One and a half year ago, French intermodalist Modalis acquired CCFC, a vehicle manufacturing company based near Bergamo, in northern Italy. With the acquisition, CCFC will double its production capacity to 1,000 swap bodies and 1,000 trailers, almost all of which will be deployed for intermodal services.
“This a big step for us”, said Enrico Rossi, head of the company since the takeover. The investment amounts to four million euros over the next five years. “We have invested in a robotic welding line with two robots and in the painting line to speed up these operations”, Rossi explained. The new painting equipment has allowed the shift solvent to water-based paint increasing environmental sustainability.
The CCFC management also made smaller investments in production tools by replacing older ones with newer units. “We are increasing our welding and assembling capacity. A the same time we are developing an external supply chain to increase production, and we just need to add the finishing touches on-site”, Rossi pointed out. This approach, he argued, improves the flexibility of the company and allows for faster reaction to market trends.
Increased demand
The increased demand for intermodal units is linked to higher demand for intermodal services. “More than 90% of our products are compatible with intermodal transport and we expect the demand to rise further”, Rossi pointed out. Usually, CCFC can manufacture up to 3 semi-trailers and 3 swap bodies per day. “It of course depends on the type of units. CCFC is widely known for its customised solutions.
Since the takeover of Modalis, many things have changed, he pointed out. The company historically was family owned. “When it comes to passing the torch to the next generation, there often are problems”. The new management has driven the change from a family-owned entity to a management one. Changes were implemented in every segment, with new managers for production, R&D, procurement and sales.
With this new approach, the company became more visible. “Modalis is very well known in the intermodal world, and this is boosting the reputation of CCFC as well”. Entering the Modalis group has given to CCFC a much stronger financial situation and the possibility to focus on innovation creating new solutions and products for its customers.
For example, the company will showcase at the Transport Logistics fair in Munich its new Butterfly open top unit; a 20-ft container with an automatic two leaves roof that that is operated from the bottom without the need to climb on the container with a very quick operation.