The Drake Group

THE ROAD TO REVOLUTIONARY INNOVATION

Australian trailer company

The Drake Group has emerged as a significant force within the country’s transport, logistics, and heavy haulage industry, providing high-quality and wide-ranging products and services. Reid Ossington, CEO, shares more about the company’s steady growth and its aspirations for the future

THE ROAD TO REVOLUTIONARY INNOVATION

As an Australian-owned, family-run trailer company offering a diverse range of high-quality products and services, The Drake Group (Drake) caters to a range of industries, including general transport, logistics, and heavy haulage.

Having steadily expanded its portfolio over the past 50 years, including a significant rebranding from Drake Trailers to The Drake Group, the company has unified several well-known vehicle manufacturing and

transportation brands under one banner.

“Our core brands include Drake Trailers, O’Phee Trailers, Drake Collectibles, and Dalzell & Bagley Engineering. Additionally, we are proud partners for BoxLoader and Swinglift,” introduces Reid Ossington, CEO.

The company’s comprehensive service division comprises Drake Service and Repairs, Drake Parts and Parts Exchange, Drake Rental, and Drake Used Trailers. Each reflects the company’s commitment to offering

“WE ARE EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH BOTH ORGANICALLY AND INORGANICALLY FOR ALL OF OUR BUSINESS UNITS”

– REID OSSINGTON, CEO, THE DRAKE GROUP

end-to-end solutions and being a onestop shop for all manner of customer requirements.

“Our client base ranges from corporate entities to owner-operators, with notable clients such as Centurion Transport, Bower’s Heavy Haulage, Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire, Land Transport, and Wemyss Transport,” Ossington divulges.

With a strong, established presence across Australia, Drake manufactures in Brisbane and has established service and parts branches in Brisbane and Perth.

Since its inception in 1958, Drake has continuously evolved

by embracing technological advancements, expanding its product range, prioritising customer satisfaction, and delivering excellence.

“This evolution has been guided by our dedicated leadership team, including Managing Director, John Drake; Directors, Sam Drake and Maggie Nilson, and myself as CEO,” Ossington comments.

As Drake’s Managing Director, John seeks to provide freedom and guidance for the younger leadership to elevate the business to the next level.

“As a company, we hope to grow organically whilst upholding the

historical, foundational values of quality, adaptability, service, and excellence that were established by John’s father, Colin Drake, over 65 years ago,” he reflects.

However, the company’s journey to excellence has by no means been without its challenges.

“There is always market competition, regulatory requirements, and the need for continuous improvement in efficiency and sustainability.”

In addition, inflationary pressures emphasise prioritising high-quality products that provide substantial value to customers.

Despite considerable obstacles, Drake remains enthusiastic about the opportunities for growth and innovation across its business units.

“A level of adversity drives us to stay at the forefront of innovation whilst delivering exceptional solutions to meet the evolving needs of our industry and customers,” Ossington enthuses.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TRAILER MANUFACTURERS

Boasting advanced trailer manufacturing processes that have been carefully honed over a number of years, with a strong focus on highgrade materials, Drake is able to offer clients unmatched quality.

The majority of Drake’s steel is cut by a trusted partner and welded with state-of-the-art machinery, offering consistency in durability, strength, and quality, ensuring the company has a technically competitive edge.

Drake’s dedication to quality is also reflected in its robust Service, Repairs, and Spare Parts Divisions, all of which guarantee enhanced service and reliability throughout the trailer ownership experience and lifespan of each trailer.

As a business that has grown organically from a source of passion, hard work, and customisation, Drake will always place an emphasis on quality. As the company continues to evolve, however, Ossington and the team recognise the need to adapt.

A TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS

WHEELS AND TYRES MADE IN THE WORLD, SUPPLIED BY FINDLAY.WORLD

A family company limited by principles, not borders

Wholly owned by Neil and Marlene Findlay, Findlay Import & Trade (Findlay) has carved out an enviable reputation as a business whose DNA goes deep into regional and rural Australia. Business and entrepreneurship is in their blood. “Our families and forebears ran livestock, were logging and earthmoving contractors, and grain and cotton growers, and trucks were always a part of that” the pair explain.

For over 30 years, the duo owned and operated a successful road transport business. Under the Findlay Bulk Services flag, the company handled and carried bulk raw materials for the food sector across 4,000 km of Eastern Australia, stretching from South Australia right through to Far North Queensland. “For many years, if you ate a chicken on the East Coast, odds are we delivered the protein for that.

“We were innovators in our field and produced many industry firsts in technology and equipment design over the decades we operated. Many of these innovations are now industry standards.”

Through the years, Findlay won multiple industry and government awards for industry excellence, training, performance, and innovation, often repeatedly, in consecutive years.

The company’s commitment to industry wellbeing has led to Directorships of NatRoad, The Australian Trucking Association, Chair of the national industry accreditation body, TruckSafe, Chair of the Queensland Transport & Logistics Council and Deputy Chair of the National Performance Based Standards (PBS) programme. “None of this, would have been possible without the commitment, dedication, and loyalty of our amazing team of people over the years. They were excellent, and of course, it is hard to deliver excellence and be as successful, as we were, without having a suite of quality clients who we thank as well.”

For decades, Findlay Bulk Services relied upon the quality products and support of its suppliers, embracing strong, ‘customer-for-life’ relationships with key suppliers and customers, a philosophy Findlay has carried forward.

You can buy dearer, but you can’t buy better™

Today, Findlay is part of the modern supply chain, linking global manufacturers to their markets for truck wheels and tyres.

The company’s lifetime of experience in the trucking industry as owners, operators and now suppliers, has given them a unique insight into managing efficient and cost effective supply chains.

Findlay now import and distribute truck wheels from their Brisbane base, stocking over 40 distinct wheel profiles -

painted, polished, and chrome finish to meet diverse market requirements. Proven product performance and durability deliver consistent value to large and small customers alike.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Allied to this, the company stocks multiple brands and sizes of heavy vehicle tyres from around the world, meeting diverse customer specifications, and maintains a full fitting service for fleets and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) alike.

Findlay owns and operates the website ‘Used Trailers.com.au’. This is a comprehensive marketplace tool being developped for new and used trailers of all types.

Elsewhere, Findlay maintains a firm commitment to both preserving and protecting our environment, and cost containment, as the

company currently produces nearly 60 percent of the electricity used across its sites.

Neil is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has spoken publicly on platforms across Australia and globally on industry, productivity, safety, and motivational themes.

Findlay, through its domain Findlay.World is an extension of its successful business and community activities over the last 50 years:

“Made in the World, supplied by Findlay.World”

Findlay Import & Trade, a proud supplier to The Drake Group.

+61 7 3831 1300 |

www.findlay.world

neil@findlay.world | solutions@findlay.world

DRAKE’S FULL RANGE OF TRAILERS - AT A GLANCE

DRAKE LOW LOADERS

• AG Widener Low Loader

• Custom Trailers

• Deck Widener Low Loader

• Low Loader Dolly

• Forklift Trailer

• Full Widener Low Loader Trailer

• Full Widener Low Loader Rear Steer

• Mine Site Low Loader

• Steerable Extendable

• Steerable Full Modular

• Steering Widener

• Swingwide Low Loader

• Swinging Low Loader

• Telescopic Steerable

O’PHEE TRAILERS

• Curtainsider Trailer

• Custom and Special projects

• Dollies

• Dropdeck

• Drop Deck Widener

• Flattop

• Retract-X

• Retractable Skeletal

• Skeletal

• Swinglift Inline Leg Over

“We are bigger now, with more people, products, and complexities in our processes. Therefore, we need to change,” he confirms.

Drake plans to initiate this change through its Lean Journey, which includes removing waste from trailer manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and become more sustainable, whilst ensuring quality is maintained.

“We also place a much bigger emphasis on our company culture, internal customer service, safety practices, communication, and efficiencies, all of which contribute to a high-quality end product.”

In addition, Drake is actively investing in its estate and infrastructure for improved flow, and most importantly, its people through leadership training, coaching, and creating aligned operational plans for the company’s future.

PROJECT INNOVATIONS

Drake’s latest innovation is the world-first O’Phee ‘London’ Double

Stack Container Super B Double SKEL Combination. The trailer not only perfectly embodies Drake’s core values of quality design and high-grade materials but has earned the company the prestigious 2023 Product Innovation Award at the HVIA National Awards.

“This national recognition underscores the groundbreaking nature and impact of our innovation in the transport manufacturing industry,” Ossington prides.

The novel double stack design operates exclusively at container ports and features a fully Australiancompliant load restraint system, which is capable of carrying up to 12 empty 20-foot (ft) containers at a time or four 40 ft containers.

Offering a remarkable 200 percent increase in productivity and efficiency compared to existing Super B Double combinations, the technology significantly reduces the number of vehicle movements needed to transport containers.

Engineering your road to success

SAF-HOLLAND is a global supplier to the commercial vehicle industry. With numerous locations on all continents, we primarily produce and supply suspension systems and components to the truck and trailer industry.

“WE HAVE CUSTOMERS WITH TRAILERS THAT THEY BOUGHT DECADES AGO, WHICH ARE AS RELIABLE TODAY AS WHEN THEY LEFT THE FACTORY”

– REID OSSINGTON, CEO, THE DRAKE GROUP

“This not only boosts productivity and efficiency but also enhances safety for drivers and road users while contributing to emissions reduction,” he elaborates.

The success of the ‘London’ design is a testament to Drake’s collaborative approach and its commitment to listening to its customers.

“By understanding their needs and challenges, we were able to develop a truly innovative solution,” Ossington continues.

This collective effort highlights Drake’s dedication to delivering valuedriven transport solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations.

Built on the strong foundations of quality, reliability, service, and ethical practices, O’Phee Trailers’ values align closely with Drake’s ability to offer reliability, excellent customer service, and true Australian craftsmanship to the transport industry.

SUPPLYING EXCELLENCE TO CUSTOMERS

Drake’s client group hails from a

broad range of market sectors. As such, the company prides itself on its ability to listen to each customer and, in turn, fine-tune their trailers to suit individual requirements.

From length, width, and tare weight, through to paint, lighting, and tyre brands, Drake’s customers can personalise every build in any way.

The company’s unwavering commitment to building what the customer wants is continued in its ability to create an underlying toughness in its trailers that no other manufacturer can replicate.

“We have customers with trailers that they bought decades ago, which are as reliable today as when they left the factory,” Ossington comments.

With an ambition to be the preferred solutions provider in each of the markets it serves, Drake combines manufacturing techniques with a keen understanding of its customers’ needs, to ensure that it can deliver superior products and solutions.

In addition, a dedication to customer care and end-to-end

support epitomises the company’s ability to prioritise the customer in every way possible.

“What truly differentiates us is our holistic approach to customer care, where we go beyond just selling trailers to providing transport solutions and ongoing support. We even offer diecast collectible models of our customers truck and trailer combinations, and these are purchased from all over the world,” Ossington states.

“Whether a 1/50th scale model or a 10 row steerable, we are committed to quality and excellence in everything we do.”

A comprehensive approach to customer satisfaction grounded in Drake’s core values establishes longterm partnerships with customers, whilst ensuring that each trailer consistently performs at its best.

However, Drake would be unable to achieve such comprehensive customer satisfaction without a robust network of trustworthy partners and suppliers.

Universal

Universal Bearing Company is an Australian family-owned business, and since our humble beginnings in 1990 we have grown substantially to an Australia-wide enterprise.

It is our privilege to work alongside the Drake Group since 2019 – an innovative company that sets the standard for reliability, strength, and endurance with their high quality transport equipment.

We are one of the largest independently owned importers and wholesalers of bearings and power transmission products in the country; and we also service New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. We cater to both the distributor market and manufacturers of all sizes, ensuring a comprehensive supply chain that meets the diverse needs of our customers.

Our team comprises of scientists, engineers, metallurgists, and experts in bearings and power transmission, who are dedicated to offering tailored advice on bearing selection, pulley system designs, sealing solutions, and more. With our knowledge and experience combined with our direct access to bearing manufacturers, we excel in providing innovative solutions that save both time and money for our valued customers. We are ready to tackle any bearing or mechanical challenges with enthusiasm and expertise.

As official distributors of premium brands such as LS, Nachi, Timken, ZWZ and Donghua, we maintain a comprehensive inventory that exceeds $10 million and boasts over 20,000 items. Our commitment to quality ensures that every product is genuine and competitively priced.

Our warehouses are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to ensure we reach the market locally. Our branches are staffed by a team of professionals with decades of industry experience. Friendly, reliable, and great service is the hallmark of Universal Bearing Company. Almost all orders received are processed and dispatched on the same day on overnight services to minimize delay.

We believe in fostering long-term partnerships built on trust, reliability, and mutual success. As a trusted supplier, we welcome collaboration with businesses looking to streamline their supply chain and enhance their competitive edge. Partner with us to access a comprehensive range of products, reliable logistics, and unparalleled support to drive your business forward.

Experience the quality and service of Universal Bearing Company today. Contact us and discover how we can elevate your industry with our extensive range of bearings and associated products.

MAJOR BRANDS

Perth warehouse

Sydney warehouse

“In terms of our suppliers, we need quality products delivered on time to keep our manufacturing flowing. We also need those products to perform as designed, and to endure in the tough environments where our trailers operate,” Ossington divulges.

Thus, excellence is part of the Drake DNA and, as such, the company expects excellence from each and every one of its suppliers.

“The suppliers we have remained with over the years, whether local or overseas, are the ones that truly understand our expectations on quality and excellence,” Ossington asserts.

AN INSPIRED EMPLOYER

The staff at Drake are viewed as integral family members.

“We have long-term employees who are the custodians of the Drake heritage, whilst bringing in fresh talent allows us to challenge the status quo,” Ossington imparts.

As a proud Australian-made trailer manufacturer, the company has a vested interest in cultivating homegrown talent and a proud reputation for employee retention.

In addition, Drake believes that recruiting widely and onboarding a new generation of staff can offer the company insights from other industries and markets, enabling continued improvement.

Drake proudly offers its employees

a varied, challenging, and rewarding working environment with plenty of room for growth and career advancement.

Recently, the company has embarked on a journey to implement individual development programmes for its staff. It is hoped that, by creating a supportive work culture, the overall environment will foster teamwork and professional growth.

“I’m a true believer in the team; that’s where we win, when individuals put their colleagues before themselves for the greater good of the team.”

Furthermore, Ossington believes that every employee has a role to play in Drake’s success.

“My team will tell you that I often talk about having “no tourists” in the business. Therefore, my expectation of my leaders is high; I expect excellence, professionalism, and employees who are always looking to work smarter so our customers can benefit,” he explains.

In this way, Drake employees, especially those in leadership roles,

“WE HAVE LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES WHO ARE THE CUSTODIANS OF THE DRAKE HERITAGE, WHILST BRINGING IN FRESH TALENT ALLOWS US TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO”

– REID OSSINGTON, CEO, THE DRAKE GROUP

are awarded with opportunities to experiment, take risks, be challenged, and grow personally.

“I then expect my leaders to cascade that thinking to their own teams, ultimately unlocking the potential in all our staff.”

Ultimately, Drake’s work across Australia helps to keep the country running and shape the landscapes of the transport, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure industries –none of this would be possible without its strong and reputable staff base.

MAKING INROADS FOR THE FUTURE

Having experienced exponential growth and success since its inception, Drake has several priorities that it hopes will continue its expansion.

Firstly, the company has recently undergone a significant restructuring of its staffing and operations, which will drive more efficiency in company processes and provide opportunities for talented individuals to shine.

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Driven by continual innovation our team has a deep understanding of hydraulic equipment. For over 60 years we have designed and built tens of thousands of hydraulic cylinders.

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DRAKE BRANDS AND DIVISIONS

CORE BRANDS

• Drake Trailers – Focusing on strong materials and robust engineering, Drake Trailers offers long-term efficiency, safety, and rock-solid reliability.

• O’Phee Trailers – A pioneering force in the world of semi-trailers, O’Phee is a brand built on values of quality, reliability, and service. Drake acquired O’Phee in 2015.

• Drake Collectibles – Introduced in 2009, Drake Collectibles responded to demand from avid diecast collectors and today is recognised as a major contributor to the worldwide collectible market.

• Dalzell & Bagley Engineering – Creating new engineering drawings or 3D models from customers’ raw ideas, the company’s engineering expertise provides peace of mind.

AGENCY BRANDS

• BoxLoader – Industrial commercial partners of Drake since 2011, BoxLoader is a leader in the side-lifter industry, providing point-to-point transportation solutions.

• Swinglift – Having partnered with Drake in 2019, Swinglift designs container side-loaders that boast significant tare weight savings through a lighter, stronger crane design.

SPECIALIST SERVICE DIVISIONS

• Drake Service and Repairs – Two fully equipped workshops in Brisbane and Perth are dedicated to servicing and repairing all makes of transport equipment.

• Drake Parts – Stocks high-quality spare parts for trailers manufactured by Drake Trailers, O’Phee Trailers, and BoxLoader.

• Drake Engineering Services – Equipped to meet every engineering need, the division is experienced in heavy and specialised vehicle swept path analysis, route swept path simulation, and trailer load engineering.

As an equal opportunity employer, Drake believes that diversity contributes to strengthening and differentiating its team. In this way, the company seeks to employ those with a great skillset, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence, no matter their background.

Beyond merely providing haulage solutions to its customers, Drake is also exploring opportunities in advanced technologies that could enhance or add value to the trailers pulled by prime movers.

“We are investing in technologies that will allow us to become even more efficient, whilst getting us closer to our customers and providing improved, optimised services,” Ossington reveals.

“We are looking at different solutions to reduce weight and leverage Industry 4.0 in our manufacturing processes to improve efficiency.”

These opportunities span across all Drake business units, and as such, efficiency and technological advancements emerge as top priorities going forward.

“We are exploring opportunities for growth both organically and inorganically for all of our business units,” Ossington continues.

“If those growth opportunities align with our core beliefs and strengths, then we are confident of being able to add more value for our customers,” he concludes.

Tel: (07) 3271 5888

sales@thedrakegroup.com.au

www.thedrakegroup.com.au/

THE DRAKE GROUP

Tel: (07) 3271 5888

sales@thedrakegroup.com.au

www.thedrakegroup.com.au/