Manufacturer of specialised heavy-haul trailers and transportation equipment Talbert Manufacturing president Andy Tanner tells Engineering News that one of the latest trends and technological advances in the trailer and transport industry is the manufacturing of larger equipment.

To increase productivity, the size of machinery has also increased because older bridges cannot accommodate larger trailers, which has subsequently resulted in some operators feeling hampered and, at times, landlocked by this.

“This explains why there is a continuous push for lighter trailers and lower deck heights. Manufacturers are being forced to produce exotic trailers to fit under these bridges, while these bridges maintain a high level of strength; hence, the fight between a trailer with a low deck height and one that still has the strength to haul heavy loads,” says Tanner.

Talbert Manufacturing plans to continue experimenting with lightweight components. “We’re focused on developing designs with the right mix of materials to increase the strength and lower the deck heights,” adds Tanner.

Further, the company notes that the traditional construction market for low- bed heavy-haul trailers is experiencing a period of revival. “When that market fully rebounds, it is likely to hold the greatest growth potential for Talbert Manufacturing,” he says.

Tanner notes that the company is exploring partnerships and other opportunities to further build on some of its strengths.

“We are focusing on expanding our existing markets into Central and South America. Our recent partnership with supplier of used and new equipment Ervin Equipment has real capability to help us grow in those markets. Their current operations in Mexico and Latin America, as well as their expertise in remarketing trailers, will give us a boost in those geographical service areas,” he points out.

Meanwhile, Talbert hired Aaron Hickman, a new controller, in July. He is responsible for maintaining, tracking and reporting the company’s financial data.

Hickman has 15 years of experience in the manufacturing industry and 26 years of accounting-related experience. He was the senior financial analyst at manufacturer of mattresses and bedsprings Sealy Incorpo- rated Components Group, in Rensselaer, Indiana, in the US.

At Sealy, he was responsible for financial reporting, monthly variance analyses, the consolidation of operating budgets for three plants and corporate cost accounting support.

Hickman also served four years in the US Air Force and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana.

He notes that, although there is a significant difference between bedding and heavy- haul trailers and transport equipment, the way financial information is presented is similar.

“A high-quality product produced on the shop floor drives the success of a business,” he says, adding that quality is one of the fundamental principles of the manufacturing sector.

“Aaron brings a solid background and applicable experience to managing Talbert’s financial wellbeing,” says Tanner, noting that Hickman has a strong drive to contribute to the company’s success.

Meanwhile, Hickman tells Engineering News that he is positive about joining the Talbert group. “I was excited about working for a local business that has supported and contributed to the wellbeing of the people in this [Rensselaer] rural community for 54 years,” he says.

Talbert Manufacturing has been building heavy-haul and specialised trailers to rigorous customer specifications since 1938, says Tanner. The Rensselaer-based company offers complete lines of heavy-haul trailers and specialised transport equipment for the commercial, industrial, military and government sectors.

The company’s trailers and equipment are used in applications as diverse as renewable energy, aerospace, heavy construction, in-plant materials handling, manu- facturing and processing systems.