The Victorian business – which targets the transport, haulage, mining, 4WD and similar heavy-duty industries – makes electrical wiring harnesses and accessories and supplies electrical products from manufacturers including Phillips Industries, Delphi, Deutsch, AMP and Tyco. It supplies major truck OEMs including Kenworth, Volvo, Mack and Iveco.
In addition to transport-equipment electrical products, E-Max also supplies ABS and EBS braking system components – such as plugs, sockets, connectors and coils – and PMA conduit systems.
Bapcor Ltd, in its notice to the Australian Securities Exchange, said E-Max will become an integral part of its Commercial Vehicle Group, forming part of the existing wholesale business, Australian Truck Parts (ATP).
“This acquisition emphasises Bapcor’s focus on exceptional customer service and support to the trucking industry professionals, including truck and trailer operators, commercial vehicle repairers, and original equipment manufacturers,” the company said in its ASX notice.
E-Max former co-owners Sue and Phil Carthew said they were “thrilled to join the Bapcor family and contribute our expertise, quality brands, and dedicated team members to the Commercial Vehicle Group.”
“We believe this partnership will take E-Max and its associated brands to new heights, delivering exceptional value and service to customers across Australia,” the husband and wife team said.
They said they wanted to express appreciation to the dedicated E-Max team members.
“They have been instrumental in building the E-Max business over the years. Their hard work and commitment have made this acquisition possible and we’re confident that they will continue to thrive under Bapcor’s leadership,” they said.
Mr Carthew said: “Sue and I are not going anywhere; Sue will help transition the business over the next few months and I will be heavily involved in various capacities for the foreseeable future, with a minimum commitment of 12 months.”
Bapcor said that the E-Max brand specialises in innovative solutions for commercial vehicle applications.
“Among its product offerings, Airweigh stands out for its advanced TCA approved on-board weighing systems, designed to improve vehicle efficiency and safety,” Bapcor said.
“Bapcor is excited to work closely with the TCA (Transport Certification Australia) in the future to ensure compliance and ongoing innovation for both Airweigh and OBMS systems.”
In its other product offerings, E-Max brings to the Bapcor table Phillips which is a leading manufacturer of premium electrical and air brake components.
“Botek offers cutting-edge mobile weighing solutions, RFID-based collection recording systems, and software solutions to improve efficiency and streamline operations within the waste management industry,” it said.
Australian Truck Parts (ATP) general manager Frances Palmer said the inclusion of E-Max and its product lines into ATP “ further strengthens our position as the premier provider of commercial vehicle parts and accessories in the Australian market.
“It also reinforces our agility, our future focus, and most importantly, our strong commitment to supporting our customers in the transport industry.”
Bapcor Commercial Vehicle Group general manager Justin O’Brien said the acquisition of E-Max and its brands was a significant milestone for Bapcor.
“The acquisition reinforces Bapcor’s commitment to being the leading distributor of aftermarket and original equipment truck and trailer parts and accessories in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“Customers can expect the same exceptional service and product offerings they have come to know and trust from both Bapcor and E-Max.”
By Neil Dowling
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