Heritage

The heritage of Tiger Trailers

Tiger Trailers is built upon a strong family history of manufacturing trailers and rigid bodies for the commercial vehicle sector. Joint Managing Directors, John and Steven Cartwright, each bring more than 35 years of experience in the industry, with the Cartwright family’s manufacturing heritage playing a major role in the culture and approach they have instilled in Tiger Trailers today.

Alan Cartwright, the much-loved father of John and Steven, began building timber-framed vehicle bodies in 1952, alongside his father, Stanley Cartwright, under the name S. Cartwright & Sons. Alan grew the business throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s . It soon became well known for designing and building quality bodywork and was well respected in the industry. John and Steven worked alongside their father, joining the business in 1983 and 1984 respectively, and for 30 years continued to help build the company into a major UK manufacturer. Alan sadly passed away in 2011. In 2014 John and Steven left the business and founded Tiger Trailers, with a vision to create the most advanced trailer and bodywork manufacturing facility in the UK.

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Alan Cartwright, the father of Tiger Trailers' founders

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One of Alan’s 1960s coach-built bodies

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A Williams Bros. curtainsider trailer from the 1980s

Events shaping Tiger Trailers

  • 2014 Production begins, including innovative double deck trailers for B&M, as Tiger's apprentice scheme also commences


    APRIL: Tiger Trailers moves into its new factory in Winsford, Cheshire. The five-acre site, previously a distribution centre, was transformed into the modern manufacturing facility that Tiger customers see today.

    MAY: Tiger’s Apprenticeship Scheme, developed alongside Mid-Cheshire College, is established.

    JUNE: Tiger welcomes the first members of its production staff.

    AUGUST: Production begins

    OCTOBER: The first trailers roll off the production line for CM Downton.

    DECEMBER: Tiger’s first double deck trailers are delivered to B&M.

  • 2015 An industry first, and commissions from more household names


    MARCH: After a successful trial, Tiger supplies its innovative double deck wedge trailer into AO.com’s fleet. Able to accommodate double stacked white goods on both decks, it’s an industry first.

    JULY: Tiger produces its first longer semi-trailers for W. E. Rawson.

    AUGUST: Tiger delivers its first rigid body for TNT.

    OCTOBER: With 150 employees and more than 1,000 trailers and bodies on the road, Tiger Trailers celebrates its one-year manufacturing anniversary.

  • 2016 52-pallet moving double deck trailer introduced


    SEPTEMBER: Tiger increases its apprentice intake, with more than 20 apprentices based out of the Winsford factory.

    NOVEMBER: Tiger releases the UK’s first 52-pallet capacity moving deck double deck trailer.

  • 2017 Aftercare launched as Tiger shortlisted for award and eyes expansion


    FEBRUARY: Tiger 24/7 is launched, providing a dedicated aftersales service.

    APRIL: Tiger Trailers unveils plans for the UK’s most advanced trailer and commercial vehicle body manufacturing facility, due to open in 2019.

    Tiger Trailers’ patented double deck trailer design for AO.com is shortlisted for the Innovation category at the MT Awards 2017

  • 2018 Tiger Trailers Deck Pod launched as new factory build commences


    FEBRUARY: Tiger Trailers joins the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.

    MARCH: Tiger finishes the installation of its first ‘Tiger Trailers Deck PodTM’ – a specialist double deck loading solution.

    JUNE: Construction work begins on new factory.

    DECEMBER: New factory completes ready for manufacturing.

  • 2019 Life begins at Tiger's new home, Lightweight Clearspan Curtainsider Design born


    JANUARY: Tiger Trailers relocates to its new £22 million home, a 20-acre site featuring a 168,000 sq.ft. manufacturing and office facility under one roof.

    APRIL: Tiger Trailers and Tata Steel partner to develop new Lightweight Clearspan Curtainsider Design.

    AUGUST: Tiger Finance launched to provide tailored financial solutions.

    OCTOBER: Now with 250 employees and more than 6,000 trailers and bodies on the road.

    DECEMBER: Apprenticeships increase to 35 and are recognised by the Alan Cartwright Foundation Awards.
  • 2020 Finance, Rentals & Refrigeration introduced


    JANUARY: Tiger Rentals is launched, offering short and long-term rental on our full product range.

    APRIL: Siberian temperature-controlled range launched

    Tiger increases its market share of double deck manufacture with orders including many major retailers and parcel operators.

  • 2021 Tiger Trailers’ journey continues

    The company strengthens its product range and maintains its position as one of the UK and Europe’s most innovative trailer and commercial vehicle body manufacturers.

Tiger LHS