By locating his plant in Chihuahua, Mexico offered Loewen a variety of advantages,
including the ability to tackle more intricate products and projects.
“RawMaxx Trailers is set up as a maquiladora, which means we don’t sell products
here in Mexico. We buy the components and materials in the United States, bring
it in, build or assemble it, and then export it back to the United States,” Loewen
explains of the process. “The reason for that is to have an advantage with the
labor cost, allowing us to be more competitive U.S. manufacturers.”
While RawMaxx Trailers’ location may be an advantage, it comes with the
tribulations of staffing. In Mexico, the company faces different labor laws than
U.S.-based manufacturing plants. Loewen intelligently navigates the market to
anticipate what products will bring long-term gains to ensure employee turnover
isn’t an issue. Additionally, Loewen made sure to diversify the company’s portfolio
enough to guarantee long-term success.
“We have to be careful that we don’t take on a product line that we think might
slow down in six months,” Loewen explains. We get into different markets, such
as truck beds, construction or agriculture.”
In addition to focusing on employee health, RawMaxx Trailers employs unique
tools to aid in their production of custom trailers. Using engineering and drafting
software, RawMaxx Trailers sends its clients 3D renderings of custom concepts. It’s
a way that customers can see their ideas come to life and yet another benefit
reaped from the lower costs of the plant’s location.
“In the past, a customer may call and explain what they want, and those things
could be a little different by the time they get the trailer,” Loewen says. “3D
modeling prevents that.”
Using 3D modeling allows RawMaxx Trailers to show their customers exactly
what they’re getting. The concept is sent directly to their iPhone, iPad or Android
device for review and confirmation.
continued on next page
Photos:
(1) 14’ Dump Trailer [front], (2) 14’ Dump Trailer [back], (3)
RawMaxx SK Truck Bed.
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