Heil Trailer Asia Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heil Trailer International Co., is a leading manufacturer of aluminum petroleum and dry bulk tanks and trailers for a range of end markets, including oil & gas and infrastructure.
We had an exclusive interaction with Mr. Jeffrey M. Edwards, Director of Export Sales & Marketing, Heil Trailer Asia Ltd., on the sidelines of the International Truck Trailer and Tyre Expo held in Gandhinagar. He said: “Our core expertise is for production of aluminum tankers of global standards preferred by major oil and lubricant companies. Owing to frugal engineering in Thailand, we are able to do about 6,000 aluminum tankers per annum and are the largest manufacturers providing products in a cost-effective way.”
The amendment in the Petroleum Act allowing high-capacity tankers, including those built with aluminum, in India, opens up a brilliant opportunity for Heil Trailer Asia. Mr. Edwards commented: “Although there will be smaller rigid trucks used, there will be a number of haulage providers looking for higher capacity semi-trailers, of up to 40,000 litres, using light-weight aluminum tankers. With the ARAI regulations tightening the screw on the unorganized trailer manufactures, we see a great shift towards high quality, reliable organized market.”
It may be observed that the lifespan of aluminum tanks and semi-trailers is longer than similar mild steel models and that their resale value over time is substantially higher as well, in view of the fact that aluminum does not corrode.
Everybody is aware that steel can corrode due to moisture. It worsens when road salt and salt from the sea air near coastal waters accelerates corrosion on steel fuel tanks. Some studies also attribute corrosion to a little lesser known fact of low-sulphur fuel. This could see an increase in corrosion from inside as well for the steel tank.
“We have devoted a lot of time over the years for imparting the enormous benefits of aluminum tankers and working with a quality player providing cost-effective solutions to the transport community. Our products will enhance operator safety, improve hauling capabilities, increase revenue and reduce the maintenance requirements of the fleet operators, especially the petroleum transport sector, in India,” said Mr. Edwards.
At present, the company produces tankers at its facility in Thailand and takes India as a potential centre where everybody, from an international trailer manufacturer to a coupling provider, has set up base. ARAI’s type approval for trailer manufacturers also has improved the quality of Indian trailers. So, the company which is now looking for assembly partners in India, doesn’t shy away from manufacturing in India if the demand scales up in the next few years.
“We will manufacture in India, but right now tanks will be imported from Thailand. We look to finalise our partners for assembly in India. Once we are sure of the commercial gain, we will not shy away from setting up a factory to produce tankers here in India,” Mr. Edwards added.