UD Trucks Australia and Volvo Group Australia recently held an event with Queensland based Followmont Transport to celebrate not only a key partnership within our industry but to also shed light on the past, present and future of industry. The event included the unveil of the milestone 200th UD truck for Followmont, a UD Croner 6 x 2.
The UD was a special design and something different a bright and bold red with a set of curtains to match with a gradient fade. Started in 1984, Followmont Transport has grown into one of Queensland’s largest family owned and operated businesses. Its fleet of over 1000 vehicles and 19 company owned depots service all towns in Queensland and NSW. They purchased their first UD truck approximately 35 years ago and have since been a long-term customer and huge brand advocate, making the 200th UD a very special milestone for a very important customer.
“Followmont's passion for the UD brand is so genuine and infectious,” says Lauren Downs, Vice President, UD Trucks Australia. “Having the advocacy of such a major player in the industry has really helped grow the UD brand over the years,” Downs continues. “And for that, we owe Followmont a huge ‘thank you’,” she concludes.
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In addition to the unveiling of the truck, there was a panel interview which included Mark Tobin (CEO FMT), Martin Merrick (CEO VGA), Lauren Downs (VP UD Trucks) and Tom Chapman (VP Mack Trucks). The purpose of the interview was to have some of our key industry leaders discuss their views on the transport industry, what has shaped us and more so what the future may look like.
Followmont CEO, Mark Tobin says, “This event is a symbol of the incredible partnership between our brands. It started off as a supply and demand need to one which has flourished over the decades to become one which is built off of trust and transparent communication. Both organizations know each other’s businesses and we work together to not only contribute but to strengthen the Transport industry as a whole. Whilst our values are aligned the frequent and open communication has assisted to remove the anxiety out of the curveballs our industry has faced whether it be natural disasters, the pandemic or the current recruitment strain.”
With the staffing struggles that the industry is currently facing, Followmont thought it would be an optimum time to shed light on the vast opportunities our ever evolving industry can provide. “Whatever your background, age or ethnicity, there is a place for you within Transport and we are an industry which cares and accepts you as one of the family”, says Mark Tobin.
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Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick was a panelist at the event taking place in the company’s corporate headquarters. “Celebrating customer success is a key part of who we are at Volvo Group Australia ”
“And marking milestones such as this with such a valued customer makes us very proud to have played a part in that success, “ Merrick continues, “We don’t just sell trucks, we forge meaningful partnerships that are ultimately based on trust and integrity and I’m delighted to see a family business like Followmont Transport continue to flourish”
