For 50 years, The Drake Group companies Drake Trailers, O’Phee Trailers and Drake Collectibles have been building some of the toughest heavy-duty trailers on the market.
We focus on quality, innovation and reliability and each of our trailers are designed to tackle the harshest conditions that this country has to offer.
The Drake Group Timeline
Drake Trailers founded by Colin Drake in Rocklea – 1958
Colin Drake had a desire to build Australia’s best trailers and innovate better ways to meet operators’ needs.
Noel the legendary foreman is the 1st employee of Drake Trailers
Noel was known by all, and part of the furniture within Drake Trailers.
Drake 4X8 Swingwing Widening Lowloader Hits The Market
The Swingwing Widening Lowloader revolutionises heavy haulage and has continued to evolve as an industry leader.
1st Mine site trailer launches
Mine site trailers were designed for the transport of large mining equipment on mine sites across Australia.
John Drake, a 2nd Generation Drake joins the company
John Drake eventually took over the running of the company in 1991.
Introduction of the steerable platform trailer
Design of the steerable platform trailer was worked on by Colin and John Drake for Brambles.
Deck Widener
Pre-luded to the full widener, decided no longer required as the full widener fitted the requirements.
Full modular steerable transporters
Designed for the special heavy duty loads, similar concept to units manufactured in Europe but widening for Australian regulations.
Full Widener
The Full Widener unit was designed to carry 50 tonne legally with the added benefits of easy loading because of the widening frame and suspension. This design has been the industry standard since this date.
Introduction of computer aided design system
The introduction of the computer aided design system process was driven by John Drake.
Greg Allison joins Drake Trailers
An important development for Drake Trailers growth, as Greg was previously with Allison Trailers.
350 tonne mine site trailer – the largest yet
Pulled behind a CAT 789 dump truck, the empty trailer weighed over 120 tonnes.
John Drake takes over as Managing Director
John Drake who holds an engineering diploma, takes over as Managing Director.
Colin, the founder of Drake Trailers passes away
Colin Drake’s passing left a huge hole not only in the company, but also in the heavy transport industry.
Drake Trailers moves base from Rocklea to Wacol
A large industrial complex of 8,650 square metres.
Deck Widener – Re-released
The re-released Deck Widener as a niche for urban use with the onset of traffic calming devices.
Swing wide
The wide line goose neck design allowed operators to carry heavy narrow loads.
Introduction of first Australian-made forklift trailer
Featuring a 2.3-degree load angle and carrying capacity of 15 tonnes, Drake Trailers launches a new breed of forklift and access equipment trailers.
Introduction of 3D computer aided design
The system employed was SolidWorks. This gave Drake Trailers greater design capacity and more flexibility for customisation.
Noel the legendary foreman and 1st employee retires after 35 years of loyal service
Noel never missed a days work and is still a regular visitor to Drake Trailers. Noel’s knowledge of the equipment was limitless.
Sam, a 3rd generation Drake joins the company
Sam background is as a diesel fitter and his knowledge of troubleshooting issues is a great asset to all of our customers.
Won M1 Abrahams tank transported contract with M.A.N Military
The design was a variation on the standard Drake 4X8 Swingwing, again showing the designs versatility.
Launched die cast Drake Collectibles
www.thedrakeshop.com. The popularity has been outstanding.
Collaboration with Cometto to design and engineer a fully modular self propelled platform for mine sites
The Ant is ready for production.
Khali Lake appointed as General Manager
As the mining sector is forging ahead at full force, we appointed Khali Lake as its new General Manager to tap the full potential of the current boom and continue to build on the Drake success.
Maggie
1st female family member of responsibility.
Drake aligns with SunSeeker East Coast Australia
Exciting new partnership between Drake Trailers and luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker East Coast Australia, with John Drake appointed as Managing Director of the prestigious yacht brand.
Drake Full Widener Rear Steer
Release of the brand-new trailer with enhanced manoeuvrability and efficiency. The steerable axles at the rear help to reduce wear on tyres and running gear.
The Drake Group acquires O’Phee Trailers
The Drake Group joins forces with O’Phee Trailers – one of the leading manufacturers of semi-trailers in Australia, bringing about new capabilities and products.
Tilt Slide
Capable of self-loading and able to extend to 20 metres, the introduction of the tilt slide trailer is the ideal recovery trailer solution.
Low Boy Drop Deck Trailer
Introducing Australia’s toughest drop deck trailer, with 30-40 tonne capacity and trailer lengths from 45-55ft.
Drake Collectibles wins
Drake Trailers sister brand Drake Collectibles picks up a major award for Model of the Year 2015 by Cranes Etc.
Introduction of first Australian-made Forklift Trailer
Featuring a 2.3 degree load angle and carrying capacity of 15 tonne, Drake Trailers launches a new breed of forklift and access equipment trailers.
O’Phee Trailers moves onsite
In May, O’Phee Trailers moves onsite with Drake Trailers and Drake Collectibles to The Drake Group’s central manufacturing facility located in Wacol, Brisbane.
The Drake Group Launch
The expanding portfolio of Drake Trailers set in motion the desire to re-launch as The Drake Group, aligning Drake Trailers, O’Phee Trailers, Drake Collectibles, BoXLoader, Cometto and Sunseeker East Coast Australia under the one banner.
4X4 Deck Widener nominated for Best Trailer Award
The 2017 Brisbane Truck Show Awards saw Drake Trailers 4X4 Deck Widener nominated in this prestigious category.
O’Phee Trailers and JOST partnership
O’Phee teams up with JOST Australia to use their proven parts including JOST’s king pins, modul landing legs and fifth wheels to improve capability, performance and safety.
Drake Trailers develops the Mine Site Transporter
Brought about when Moolarben Coal Operations were looking for an efficient way to move plant and equipment around their site. The answer was using a CAT 777 dump truck to tow our custom-built heavy haulage trailer.
Drake Collectibles launches new app
Drake Collectibles unveils brand new app designed to be a one-stop shop for premium diecast and collectible items
The Drake Group celebrates 60years
Drake Group Production manager Steve Collins retires from role.
Steve Collins was pivotal in strengthening and maintaining quality standards and manufacturing over his 16 year stint. Steve Collins still remains here at the Drake Group as our Service and repair manager.
Drake Group Appoints Bill Law as Drake Group production Manager.
Bill progressed through a number of positions in the manufacturing scene before transitioning to corporate roles including National Asset Management and Compliance, which was his prior position. Bill brings skill, discipline, enthusiasm and passion to The Drake Group.