DGAP-News: SAF-Holland SA

SAF-HOLLAND expands in China: Receives major order for axle and suspension systems and invests in new production center
 

Luxembourg, January 8, 2018 - SAF-HOLLAND, Europe's largest listed independent commercial vehicle supplier, received a milestone order from the Chinese transportation vehicle and trailer manufacturer Changjiu as SAF-HOLLAND continues its expansion in this region.
Major order from Changjiu
Changjiu Special Vehicle Group, a leading manufacturer of trailers for transporting vehicles, will now equip its semi-trailers with axle and suspension systems from SAF-HOLLAND using special low loader axle systems equipped with the SAF MODUL air suspension system. This system is unique in its versatility and number of combination options. The delivery agreement covers a period of five years with delivery of the first systems already underway. Sales of around EUR 15 million are expected in 2018 under this agreement.
 

Legislation is driving demand for modern disc brake and air suspension technology
The main driver of the strong demand for weight-reduced truck and trailer components in China is the restrictions on the total weight permitted for vehicles and truck and trailer combinations, which were introduced in September 2016 (GB 1589). This has sparked increasing customer interest in more sophisticated, weight-saving systems, such as those offered by SAF-HOLLAND.
 

At the same time, dimension limits and loading regulations introduced for the vehicle transportation segment came into effect, which has led to a significant reduction in the number of transportable vehicles per semi-trailer. As a result, experts assume that it will be necessary to expand existing transportation capacity in this segment by 20% to 40%.
 

In addition, the new GB 7258 regulation, which will take effect in stages, prescribes the use of disc brakes and air suspensions for all trucks and trailers transporting dangerous goods for safety reasons. Consequently, vehicles in this category will be required to use disc brake technology starting in January 2019 and, additionally, air suspension systems as of the year 2020. As a specialist in this field, SAF-HOLLAND therefore expects to see favorable opportunities for further sales and earnings growth in China.
 

New production center in the Yangtze delta region
SAF-HOLLAND Group is significantly expanding its production capacity in China to realize the region's strong expected organic growth in the years ahead, particularly for modern trailer axle and suspension systems. Therefore, the Group plans to increase investment in 2018 and spend a high single-digit million euro amount in 2018 in a new central production center with manufacturing space of around 30,000 m². The center is scheduled to commence operations already in the first half of 2019. After sales of around EUR 40 million in China in 2016, SAF-HOLLAND plans to nearly triple its sales in the region to well above EUR 100 million by 2020.
 

CFO Dr Matthias Heiden sees China as one of the most important growth markets for the transportation industry adding: "With this milestone contract and our greenfield investment, we are laying the groundwork for our company's long-term and profitable growth in this region."
 

"As a result of the new legislation, we expect demand for new trucks and trailers in China to remain high in the years ahead, especially for the transportation of dangerous goods and vehicles. In order to fulfill the legal requirements, components must meet stringent quality and safety requirements. The premium segment, where SAF-HOLLAND is well positioned with its product portfolio and years of expertise, stands to benefit the most from these requirements. By investing in a centralized, highly efficient production center in the region, we are preparing for our future growth and are implementing one of the core building blocks of our 2020 Strategy, while improving our cost structure in the region at the same time," explains SAF-HOLLAND CEO Detlef Borghardt in his comments on the expansion plans in China.

 

About SAF-HOLLAND:
SAF-HOLLAND S.A., located in Luxembourg, is the largest independent listed supplier to the commercial vehicle market in Europe delivering mainly to the trailer markets. With sales of approximately EUR 1,042 million in 2016, the Company is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of chassis-related systems and components primarily for trailers, trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles. The product range comprises axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, kingpins, and landing gear marketed under the brands SAF, HOLLAND and Neway. SAF-HOLLAND sells its products to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on six continents. The Group's Aftermarket business supplies spare parts to the service networks of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OES), as well as to end customers and service centers through its extensive global distribution network. SAF-HOLLAND is one of the few suppliers in the truck and trailer industry that is internationally positioned in almost all markets worldwide. With the innovation campaign "SMART STEEL - ENGINEER BUILD CONNECT," SAF-HOLLAND combines mechanics with sensors and electronics and drives the digital networking of commercial vehicles and logistics chains. A total of 3,500 committed employees worldwide are already working today on the future of the transportation industry.