New Zealand’s most comprehensive range of truck bodies and trailers, Fruehauf NZ is dedicated to delivering innovation and outstanding service. Jeff Mear, Managing Director and Owner, tells us more.
A TRUSTED LEADER IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
“From our beginnings in the mid-20th century to our position now as a market leader, the legacy of Fruehauf NZ (Fruehauf) has been built on innovation, reliability, and a commitment to supporting the New Zealand (NZ) transport industry.”
This steadfast and dedicated sentiment, expressed by Fruehauf’s Managing Director and Owner, Jeff Mear, is evident in the company’s central role in the country’s transport and logistics ecosystem.
The largest trailer manufacturer in NZ, Fruehauf’s equipment forms the backbone of many of the nation’s major linehaul, logistics, and primary industry fleets. The company’s heritage stretches back to the 1940s, and today, its products remain trusted for their strength, reliability, and fit-for-purpose design across road networks that demand resilience and performance.
Originally known as Domett Truck and Trailer (Domett), the company worked – despite government restraints limiting trucking firms until the 1980s – to steadily build a reputation for robust engineering and innovative design.
It formed a landmark partnership with Fruehauf USA, gaining access to world-leading designs, patents, and axle and suspension technology. Over the decades, Domett evolved, passing through several ownership structures before being acquired by Mear in 2009.
“That purchase marked the beginning of a new era, rebuilding and reshaping the organisation into a nationally recognised leader,” he prides.
Today, Fruehauf is the country’s largest trailer manufacturer, producing a comprehensive range of linehaul transport equipment, including curtainsider trucks and trailers, B-trains, flat decks, tippers, and livestock units.
The company’s capacity expanded significantly in 2016 when it was selected by Schmitz Cargobull (Schmitz) – Europe’s largest trailer manufacturer – to represent the company’s refrigerated product range in NZ. Fruehauf now stands as one of the largest suppliers of refrigerated trailers nationwide.
“Our commitment to supporting the transport sector goes far beyond manufacturing. We have strategically expanded our national footprint to ensure operators receive consistent, high-quality service and aftermarket support wherever they operate,” dictates Mear.
Additionally, the company continues to invest heavily in innovation, infrastructure, and people – expanding production capabilities, introducing new technologies through its Schmitz partnership, and preparing for the next generation of sustainable transport solutions.
“Our goal is simple – to ensure Fruehauf remains a cornerstone of NZ’s transport industry, delivering the reliability, support, and innovation that keep freight moving every day across the country,” enthuses Mear.
A NATIONALLY RECOGNISED LEADER
Mear is a second-generation trailer builder. Having been inspired by his father, who helped establish Roadmaster Ltd., he was provided with the opportunity to acquire one of the most respected and globally recognised names in the transport industry – Fruehauf.
“Prior to my involvement, the company had endured multiple ownership changes and was struggling to survive. Purchasing Fruehauf marked the beginning of my journey as a self-made owner and set the foundation for rebuilding the brand,” he reflects.
“Through years of investment, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality and service, Fruehauf is NZ’s largest trailer manufacturer and a trusted leader in the transport industry.”
The company operates four sites across the country, employing 160 people.
One such site is the Auckland head office, which provides aftermarket support, refrigerated trailer construction, truck assemblies, and specialist trailer builds. Additionally, its Feilding manufacturing facility is the primary production site, soon transitioning into a 7,500 square metre (sqm) facility that will enable greater efficiency, capacity, and growth.
What serves to differentiate Fruehauf is its customer partnership philosophy. The company works directly with operators – large and small – to understand their freight tasks, challenges, and development plans.
“Our aim isn’t just to build trailers; it’s to build long-term relationships, improve productivity, and support the evolution of NZ’s transport industry,” expands Mear.
“Through years of investment, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality and service, Fruehauf is NZ’s largest trailer manufacturer and a trusted leader in the transport industry”
Jeff Mear, Managing Director and Owner, Fruehauf NZ
A CORNERSTONE OF NZ TRANSPORT
Over the course of the past five years, Fruehauf has achieved the monumental task of increasing its manufacturing efficiency by 58 percent.
This has been the result of a deliberate, multi-year transformation of its production systems, leadership structure, and factory workflows.
“Rather than relying on a single initiative, we pursued a holistic strategy that addressed people, processes, technology, and site capability,” expands Mear.
Key elements of this achievement included restructuring the company’s manufacturing leadership; standardising processes and introducing repeatable build systems; investing in technology and plant upgrades; strengthening quality control; investing in its people and building a stronger workforce culture; improving planning and interdepartmental alignment; and expanding and optimising its national footprint.
Specifically, for the restructuring of Fruehauf’s manufacturing leadership, the company introduced a stronger operational framework by appointing a General Manager of Manufacturing, refining supervisory roles, and establishing clear accountability at every stage of the production cycle.
“This leadership clarity has driven consistency, ownership, and day-to-day discipline on the factory floor,” explains Mear.
In addition to these steps taken to increase efficiency, Fruehauf is engaging in one of the most significant investments in NZ’s trailer manufacturing history – constructing a state-of-the-art, 7,500 sqm manufacturing plant at its Feilding site, set to open in 2027.
The plant will deliver advanced fabrication and assembly lines, robotic and automated manufacturing capabilities, dedicated paint booths and blast facilities, improved material flow and production performance, and greater energy efficiency, solar integration, and environmentally conscious design.
“This facility will dramatically increase capacity, reduce build times, and support the next generation of innovation for NZ transport operators,” prides Mear.
Alongside physical expansion, the company is actively investing in its workforce. This includes healthy living and financial well-being programmes, training academies and apprenticeships, leadership development and internal promotion pathways, improved safety systems and new quality control (QC) structures, and engagement initiatives that improve communication, culture, and retention.
“Our people are the backbone of Fruehauf, and investing in them is essential to both productivity and long-term industry leadership,” asserts Mear.
“Our aim isn’t just to build trailers; it’s to build long-term relationships, improve productivity, and support the evolution of NZ’s transport industry”
Jeff Mear, Managing Director and Owner, Fruehauf NZ
GREAT TRAILERS BUILT BY GREAT PEOPLE
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is deeply embedded in Fruehauf’s culture and strategy.
“As a key player in the transport industry, we see it as our responsibility to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for NZ,” details Mear.
The company’s sustainability efforts focus on reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and supporting the country’s decarbonisation goals. Key initiatives include designing more fuel-efficient trailers, developing power-generating axles and electrification, partnering with Schmitz for sustainable refrigeration, manufacturing upgrades for energy efficiency, adopting responsible manufacturing practices, and engaging in community leadership and charity impact.
“Beyond environmental responsibility, we also contribute socially through major charitable programmes led via the Freemasons Charity, supporting families, youth, medical research, and national community initiatives,” further describes Mear.
As the company looks ahead, 2026 is pivotal, with several strategic priorities in motion.
The first is the completion and transition to the new Feilding manufacturing facility, which will significantly expand production capability, support new technologies, and improve workflow efficiency. A primary focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and optimising the new plant from day one.
The next step will comprise strengthening national aftermarket support with the aim of further integrating and enhancing nationwide servicing capability, reducing customer downtimes, and improving lifecycle support. Furthermore, Fruehauf will focus on advancing its sustainability and innovation programmes alongside its workforce development.
Finally, the company is highlighting its push towards continued revenue growth and diversification.
“Our focus remains on lifting production, growing refrigerated trailer market share, and exploring complementary product lines and services that strengthen our position as NZ’s leading trailer manufacturer,” proudly concludes Mear.
