Knapen and Krone join forces

Harnessing synergies in product quality and service

Krone Commercial Vehicle Group (incl. its subsidiaries) has signed the takeover of 100% of the shares of the Dutch Knapen Group (incl. its subsidiaries Knapen Trailers BV, Knapen Service BV and Trailned BV). Subject to approval by the respective regulatory authorities, Knapen Trailers, the European market leader in Moving Floor trailers, becomes part of the Krone group, one of the leading European manufacturers of commercial vehicles and forage harvesting equipment. Pooling their expertise in product quality and service within their individual business segments, the two companies state that their defined goal is to create high-quality products and to establish professional-level services for their customers and Knapen will continue to operate as an independent company within the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group. The successful Knapen management team will remain at the helm without reshuffle. Also, the jobs at Deurne and the highly specialised Knapen sales network will remain unaffected by the move. In line with this, all Knapen products will continue to be sold exclusively through Knapen and its team. Krone and Knapen value the relations to their customers, employees, suppliers and partners – both at a personal and professional level. The two family-run companies focus firmly on the customers and their needs and these include a high-quality product and an exemplary service. 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..