Away from the limelight, transport equipment specialist, Fuwa K-Hitch, has been working tirelessly to set itself up for a successful 2016. The result is a nimble organisation with an innovative edge – and a powerful global support network.
It was only recently that Melbourne company Fuwa K-Hitch stirred up the commercial road transport industry by partnering with Swinburne University and Ballarat consultancy Bisitecniks to design a dedicated fifth wheel testing laboratory in Melbourne.
Before Fuwa K-Hitch decided to invest in the project, testing the mechanical properties of a fifth wheel could only be carried out in Brisbane or Sydney. But due to the company’s unswerving commitment to bringing a new dimension of professionalism to the Victorian transport community, Swinburne’s $15 million Smart Structures Laboratory eventually opened up collaborating with the local transport equipment expert.
The project not only helped build a strong foundation for Fuwa K-Hitch’s future success in the fifth wheel space, but also signified just how busy the company was behind the scenes to create the right framework for success in 2016.
Last month, the same mind-set led the company to enter into a new distribution agreement with Auckland company, Truck and Trailer Parts (TATP), as its new representative and service agent for New Zealand. “With the market still somewhat murky, it’s all about creating a strong framework for success at the moment to prepare for the next upswing,” says Chris Barrett, National Sales Manager of Fuwa K-Hitch Australia, who is confident the two projects helped strengthen the company’s standing in the Australian and New Zealand marketplace.
“Joining forces with a company like TATP finally gives Fuwa K-Hitch Australia the ability to truly service the very important NZ market on a national basis, at both OEM and after sales level, which has been our goal for a long time. It’s another building block we added to the foundation our business will continue grow on.”
The feedback Fuwa K-Hitch has since received is indicative of how well recognised the product is – and the growth opportunities that come with recent developments in Australia and New Zealand.
“Fuwa K-Hitch products hold significant market share positions in Asia and Australia, and Fuwa is the largest global producer of axles – by volume – in the world,” says TATP General Manager, Scott Holt. “That’s a strong value proposition to begin with. Unsurprisingly, local NZ stock exchange commentators have recognised this is a tremendous deal for the group.”
According to Scott, TATP is already in discussions with potential customers, “many of whom have seen this outstanding range of products at trade shows in Melbourne and Brisbane, where the Fuwa brand is already recognised as a market leader.”
As such, it’s safe to say Fuwa K-Hitch’s efforts to reinforce its market position in the Asia Pacific region by building strong relationships and investing in product quality are already paying off. “Sometimes it’s the work you do in the background that is most important to the future success of the company,” says Chris.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and money in building a basis that is future-proof to ensure our customers are well-looked after both from a product and service perspective, so we’re incredibly confident about the future.”
Fast Fact: Over the course of 2015, Fuwa K-Hitch has come up with a range of dedicated bulletins that are meant to raise awareness for safety-critical processes – from initial installation all the way through to the obligatory pre-drive check. “We do everything we can to rule out issues from the outset,” says Chris Barrett, National Sales Manager at Fuwa K-Hitch and passionate safety advocate. “Our bulletins are a good way to pass on our knowledge to those using our products in the field.”