TREPEL Airport Equipment

TREPEL has been known for innovation in utility vehicles for decades. In 1946, Ingo Trepel started the enterprise to repair and overhaul machinery. A decade later, the Wiesbaden-based company introduced its innovative scissor lifting table. These had a lifting power between 500 kg and 500 tonnes. The applications of the technology were wide, prompting TREPEL to establish a division specifically for airport equipment at the end of the 60s building its first Catering Trucks. A few years later, it followed up the success of these with a line of pallet/container loaders. After more than 30 years in the business the company TREPEL was taken over by PHB Weserhütte AG. Due to its overwhelming growth, TREPEL moved its production to its present facilities in Tauberbischofsheim where its sister company, MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH is also located. In 1996, TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH was established with separate legal entity in order to better serve the world market with its airport ground support equipment. "This change in the group has enabled TREPEL to focus on the ever-changing needs of our customers, the airlines, airports and handling companies," says Klaus Pfeiffer, Managing Director. "After seeing a strong response in terms of sales starting in 1996, we experienced falling sales after September 11, which hit the entire market extremely hard. Since then, the market has rebounded nicely, selling more than 130 vehicles annually. Revenues and the workforce have mirrored this growth. Today, TREPEL employs a workforce of around 150. "We believe in teamwork for providing reliability, speed, and quality, " says Mr. Pfeiffer. This year, he expects these qualities to enable the equipment manufacturer to realise approx.