The aviation world is witnessing a transformation in snow and ice management as Aebi Schmidt Group takes a significant step forward.
The recent acquisition of Oshkosh Corporation's snow and ice business is poised to redefine the airport maintenance landscape and enhance the capabilities of Aebi Schmidt's airport maintenance products division.
"We believe this acquisition is a testament to our commitment to delivering clean and safe infrastructure solutions for our customers, especially within the airport domain," Steffen Schewerda, CEO of Aebi Schmidt North America tells Airport Business. "Airport runway clearing is at the heart of our business, and this strategic move aligns perfectly with our vision to become the foremost global provider of such equipment, parts, and exceptional service."
Here are some key takeaways from the deal and how it will impact airport operations going forward.
Oshkosh Equipment Incorporated Into MB Product Offering
The integration of Oshkosh's snow and ice business, including the P-Series and H-Series chassis, and the HT-Series tractor equipment, into Aebi Schmidt's MB-branded airport maintenance products division is expected to usher in a new era of comprehensive snow management solutions. "Our goal is to offer airport customers a wide range of dependable solutions, making us a one-stop-shop provider for equipment, parts, service and maintenance," asserts Schewerda.
This acquisition brings the Oshkosh snow and ice equipment under the MB umbrella. MB is reviewing the combined product portfolios to determine if changes will be made going forward. The Oshkosh H and HT-Series equipment is comparable to MB's MB2 and MB4 heavy-duty snow removal chassis.
"Existing Oshkosh Snow Products customers can now look forward to finding dependability and versatility in snow removal equipment and after sales through MB," assures Schewerda.
Better Access to Spare Parts
With a customer-first approach, Aebi Schmidt Group and MB airport maintenance products are well-prepared to ensure a seamless transition for Oshkosh customers.
"Our experience in business acquisition and integration, coupled with our dedication to customer satisfaction, will ensure that the integration process is smooth and beneficial for all parties involved," assures Schewerda.
One of the standout features of this acquisition is the expansion of after sales services, further solidifying Aebi Schmidt's commitment to seamless customer support. With a centralized replacement parts warehouse and a swift response team of field maintenance technicians, Aebi Schmidt is set to minimize equipment downtime for existing Oshkosh customers.
"Our focus remains on delivering not just superior products, but a holistic customer experience," affirms Schewerda.
Products Still Made in the U.S.
A key concern in any acquisition is the optimization of production and distribution to ensure maximum efficiency. Aebi Schmidt has addressed this with a centralized production location in Chilton, WI.
"Our facility expansion, completed in July 2021, was meticulously designed to meet future growth demands while enhancing safety and efficiency," explains Schewerda. “The 86,500 square-foot expansion includes state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, organized assembly areas, automated finishing lines, and improved shipping and receiving capabilities.”
Expect Aebi Schmidt to Expand Its Offerings for Airports
Schewerda said Aebi Schmidt has a dedicated engineering team focused on R&D, ensuring the company stays ahead of the curve in terms of technology and safety. This includes exploring GPS-guided vehicles, autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.
