Building Tough: Crafting Reliable Transport Trailers with Modern Transport Engineers

Modern Transport Engineers Ltd was established in 1973 by Robin Ratcliffe, who was just 24 years old at the time. His wife, Colleen, joined the company as a secretary in 1974. They have two sons, Michael and Zane, and several grandchildren. Robin began his career with an apprenticeship in Fitting and Turning at Ajax Engineers, later gaining valuable transport engineering experience at Transport and General Engineering of Hamilton. Similarly, Michael completed his apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner with Tanner Engineering Ltd of Auckland, while Zane served his apprenticeship with Nivens of Hamilton.

Robin and Zane’s keen interest in physics and mathematics provided them with a solid foundation for design work. In the early years, Modern Transport Engineers (MTE) faced challenges in securing trailer orders. However, with the assistance of George Scott from Waikato Heavy Haulage, they successfully produced their first 30-tonne transporter in 1975 for $8000.00. Over the years, they continued to innovate, introducing the modern version of the 3 Axle Tilt Deck in 1980 and their second Rows of Eight Transporter in the same year. These innovations laid the groundwork for their comprehensive series of Widening Transporters.

In subsequent years, MTE expanded its product range to include the Wing Suspension House Trailer in 1982 and the Dog Type Flat Top Low Loader in 1979, both of which experienced significant demand. In 1998, MTE introduced the first Platform Transporter, which now forms a crucial part of their product line-up.

Today, MTE’s Platform trailers range in cost from $120,000.00 to $3,000,000.00, with tare weights varying from 12,000kg to 250,000kg. Both management and staff at MTE are dedicated to serving their customers, even if it means working long hours. Michael, aged 52, and Zane, aged 50, joined MTE in the late 80s. Zane currently serves as the design engineer and manager of MTE, while Michael holds the positions of Manager and Sales Director of MTE Australia.

MTE has emerged as the leading supplier of specialised transport trailers in Australasia. Their product range includes transporters capable of carrying loads ranging from 6 tonnes to the latest modules carrying up to 1000 tonnes. Additionally, they offer Tank Transporters, Boat Transporters, House Removal Trailers, Bitumen Tankers, Side Show Rides, Tipping Trailers, and a range of custom-built General Freight Trailers. MTE employs approximately 150 staff at its premises on Forman Rd, spanning 12 acres. Their trailers bearing the MTE label are exported to Australia, USA, China, and the Pacific Islands.

With 8 production teams dedicated to various trailer types, including house trailers, semi transporters, dog and pig transporters, bitumen tankers, and heavy payload platforms and transporters, MTE currently produces approximately one trailer every day. In 1994, ETL (Equipment and Transport Leasing Ltd) was established, growing its operations to include around 600 machines, including 150 truck and trailer units.

In 2007, the MTE group expanded its operations to Australia with the purchase of property in Brisbane. The same year, they acquired property in Frankton to expand trailer production. In 2018, the Modern Group acquired Roadmaster Trailer in Rotorua and Auckland, adding a further 150 staff to its production unit. Additionally, the group was awarded the distribution rights for Sinotruk, a major truck manufacturer from China.

Notably, in 2011, the largest ever New Zealand-produced trailer, measuring 45 metres in length, was produced in the Hamilton factory for Multi Trans. This impressive transporter features 304 215 x 17.5 tyres and can accommodate an additional 16 tyres. All axles in the platform trailer steer to a maximum of 45 degrees, offering enhanced manoeuvrability. The trailer’s construction utilises 800MPA High Tensile Quenched and Tempered steel, with specially manufactured axles by MTE. To reduce weight and minimise heat generation, aluminium wheels can be incorporated. Nitro gengas accumulators can also be integrated into the suspension cylinders for rapid suspension speed and improved ride quality. Additionally, the stability of the trailer can be adjusted from a gooseneck to a drawbar configuration, offering versatility in various transportation scenarios.