Arka buys Hytrans aluminium flatbeds for its vehicle bodies.
– Our main challenge is that no two bodies are the same. Everything is custom-built and must be produced based on drawings. Hytrans meets every challenge we give them, says Kato Nordland at Arka.
In Os outside Bergen, Arka has built truck bodies since 1912. The company has 60 employees and a turnover of more than NOK 150 million. Today, Arka is one of Norway’s largest truck body manufacturers, and works closely with Hytrans.
10 flatbeds in 2024
– You could say that Hytrans aluminium profiles are part of everything we make in one way or another. A lot of it is specially adapted to specific customer requirements, says Kato.
– We build all types of truck bodies and deliver nationwide. This year alone, we have delivered 10 large flatbeds from Hytrans.
This also includes large, heavy-duty crane bodies with cranes up to 200 tonne-metres. These often require side rail sets, sideboards, load boxes, cabinets and profiles. In addition, there are of course large box bodies.
Quality matters
A project can vary in cost and scope, but the investment is important for Arka’s customers.
– It matters, because this equipment is in near-continuous operation, and faults often cost a lot in lost uptime.
– We are measured on quality by our customers, and it’s important that it is high, says Kato.
In many cases, it is also crucial that aluminium is used, because it is not only durable, but also lightweight.
– The lighter the equipment we install, the more they can transport and the less fuel the vehicles consume, says Kato.
Significant savings
Hytrans confirms this. The more payload capacity and the lower the fuel consumption, the more profitable Hytrans flatbeds become. Calculations show that you can save 5–10% fuel by reducing the vehicle weight by 10%.
Steel has traditionally been the dominant flatbed material, but more and more operators are switching to aluminium. Although steel is strong, it is three times heavier than aluminium.
Many truck owners believe their requirements involve too many adaptations, and therefore choose a standard flatbed or box body. At Hytrans, however, very few challenges remain unsolved.
– We can create solutions for everything from small vehicles to large trucks, and we also install them on the vehicles, says Hytrans Sales Manager Tore Steinsøy.
– Aluminium is flexible, and with all our profile variants we can create tailored solutions for all types of truck bodies. The benefits of testing us can be significant and profitable, he says.
– By switching to aluminium, you reduce weight considerably while still maintaining the necessary strength and durability. In addition, tailored solutions are designed to make the work experience exactly as desired, says Tore at Hytrans.
– With the introduction of electric vehicles, reduced weight will also contribute to improved battery performance and fewer charging stops, he adds.
Solid collaboration
Kato believes there are clear reasons why the two companies have developed a strong collaboration over the years.
– Hytrans is strong on communication, delivers high product quality, and they are adaptable and flexible. They also have extensive expertise in aluminium as a material. That’s why we trust them and the solutions they propose.
– They have solved almost everything we have thrown at them, and in return we have had no complaints or claims from our customers. That means a lot for Arka and our customers.
Want to learn more about tailored solutions from Hytrans?
Contact us for advice and solutions.
Three steps to a solution
Does your business need aluminium flatbeds? Then you are three simple steps away from getting it sorted:
1: Contact our advisors to discuss your needs and challenges
2: Based on this, we provide a proposed solution and quotation
3: You place the order, and we manufacture
Hytrans delivers tailored solutions throughout Norway.