As per June 24, 2019, Krone Commercial Vehicle Group has taken over 100% of the shares of the Knapen group with its subsidiaries Knapen Trailers BV, Knapen Service BV and Trailned BV. As the European market leader in Moving Floor trailers, Knapen Trailers becomes part of one of the leading European trailer manufacturers and a global player in the agricultural machinery industry. A powerful launch pad for future opportunities in both sectors. The transaction is yet subject to the approval of the respective cartel authorities.
The rationale behind is to join forces in two strong fields of business: Krone’s expertise in standard trailers and the custom specialist market approach of Knapen. The ultimate goal is to create the best products and services for our European customers. For clients and partners, this acquisition means a strong further step into professionalism.
Under the roof of Krone Commercial Vehicle Group, Knapen will continue on a fully independent basis. The oustandingly successful management team of Knapen will remain unchanged and no reorganization will be implemented. The same goes for the highly specialised European dealer network. Both Krone and Knapen strongly believe in personal and professional relationships with their customers, personnel, suppliers and partners. This persisting key value is a strong bond between the two companies: pursuing a transparent, entrepreneurial approach to maximize customer value.
Knapen Trailers, located in Deurne in the south-east of The Netherlands, is a specialist manufacturer of aluminium Moving Floor trailers. The strong focus on only one product, combined with a strong innovation strategy and high quality products, has benefited Knapen with the number 1 position in the European Moving Floor market. With a one-stop-shop solution featuring service, spare parts, rental, leasing and second hand trading, Knapen customers can rely on best-in-class service and expertise. The strong brand name “Knapen Trailers”, which stands for this unique quality approach, will persist. Krone is fully committed to secure local employment in Deurne, The Netherlands by taking over not only all business activities, but also all production facilities.
Krone Commercial Vehicle Group is part of the Bernard Krone Holding SE & Co. KG with headquarters in Spelle, Germany. Family-owned since 1906, Krone became one of the strongest players in the markets for agricultural machinery as well as standard semi- and swap trailers. With more than 43,000 rolling units and 10,000 swap systems sold in the year of 2018, Krone is one of the market leaders in the field of curtainsiders, box trailers, swap trailers and reefers. Globally, around 6,000 people work at the Krone sites in Spelle, Werlte, Herzlake, Lübtheen, Dinklage and Tire (TR). For generations, Krone has been standing for top-notch engineering and products of outstanding quality and endurance.
