Freighter Group has announced that Schmitz Cargobull, one of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturers, has increased its share in the Australian company to 72 per cent.
The German-headquartered giant initially came on board in 2023 as a 26 per cent minor shareholder.
Freighter Group, which is celebrating its 80th year in 2026, said this partnership ensures long-term stability and provides direct access to Schmitz Cargobull’s global expertise and product development pipeline.
“We have been supporting Australian customers for 15 years and by increasing our stake in Freighter Group, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to the Australian market,” said Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull.
“This step is also testament to our belief in the strength of the local team.
“Our role is to support and enable the continued development of Freighter Group — providing access to global expertise, technology and networks, while the Freighter team continues to shape the business with its deep local knowledge and customer focus.”
Freighter said the majority acquisition represents the next logical step in the company’s evolution and builds on significant recent investments, including the $50 million upgrade of the Ballarat manufacturing facility, transforming it into a modern, advanced production hub.
To lead this new chapter, Freighter Group also announced the appointment of Michael Temminghoff as the new CEO, effective immediately. Temminghoff brings extensive leadership experience, having worked for Schmitz Cargobull in multiple roles for over 15 years.
“I am honoured to lead Freighter Group at such a pivotal moment,” Temminghoff said.
“The synergy between Schmitz Cargobull’s global scale and Freighter Group’s local expertise is an exciting opportunity. Our role is to build on the strengths of the local business, supported by global capabilities and experience, and to help the team unlock its full potential – while further strengthening the quality and reliability our customers expect.
“The business enters this new chapter on a strong footing, thanks to a period of intense modernisation that has prepared the workforce and the facility for high-tech production.”
He added that the dedication of the local team has been the driving force behind this transformation, laying the foundations necessary to thrive in an evolving market.