Robin Ratcliffe

Rotorua-based Roadmaster Limited will join Hamilton-based MTE Group as two of New Zealand‘s iconic truck trailer builders combine operations to provide the road transport industry with unrivalled manufacturing scale and leading-edge engineering innovation.

The announcement was made in a joint media statement by the two companies and takes effect from 1 October.

MTE Group founder and chairman Robin Ratcliffe welcomed the move. “This is a logical expansion for MTE and offers the transport industry market-leading general freight trailers under the Roadmaster brand.

“The partnership between MTE and Roadmaster offers the market the best range of trailer options it has ever had, merging MTE‘s Australian expertise and resources with Roadmaster‘s history of technological innovation.”

Roadmaster‘s design director Ross Bell said that under the joint arrangement Roadmaster will continue to operate out of its Rotorua plant, with both he and design director Lyall McGee remaining in their respective roles.

“It is important that Roadmaster‘s clients are guaranteed continuity of service,” he said.

Ross added that Roadmaster‘s staff will benefit from having a wider range of opportunities for career development. “This is a ‘win-win‘ for clients, the market and for all staff.”

Roadmaster began operations in 1991 and is known for producing a wide range of trailers, including its curtain-sided solutions.

Established in 1973, MTE (Modern Transport Engineers) is known for bespoke heavy-haulage trailers (including the largest ever built in New Zealand) and for being one of very few New Zealand trailer builders to successfully operate in the Australian market.