Started nearly 30 years ago, when it imported the first TATRA off-road truck into Australia, this family owned and operated business continues to go from strength to strength.
Following the passing of its founder Larry Gill a few years ago, the team at Offroad Trucks Australia is continuing his legacy – led by his daughter Amber Gaden, who serves as owner and managing director.
She joined the business early on and was by her father’s side every step of the way, as the business grew and evolved.
With a new purpose-built premises and new truck models coming into the mix, there are exciting times ahead.
Offroad Trucks Australia is the exclusive importer of TATRA’s range of off-road vehicles. Manufactured in the Czech Republic, TATRA is known throughout the world for its reliability, even in the most challenging of extremes.
TATRA Trucks was founded in 1850 and is one of the oldest vehicle producers in the world. Its origins lie in military use however it’s now become an established leader in the world of off-road trucks.
With the ability to customise vehicles to suit varying needs, in Australia, TATRA branded vehicles can be found working in industries as diverse as mining, defence, fire and emergency services, forestry, oil and gas, and construction.
Their ruggedness and ability to stand up to the most trying conditions make TATRA vehicles well suited to the Australian landscape.
As Amber explained, “Offroad Trucks Australia definitely started out as a very small family business. It was Dad who single handedly got it off the ground and then I came on board very early on. From the two of us and a mechanic in the beginning, we now have 35 staff,” said Amber.
“Since Dad passed two and a half years ago, the company has continued going from strength to strength, and that speaks highly of our team. Everyone has really rallied together in the hope that we can make Larry proud and continue his legacy.”
The last few years at Offroad Trucks Australia have been marked by exponential growth and expansion, as the company has tapped into new markets. While Offroad Trucks Australia has traditionally focused on the mining industry, its vehicles are now found working in more and more different fields.
Offroad Trucks Australia moved into its new facility just this month. Located in the Perth suburb of Forrestdale, the site comprises a 10-bay workshop and 2000 square metres of spare parts warehousing, as well as extensive office space.
“The business was at its previous site for over 20 years. With the growth we’ve had over the years, we tacked on another building here and another warehouse there. The goal of the new facility was to bring our whole team together again under the one roof,” she said.
Along with importing TATRA vehicles, Offroad Trucks Australia carries a full range of spare parts for the three TATRA models currently on offer.
“At the warehouse, we carry about $9 million worth of spare parts stock. With two new Euro 6 TATRA models coming to Australia next year, we’ll need even more spare parts in order to service them, so this new facility ensures we have plenty of room for growth,” Amber added.
From the new models, Amber says, customers can expect to see a range of improvements. “They will feature modernised cabs with a more luxurious fit-out, added creature comforts, more modern technology and Euro 6 compliance – but they’ll also feature our robust suspensions and independent axles that give us our name and our off-road capability.”
The first of these Euro 6 models is due to arrive later in the year for in-field testing before being rolled out for serial production in 2025. “Before they hit the market, we’ll really be putting these vehicles through their paces. We’ll be testing them in Australian conditions, taking them out bush, to the tough red dirt roads, in some of the harshest terrain.”