Manheim Industrial Australia has been selected as auction partner by national freight company Don Watson Transport, taking responsibility for selling the companyâs large fleet of trucks and trailers.
Don Watson Transport, one of the countryâs leading refrigerated logistics operations and a 77-year-old family-owned business, made the difficult decision to close its operations earlier in June this year.
The fleet to be sold via Manheim Industrial auctions comprises 130 well-maintained heavy trucks and 170 trailers, plus a further 10 rigids. The assets will have their decals removed and be repainted white.
These trucks and trailers are located across several sites including Derrimut in Victoria, Weatherill Park in New South Wales, and Hemmant in Queensland.
As a leading industrial equipment auctioneer with physical locations across Australia, Manheim is well-placed to handle this large, high-profile, and multi-location truck and trailer sale.
Among Don Watson Transportâs priorities are ensuring orderly sales of its assets. Manheim understands the companyâs commitment to taking care of its people, and determination to preserve the goodwill accumulated over decades.
Having won the contract, Manheim will begin to prepare the trucks and trailers for sale – including the rectifications – and prepare for a steady sale-off backed by extensive marketing and awareness campaigns.
Manheim is confident that these trucks and trailers will find new homes during the process, noting the sterling reputation Don Watson Transport has earned across the sector when it comes to maintaining its vehicles.
âWe are honoured to have been appointed as the exclusive remarketing partner for Don Watson Transport. This mandate reflects the strength of our advisory capability, national footprint and proven expertise in managing high value, multi jurisdiction, complex fleet divestmentsâ, said Manheim Australia Head of Advisory Aiden Hsu.
Manheim Head of Transport Sales Chris Williams added âAfter decades of Don Watson Transport delivering excellence in the industry, Manheim is privileged to be given the responsibility of selling down the fleet.
âThe fleet itself, as would be known widely in the industry, consists of a huge range of prime movers including Kenworth K200s, K200 King Cabs, T409s, T609s, T610s, T909s, Mack Superliners, Scanias and more.
âWith extensive service history, engine rebuilds and new crate motors in many of the trucks, they are ready to go to work. Additionally, the refrigerated trailers are made up primarily of FTE, Lucar and Vawdrey that will be a great addition to any companyâs fleet.â
Watson Group CEO Lyndon Watson added âWhen we took the incredibly tough decision to close the business due to market conditions, our top priority was ensuring all staff received their entitlementsâ.
âAn orderly and effective process to divest our fleet was an important piece. Manheimâs tailored approach, deep understanding of transport assets, process for asset preparation and commitment to understanding our requirements were key in them being selected as the preferred partner.â
To learn more about the Manheim Don Watson Transport auction event, visit the landing page here. Register your interest to stay up to date with auction details, asset lists, and inspection opportunities.