The Drake Group hit top gear in 2024, celebrating an extraordinary year of milestones and achievements to haul into the new year. With record trailer deliveries, dynamic growth, and new ventures, this year has undoubtedly been one of our most successful yet. As Director Sam Drake aptly puts it, “2024 has been absolutely crazy…one of the biggest years ever for the business.”
2024: a Year of Unprecedented Growth
Last year, we experienced surging product demand, pushing operations to all new heights. From growing our engineering arm, DBE, and snapping up extra property, to launching innovative new models in the Drake Collectibles line, it’s been all systems go. One standout move was entering the rental market with a fleet of trailers designed for medium to long-term needs. This new venture is already proving to be a ripper, helping the company tap into a fresh market.
On top of that, we’ve opened a cutting-edge 22,800-square-meter service and repair facility in Richlands, Queensland. This impressive hub brings together spare parts, remanufacturing, servicing, and storage, all under one roof. It’s a game-changer for after-sales support, showing The Drake Group’s dedication to looking after its customers.
“We’re building an end-to-end service business,” says Sam, offering everything from basic servicing to full trailer rebuilds.
Streamlining Operations, Enhancing Efficiency
The Drake Group introduced lean manufacturing practices and restructured its Queensland factory to keep pace with rising demand and market expectations. These changes, along with a new stock specification program for its top-selling trailer models, have cut lead times by up to 60%. Customers are now getting their hands on premium-quality trailers faster than ever—a move that’s been met with plenty of enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025
The Drake Group is showing no signs of slowing down as it gears up for an even bigger 2025. Plans are in motion to expand the service and repair business and bring back the iconic O’Phee flat-top trailer, “The Queenslander,” set to debut at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show. With an 18-24 month order book and strong market demand, the company is well-positioned to hit even greater heights in the year ahead.
“We’re finishing the year strong,” Sam says. “Our focus remains on delivering quality, improving lead times, and meeting the growing needs of our customers. The future is bright, and we’re ready for it.”