RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment

LUCAR Cargo Van has been making

refrigerated trailers and vans from its two

Melbourne premises since being founded by

Donald Gray in the 1960s. The Gray family

is still very much involved in the day-to-

day operations at LUCAR – you can’t put a

price on that amount of knowledge based

on years of experience in the Australian

market – and after all this time they maintain

their belief in the importance of giving the

customer what they want.

“We have developed strong working

relationships with our customers and are

flexible enough to be able to listen to them

and include anything they need in the end

design. Our customers know what works

and what doesn’t,” says Alex Allen, LUCAR’s

newly appointed CEO.

“We work very closely with our customers,

talking with them, going out to their

premises and watching them load and

unload, discussing regulations and future

directions of the industry. We basically live

in their world before designing what they

need.”

With the bottom line becoming even more

important in 2009, Alex says that customers

are increasingly building on their demands,

so that whatever they buy from LUCAR, be

it a van, an A–B combination or a road train,

it has to last the distance. In the case of

LUCAR trailers, that means anywhere from

15 to 20 years.

“Everything we manufacture is rigorously

tested before it leaves the yard and

Australia’s tough roads really put them to

the test, not to mention the wide range of

temperatures they have to operate in all over

the country. But a LUCAR trailer can survive

everything that is thrown at it,” Alex says.

LUCAR’s two Melbourne factories are

located in the northern suburb of Reservoir.

The main facility houses the production of

the finished product, while the second is

a specialised workshop for manufacturing

and treating panels. LUCAR uses its long

history in the business – again, the priceless

continuity offered by the Gray family – to

source the best raw materials from both

overseas and Australia.

“We have a large network of overseas

contacts, particularly in Europe, but also

Ask Anyone At LUCAR foR the seCRet behind the CompAny’s Longevity And ongoing sUCCess in A veRy Competitive indUstRy And they’LL teLL yoU thAt it’s ALL pRetty simpLe: Listen to the CUstomeR.

LUCAR’s secret to success

Trailer Magazine march 0928 www.trailermag.com.au 29

in the US,” Alex explains. “We attend

Australian and international shows or if we

can’t make a particular show, we ensure we

talk to our suppliers who attended to learn

about the latest product developments.

“It’s important to understand how the

industry is going to evolve, in terms of

regulation, customer needs and new

technology, all without risking everything

we know as being tried and tested. This is

LUCAR’s approach to the industry.”

The LUCAR team

LUCAR’s staff is comprised of around 30

people, many long-term employees, all

with a passion for designing and building

the best possible trailers. A core team of

in-house designers and production managers

is supported by experienced manufacturing

staff producing their wide range of

refrigerated bodies.

The LUCAR name can be found on standard

12 pallet A-Trailer/22 pallet B-Trailer full

freezer combinations or, as mentioned,

any specification the customer wants.

Market-leading chillers such as Carrier and

ThermoKing allow the full freezer bodies

to drop as low as -30, while fridge/freezer

combinations are another speciality.

Turn around time for major stock items

is usually in the area of two weeks, with

more customised designs taking three or

four weeks.

And just to make things even easier for

customers, LUCAR can also help out with

finance options.

“While we do offer a small range of short-

term rentals, LUCAR is primarily about

manufacturing and selling trailers of the

highest quality to our customers,” Alex says.

“We also have key financing partner

companies for those customers who want

to look at this option – all you have to do is

ask us!”

ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au

LUCAR Trailers feature full length high tensile chassis for superior strength and handling

LUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd295 – 301 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Email: enquiries@lucar.com.auwww.lucar.com.au

Take advantage of the Government Investment Allowance

Specialists in Refrigerated Road Transport Equipment

ALL mAjoR modELS AVAiLAbLE •PalletA-trailer&TAGtrailersinfullfreezer

double stack configuration

•RoadTrain&drive-thruB-Doublecombinations

•Trailersbuilttoyourspecifications

•Largeselectionoftrailersinstockatalltimes

LUCAR uses its long history in the business to source the best raw materials from both overseas and Australia for its panels.

Donald Gray, founder of LUCAR Cargo Van.

NEWS

Trailer Magazine april 0918

LUCAR Trailers feature full length high tensile chassis for superior strength and handling

LUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd295 – 301 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Email: enquiries@lucar.com.auwww.lucar.com.au

Take advantage of the Government Investment Allowance

Specialists in Refrigerated Road Transport Equipment

ALL mAjoR modELS AVAiLAbLE •PalletA-trailer&TAGtrailersinfullfreezer

double stack configuration

•RoadTrain&drive-thruB-Doublecombinations

•Trailersbuilttoyourspecifications

•Largeselectionoftrailersinstockatalltimes

LUCAR aids industry with unique fridge panelsMelbourne refrigerated body builder LUCAR Cargo Van is aiding

transport operators looking to reduce fuel and other running costs

with its unique panels.

LUCAR’s purpose-designed panels incorporate a very high performing

structural insulation foam that is closed-cell, fire retardant and water

resistant. The foam is specially designed for the Transport Industry and

is found in trailers running right across the world.

Because of the density and

non-porous properties of

this structural foam used by

LUCAR in the construction of

its trailer bodies, operators

are finding that their fridges

are running at the required

temperature consistently for

a lot longer than previously

experienced.

“We know that this

performance factor is

essential when trying to bring

down our customers’ fuel

and consumption costs, and

also that this reduces carbon

emissions that are damaging

to the environment,” said

Alex Allen, LUCAR’s CEO.

“Here at LUCAR we care about the world we are in and that’s why

we would possibly be the ‘greenest’ Refrigerated Road Transport

Trailer manufacturer in Australia. Our vans are able to stay cooler for

longer and efficiently perform year-on-year in the harsh Aussie road

conditions.

“So it definitely pays to go green when looking at your trailer fleet –

another great reason to buy a LUCAR!”

proudly sponsored by...TrAIler buIlder oF THe MonTH

Trailer Magazine april 1084 www.trailermag.com.au 85

Established By Donald E. Gray in 1960, LUCAR

Cargo Van has remained family owned and

operated. Now operating out of its 5000

square metre factory in Reservoir, LUCAR

Cargo Van builds a wide range of freezer, chiller

and dry freight trailer bodies with the flexibility

to custom build to customer specifications.

During LUCAR ’s early days, it manufactured

a range of smaller bodies to suit the needs of

various tradesmen, from insulated milk delivery

vans to small removalist vans. When LUCAR

moved to its larger premises, it began building

much larger van bodies for several well-

known Australian companies such as Ansett

Wridgeways, Hertz, Budget, TNT and Grace

Bros.

Today, LUCAR specialises in refrigerated

trailers that are built to suit the Australian

climate and its unforgiving roads. This ongoing

commitment has led LUCAR to label each of its

trailers ‘the van for Australian conditions’.

Each year, LUCAR builds an average of up to

80 new vans for customers all over Australia.

Some of its most popular models include 22

and 24 pallet rear trailers, 10 and 12 pallet

lead trailers, double stacker trailers and multi-

temperature trailers. These trailers are used in

a range of industries including fresh produce,

food and beverage and general freight.

All LUCAR trailers feature a full length high

tensile chassis. LUCAR claims that this chassis

is the backbone of its trailers, providing the

strength for its super lightweight jumbo vans

– an original design that has continued to be

produced throughout the company’s 50 year

heritage.

LUCAR has a dedicated panel factory that

manufactures customised fibreglass reinforced

panels to suit varying needs and applications.

Available in various thicknesses, each panel is

constructed of woven reinforced fibreglass,

a foam core and gel coat finish which also

offers UV protection from the harsh Australian

sun. This construction offers a lightweight

and extremely durable finish with the added

benefit of being able to flex, thus eliminating

the chance of cracking. As the trailer is

so lightweight, payloads are dramatically

increased. Due to the exceptional quality of

these reinforced fibreglass panels, LUCAR ’s

refrigerated trailers can hold temperatures as

low as -30ºC with ease, making them more

fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

As well, the use of fibreglass instead of steel

or aluminium eliminates the chance of rust

throughout the life of the trailer. This also

means that the panels do not need to be

painted.

LUCAR offers a comprehensive repairs service

with quick turnaround times. Replacement

trailer options are available to ensure businesses

are not disrupted. LUCAR ’s trailer rental

division provides both long and short term

trailer rental options. In addition, LUCAR has

spray booth facilities for hire in its new Tru Flow

Spray Booth located at the factory site.

As every unit produced by LUCAR is numbered

and replacement parts are catalogued, if any

part of the van is damaged, the section can

be replaced with a factory prepared identical

as was used in the original build, thus greatly

reducing any downtime. LUCAR has authorised

repairers located in every state in Australia.

To help celebrate its 50 years of operation and

as a testament to the longevity of its trailers,

LUCAR is currently searching for the oldest

LUCAR trailer still in active operation. LUCAR

is urging all owners of original working LUCAR

trailers to contact the company by the end of

May with the winner to be announced 30 June

2010. The owner of the winning trailer will

receive a $5000 professional spray booth paint

service.

ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au

TRAILER BUILDER OF THE MONTH

Braking and Stability...

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No ReturnA 5225

21

kmTrailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) take the guesswork and risk out of challenging driving conditions.

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The most future packed system to be seen on the Australian market.

• Extendedvoltagerangeof8–32volts• Dualloadsensingfunction,automaticallydetectingifEBSorABSprimemover

• TiltAnglesafetyfeatureforTipperoperation• Easyinstallationandmaintenance

TRAILER BUILDER OF THE MONTH

Braking and Stability...

...Testing to Extremes

No ReturnA 5225

21

kmTrailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) take the guesswork and risk out of challenging driving conditions.

www.knorr-bremsecvs.com

The most future packed system to be seen on the Australian market.

• Extendedvoltagerangeof8–32volts• Dualloadsensingfunction,automaticallydetectingifEBSorABSprimemover

• TiltAnglesafetyfeatureforTipperoperation• Easyinstallationandmaintenance

50 years and going strongFrom its early days spent manuFacturing trailer bodies in a small garage in collingwood, melbourne, lucar cargo Van has grown to become a well-respected reFrigerated and dry Freight trailer manuFacturer, with each and eVery one oF its trailers built to tackle all that australia has to oFFer.

That’s entertainmentEntErtainmEnt industry EquipmEnt movEmEnt spEcialist, showfrEight, has built a strong rEputation in logistic planning and frEight forwarding for livE EvEnts around thE country and throughout thE world. for many yEars, showfrEight has rEliEd hEavily on trailing EquipmEnt built by lucar cargo van, and thE company has just takEn dElivEry of Eight nEw 48ft jumbo dry frEight vans as part of a largE ongoing ordEr.

Showfreight, a division of Show Group,

specialises in carting lighting, sound, video

and stage equipment (and everything

in between) for local and international

touring acts, as well as conducting

courier movements for the film, sport and

corporate markets.

When there is a live event to be held, there

are no second chances. Freight movements

need to be carried out on time, every time

– and Showfreight ensures this is always the

case through the use of carefully selected

professional operators combined with quality

equipment that is built to go the distance.

The Showfreight fleet is comprised of

almost 40 trailers, most of which have been

built by LUCAR Cargo Van.

Showfreight’s National Freight Manager,

John Kline has experience in show

movements dating back over 25 years;

and he and the company have had a long

association with LUCAR Cargo Van and its

founder, Donald E. Gray. “For 30 odd years,

Showfreight has been purchasing trailers

through LUCAR Cargo Van,” says John.

“There are still trailers operating in the fleet

that Don built for us almost 25 years ago.

We have a few 45ft drop deck trailers, as

well as a 41ft trailer still in use. While these

trailers aren’t being used quite as much as

they used to be, they are still in fairly good

condition. They definitely hold together

really well and have outlasted many of

the trailers we have purchased from other

manufacturers.”

In addition to the quality workmanship,

John believes that the longevity of the

LUCAR trailers is largely attributed to the

LUCAR engineered full length chassis.

LUCAR says that its chassis are the

backbone that provides strength for the

super lightweight structure of its Jumbo

ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au

Vans; and that the design of this chassis

has been unique to LUCAR for the past

50 years.

Showfreight’s latest ongoing order of

LUCAR tri axle linehaul Jumbo FRP dry

freight 24 pallet pantechnicon vans will be

based in Melbourne and Sydney, operating

Australia wide. The full length chassis on

each of these trailers has been fabricated

with tapered main rails and hi-tensile grade

350 steel pressed section cross bearers for

maximum strength and structural integrity.

“The full length chassis that LUCAR

incorporates into our trailers seems to

be much stronger and better suited to

the work we do. The way we look at it

is that they are a much stronger trailer,

therefore we get a longer life out of

them,” says John.

While LUCAR builds all of its trailers

to customer specifications, all trailers

manufactured by the company have

been designed to be fuel efficient and

environmentally friendly.

LUCAR uses high thermal quality FRP walls

that allow temperatures of -30ºC to be

maintained seamlessly for customers that

require refrigerated operations. A woven

fibreglass and gel coat finish results in a

lightweight but durable panel with excellent

flexing properties.

LUCAR has also put a system in place

whereby every unit is numbered and

replacement parts catalogued to ensure

minimal downtime for its customers.

Each of the new trailers purchased by

Showfreight also feature two 16ft ramps

that slide underneath the trailer between

the chassis rails as well as custom made

underbody belly boxes with three doors

per side and no internal dividers. Along

the side walls of the trailers, five rows of

E-Track Load Loc have been fitted which

are used in order to tie down freight, as

well as separate loads by using bars that

clip in from one side of the van to the

other, essentially creating extra flooring

for maximum use of the internal space.

The trailers also feature FRP (Fibreglass

Reinforced Panel) for the walls, roof and

doors; heavy-duty checker plate floors; BPW

suspension; a 60 litre water tank; two spare

wheel carriers; Jost A400 series heavy-

duty landing legs; rear bumpers; and a 9”

aluminium scuff band fitted to the walls at

pallet level for additional protection.

Already, eight of the new Lucar trailers

have been put to work, with the next two

trailers scheduled to arrive by mid October,

in time for the Metallica ‘World Magnetic

Tour’. The tour has already travelled through

the UK, Europe, North America and South

America and recently started in Melbourne

on 13 September before heading to

Sydney. The tour is currently in New

Zealand and will return to Australia at the

Brisbane Entertainment Centre on

16 October before travelling to Perth,

Sydney and Adelaide, and finishing up

back in Melbourne.

30

Trailer Builder

Trailer Magazine october 10 www.trailermag.com.au 31

36 www.trailermag.com.au 37Trailer Magazine march 12

to rumours; and while most of them

prove false, they can negatively impact

the reputation of a business. To avoid

any misinformation and long-term

damage, Paul has now chosen a path

of transparency. “By being available,

responsive and as transparent as possible

we want to undercut the rumour mill,”

he says.

“Including my apprenticeship, I can draw

back on more than three decades of

experience in the industry, so I think my

knowledge is critical to lead Lucar through

this phase of business re-structuring,”

says Paul. “I want to help the company re-

establish its solid reputation and remind the

market that we are still the powerhouse we

used to be.”

Only half a year after Paul’s return, the

Lucar workshop in Reservoir is now

humming along at full capacity. “We have

hired additional staff as demand is rising

constantly,” says Paul. “We are actively

training people through apprenticeships to

establish a future-proof workforce. Forging

ahead at this speed, it is necessary to think

forward; and we also think that training

the next generation is a great service to the

industry as a whole.”

Although he does not intend to re-invent

the wheel, Paul is already busy revamping

the existing Lucar design to add that extra

bit of versatility. “We are currently re-

designing some components to create a

modular system that will make it easier to

individualise each project and modify existing

stock.” Lucar is also active sourcing state-of-

the-art building materials, such as Brianza

Plastica’s fiberglass laminate and Henkel

adhesives.

According to Paul, Lucar’s competitive

advantage is its flexibility. “We’re a company

that focuses’ on quality over quantity. Our

goal is to build the highest-quality Australian

made trailer in the refrigerated transport

market,” he adds. “Every Lucar trailer is

manufactured for longevity. We also intend

to expand our production line to cater to the

oversize line haul market; and also increase

their repair business.”

Paul and his team are already energetically

applying to tenders and are pleased by the

positive feedback they have received from

their clients. “Lucar still is a well-trusted

brand that has been around for 50 years.

The transport industry appreciates such

expertise,” Paul concludes. “We’re a hands-

on business that is very close to the transport

industry. We listen to what is needed in

the field and translate that knowledge into

volume production. Now it’s time to let

everyone know that we are as strong as ever,

re-establishing old relationships and building

new ones!”

Established half a century ago by Don

Gray, Lucar is still a family-owned business.

However, due to Don’s illness, his wife

Mercedes Gray is now acting as Managing

Director, supported by well-known industry

expert Paul Keogh as the company’s

new Operations Manager. Under Paul’s

guidance, the industry powerhouse has

now made an unmistakable statement –

Lucar is still up to the challenge, offering

the best-performing range ever. “The

family is well positioned to sustain the

Lucar brand for an additional 50 years,”

says Paul, who just returned to Lucar after

a four-year interlude in the USA.

Paul Keogh is not unknown to Australia’s

commercial road transport industry. As the

company’s previous Workshop Manager,

he has been an active part of the Lucar

management for 27 years, during which

he contributed to the brand’s on-going

growth while managing the production

floor.

“I definitely have a personal connection

to the Lucar brand,” he says. “That’s why

I decided to come back and help restore

the brand.” While in a consulting role, just

prior to his return, Paul realised industry

perception of Lucar had changed and

recovery was needed. “Although Lucar

kept building a superior product, rumours

spread that the business lacked experience,

but that was false, as there are people here

that can draw back on more than fifteen

years in this trade.”

But, like many industries, the commercial

road transport sector is not immune

The rumours ThaT long-esTablished brand, lucar cargo Van, moVed or wenT ouT of business are incorrecT, The company announced. The manufacTuring planT sTill resides aT iTs reserVoir, VicToria address and faciliTaTes qualiTy producTion and repairs.

refrigerated transport equipment

VISIT US aT The ITTeS STand VTA8

ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: lucar.com.au

30 years of experience return to lead Lucar

We listen to what is needed in the field and translate that knowledge into volume production. Now it’s time to let everyone know that we are as strong as ever, re-establishing old relationships and building new ones!

www.trailermag.com.au 3534

RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment

Trailer Magazine JuLY 12

Established half a century ago by Don

Gray, Lucar Cargo Van is a family-owned

business that has gained a solid repute

for building long-lasting, quality trailing

equipment. Due to Don’s illness, his wife

Mercedes Gray is now acting as Managing

Director, supported by returnee Paul Keogh

and industry veteran Robert Eppel.

In her short time at the top, Mercedes

has experienced first hand that carefully

selected people like Paul and Robert are

essential to keep the business not only

open, but thriving. While Robert has been

one of the founding staff of a competing

business in Victoria, Paul has been an

active part of the Lucar management for

27 years before he left Australia behind

to work in the US. Both have been

headhunted by Mercedes to help revitalise

the long-standing brand name. According

to Mercedes, the new management is

characterised by flat hierarchies and a

positive can-do attitude.

“People are the key to success,” she

says. “Very often there is a different view

in businesses – people are only seen as

production and expense factor. At Lucar,

however, we try to think otherwise.

We know that our success relies on the

individual performance of each and

everyone in our company. That’s why I have

hand-selected the current management to

lead the Lucar brand into the future.”

Since Robert completed the team in April

– Paul joined in mid 2011 – Mercedes has

announced a market offensive that will see

Look after your staff first and success wiLL foLLow – that’s the main Lesson mercedes Gray has Learnt in her time at the heLm of Lucar carGo Van. to her, staff are the most important asset of the business. “Look after your staff and you create LoyaLty, consistency, and that’s the way you driVe your business forward and increase saLes.”

Lucar flex some muscle and surpass the

competition in the half-decade to come.

“I believe it is important to have a clear

vision for the company, which is backed by

a strategic plan. Since my appointment as

Managing Director I have made sure we

develop a clear vision for the future and

follow through with strong communication

of this to our team. Paul and Robert helped

me translate that vision into a viable

production strategy,” she says.

According to Mercedes, one of the

few female executives in the industry,

Lucar’s key advantage is a solid financial

foundation. “We want to continue Don’s

work and bring it to the next level, and

we know that a reliable financial backup

is essential to forge ahead in the current

market environment,” she says, knowing

that expanding in a volatile market can be

a gamble and affect cash flow.

But, Lucar’s leading lady is convinced that

the product will justify the risk. “The Lucar

product has proven itself in the field. Some

trailers in our in-house leasing fleet have

been built up to 15 years ago and still

perform beautifully,” she says. “We build

the entire trailer in-house, using the latest

technology and design software, hence we

are very confident in regard to build quality

and finish.”

Since Paul and Robert joined the team,

the Lucar workshop in Reservoir has been

humming along at full capacity, putting

out 40 to 50 units a year. But, Robert is

optimistic that the production volume will

double before long. “We have the potential

to produce twice as many units per annum,

and that’s where we want to get.”

Therefore, Paul and Robert are already

busy re-vamping the existing Lucar design

to add that extra bit of versatility. “We are

currently re-designing some components

to create a modular system that will make

it easier to individualise each project and

modify existing stock,” says Robert. “We

don’t want to reinvent the wheel but there

is always room for improvement.”

According to Robert, Lucar’s true

competitive advantage is its flexibility.

“We’re a company that focuses’ on quality

over quantity. Our goal is to build the

highest-quality Australian made trailer in

the refrigerated transport market,” he

adds. “Every Lucar trailer is manufactured

for longevity. We also intend to expand our

We are currently re-designing some components to create a modular system that will make it easier to individualise each project and modify existing stock.

The company of choice

Managing Director Mercedes Gray with returnee Paul Keogh (right) and industry veteran Robert Eppel.

36

RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment

Trailer Magazine JuLY 12

ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: lucar.com.au

production line to cater to the oversize line

haul market; build more rigids and increase

the repair business.”

Mercedes and her team are already

energetically applying to tenders and are

pleased by the positive feedback they

have received from their clients. “Lucar

still is a well-trusted brand that has been

around for 50 years. The transport industry

appreciates such expertise,” Mercedes

concludes. “We’re a hands-on business

that is very close to the transport industry.

Just have a look at the fact that we didn’t

even have a dedicated sales team for some

time. People would just call up because

they know the product is unbeatable.”

In the future, Mercedes would like to see

Lucar become the country’s most powerful

privately owned trailer brand – lead by

the most talented people in the industry.

She concedes talent is hard to find, but

the company’s hook: “We are not a large

company. We’re Australian-owned, and

there is room for growth and progression;

everything is possible. That’s why Paul

and Robert have joined the team, and I’m

sure they will retain what Don has created

and more. We all want Lucar to be the

company of choice – for customers and

employees alike.”

We are not a large company. We’re Australian-owned, and there is room for growth and progression; everything is possible. That’s why Paul and Robert have joined the team.

32 Trailer Magazine OctOber 12

After being locked in a long-term leasing

contract, Lucar Cargo Van has recently been

able to purchase the company premises in the

Melbourne suburb of Reservoir, paving the

way for a long-anticipated expansion course

that will see the brand invest in additional

production capacity.

“The day has finally come where we can

modernise and alter our building to best

suit the needs of a forward-thinking,

growing business,” says Managing Director,

Mercedes Gray. “In the past, we have been

busy upgrading the existing building and

equipment where possible. For instance, we

have replaced the overhead crane system

and installed a state-of-the-art spray booth,

but we soon realised we needed more space

to accommodate our production for future

growth.”

The end of the long-term leasing contract has

now marked the beginning of a new “era

of growth”, according to Mercedes, who is

supported by Paul Keogh and Robert Eppel,

who have more than 60 years experience

between them.

“New buildings fitted out with overhead

cranes are already awaiting approval, and we

hope to start phase one of the renovation

before Christmas,” she says – pointing

out that there will be three main areas of

structural change, with the third and largest

construction taking place once the other

buildings are complete and functional.

“Of course we have to take our production

Course for growth EstablishEd half a cEntury ago by don gray, lucar cargo Van is a family-ownEd businEss that has gainEd a solid rEputE for building long-lasting, quality trailing EquipmEnt. to cEmEnt that position in thE markEt, thE company has now announcEd an ambitious Expansion plan.

schedule into account when planning the

expansion. There is no doubt that there will

be some inconvenience, but with strategic

planning this will be at a minimum. The

team at Lucar are looking forward to our

new buildings, as we are convinced they

will move us forward into the future.”

According to Mercedes, one of the few

female executives in the industry, the

brand’s expansion will not affect trailer

production or pricing. “We are happy to

say that we have not increased our prices

but actually reduced them – even though

the Carbon Tax is weighing heavy on the

entire industry. At Lucar, we do not want to

pass on that burden to our clientele.”

However, there has been one small setback

when news spread that Lucar equipment was

being de-branded, with all logos and badges

being removed. “Why someone would want

to de-brand a van is a mystery, unless the

intent is to replace the Lucar branding with

something else. Hence we would like to

stress that there is only one Lucar, and we are

happy to support our clientele by replacing

missing logos free of charge.”

ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au

We are happy to say that we have not increased our prices but actually reduced them – even though the Carbon Tax is weighing heavy on the entire industry. At Lucar, we do not want to pass on that burden to our clientele.

refrigerated transport equipment

www.trailermag.com.au 33

46 www.trailermag.com.au 47

Trailer Builder

Trailer Magazine april 13

If looks could chill

In the words of Robert Eppel, Business

Development Manager at Lucar, the sole

purpose of the most recent facelift of Lucar’s

refrigerated double-stacker freezer model was

making it more appealing to the client. “We

have given the brand a modern appeal by

making it visually more sexy.

“The Lucar Cargo Van name has been around

for more than half a century. Ever since day

one founder Don Gray would insist on periodic

upgrades in all areas of our business. Whether

it is improving the equipment we use on the

manufacturing floor or the computer systems

we use in our administration office, constant

evolution is what we have always been

about,” he explains. “In that sense, upgrading

the freezer range has been a logical step.”

Call it a minor rebranding of sorts, Lucar can

now boast an updated logo, laced with red

and silver chrome-plated badging and most

importantly, reinforced heavy-duty walls, all

aimed at emphasizing the brand’s focus on

injecting a 21st century theme – both visually

and technologically.

The latest changes complete an enterprising

12 months for Lucar, culminating in the

purchase of the Reservoir production facility–

setting off an expansion course aimed at

maximising production capacity and build

quality.

“The day has finally come where we can

modernise and alter our buildings to best suit

the needs of a forward-thinking, growing

business,” Managing Director Mercedes Gray

would say at the time, and that statement

has rubbed off well on the rest of Lucar’s

Lucar cargo Van is one company where stagnation is a rarity. From new staFF appointments to FortiFying the reserVoir pLant through to the most recent update in traiLer design – aLL accompLished within a 12-month span, Lucar has proVided a ‘chiLLing’ reminder that the reFrigerated Van speciaList is stiLL a Force to be reckoned with.

ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes Street Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au

Management reveals that Lucar will continue to press forward to cope with the increased demand as a result of the larger distribution network, but will do so inch by inch.

staff. “I daresay the motivation level is at an

all-time high.”

But despite all changes, one thing has not

changed at all – Lucar’s original promise to

provide high quality transport equipment.

“There have been no drastic changes as such.

In fact, clients can expect the same tried

and tested design, but with a few cosmetic

changes and eventually, the use of far superior

products as they become available. Lucar is

about moving with the times and reflecting

the sleek look of 21st century branding, and

that’s very much the way we see it.”

“Mercedes Gray, Operations Manager Paul

Keogh and myself have had long discussions

about how to add value to our product and

decided to start with a few minor tweaks. We

wanted a fresh new logo to reflect both that

new outlook and the heavy-duty nature of the

product. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re

in, all companies at some stage experience

some type of design adjustment, and we are

no different. For instance, all new trailers going

forward will have polished aluminium rails

that connect the walls to the floor, all with the

purpose of modernising the finished product.”

In addition, the walls on some of Lucar’s more

heavy-duty models have now been reinforced

to cope with rough roads, and even standard

items such as the toolboxes and water tanks

have been revisited. “The tool boxes had

different handles added to make them easier

to use, while the use of polished stainless steel

is becoming a common request. We want

people to know that we pay attention to detail

with each and every trailer we build.”

Making the trailer’s interior user-friendlier was

also high on Lucar’s agenda, as well as slight

modifications to the trailer’s rear. “For the

benefit of all our client’s going forward, the

interior of all our manufactured units will now

have safety stickers,” Robert adds.

“The side interior walls of our latest double

stacker freezer indicate where certain bars

need to be placed if the operator wants to

organise pallets to be stacked. In the past, the

operator had to use a pencil to mark where

bars needed to go; but that’s no longer the

case with the stickers that have been placed.”

“In the past also we used to staple the door

seals on the rear. However, we have found

in the past the staples tend to rust after two

to three years of service. Now, we are using

a special glue to hold the seals in place,

which gives a cleaner, more modern look and

superior attachment.”

Management reveals that Lucar will

continue to press forward to cope with the

increased demand as a result of the larger

distribution network, but will do so inch

by inch. “Apart from the minor changes,

which have added to the vehicle being safe

and more user-friendly, Lucar vans are now

being built for even greater longevity,”

Robert concludes.

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST DEDICATED TRUCK, TRAILER & EqUIpmEnT SHOW

2010 OffICIAL SHOW REvIEW

30

Celebrating a milestone

Lucar Cargo Van was started by Donald E. Gray in 1960. It began manufacturing standard table top bodies, and dry freight, insulated and aluminium cargo vans from a small garage in Collingwood, Victoria. Today, Lucar Cargo Van builds a wide range of freezer, chiller and dry freight trailers to suit its customers exacting needs. On display at the stand was a Lucar Jumbo freezer tri-axle trailer. The chassis on this 13.52 metre trailer is made with tapered main rails and high tensile grade 350 lightweight steel pressed section cross bearers for added strength. Lucar sources premium laminated fibreglass sheets for the walls which are held together by specially designed aluminium extrusions. The laminated foam sheets are held

together with a heavy layer of woven reinforced fibreglass and then finished with a gel coating that provides a hard and durable surface. The trailer is fitted with a Thermo King SB Spectrum multi-temperature refrigeration unit, BPW tri-axle suspension, Anteo 2 tonne cantilever tail lift, Dunlop tubeless tyres and Alcoa wheels.Lucar claims that this trailer is the best Lucar engineered refrigerated road transport trailer, labelling it ‘The Van Built for Australian Conditions’ and invited show visitors to take a tour

through the trailer. Every day during the show, between 2pm and 3pm, Lucar treated its guests to a 50th birthday celebration cake and champagne at its stand in the Exhibition Pavilion with all those attending the show invited to take part.Moving into the future, Lucar has built its operations for growth. Those who have actually been involved in building the vans over the past decade have been rewarded and Lucar asserts that these employees are taking the company into a new era.

TO MArK ITS 50 yEArS Of OPErATIOn, LuCAr CArGO VAn CELEBrATED In STyLE, InVITInG ShOW VISITOrS TO BE PArT Of ITS BIrThDAy CELEBrATIOnS AnD EnJOy BIrThDAy CAKE AnD ChAMPAGnE DAILy AS WELL AS BALLOOnS fOr ThE KIDS!