Apart from quality workmanship and the highest standards of production, that also requires top performance from the vehicles in the practical test of everyday work. Goldhofer axle lines are noted worldwide for their combination of innovation and reliability.
We also offer vehicles tailored to specific applications on individual markets. They are the product of years of development and optimization, ensuring that our customers always have exactly the right equipment for their transport operations.
How does your R&D team operate in developed markets? Are you working on any specific products/solutions for cost-competitive markets like India?
Our design engineering department analyzes the requirements of the various markets and develops targeted solutions to make life easier for the transport companies and forwarding agents. A case in point is the THP/MI series of modular trailers which Goldhofer has developed specially for the Asian market. With the THP/MI axle lines designed to comply with national regulations, Indian companies can be sure of obtaining transport permits much more easily, thus saving a lot of office work.
Since all THP/MI modules are compatible with the THP/SL modular system and all Goldhofer accessories, individual combinations and additions to the axle lines remain as simple as ever. The lightweight versions of Goldhofer’s THP modular system, namely, the THP/SL-S and THP/SL-L, with their extremely low deadweights and high bending moments, are also an alternative for both on-road and construction site operations.
For transporting wind power plants and components, Goldhofer offers a series of special vehicles, including its Europa triple extender. This flatbed semitrailer, which has been a huge success in Europe, has now been modified for the Indian market and the rotor blades in use there so as to produce a vehicle that is in a class of its own with regard to the price/performance ratio.
At the moment we are also in the process of producing a “Faktor 5” high girder bridge for shipment to India. With this system, Goldhofer customers can move payloads of up to 500 tons with a vehicle deadweight of 100 tons. This high girder bridge, the seventh in the “Faktor 5” series, is due to be ready for delivery in January 2016.
As a global player, what are your views on the Indian market in general? In particular, how do you see the Indian logistics and transport industry developing in the coming years?
Following a slack period that has lasted four or five years, we are expecting an upturn on the Indian market in 2016. In the last few years we have been successful in positioning ourselves on the market in South-East Asia. Now we are ready to respond and benefit from the turnaround. We are convinced that it was a wise and significant decision to present Goldhofer at bC India as a provider of innovative high-end transport systems.
Finally, what can we expect from Goldhofer in the Indian market in the coming years?
We have the clear intention to consolidate our position as market leader. We will be able to grow with our customers and their projects because we offer customized problem-solving competence for all transport requirements.
