Heitling, the German builder of special bulk trailers, has become a major VSE customer in a relatively short time. "We initially installed the system on one trailer, as a kind of test case. For what we do, it's enough to steer just the rearmost trailer axle. Today, though, half of all trailers built here leave the factory with a VSE system." 
Before the first system was actually installed, however, it was necessary to overcome some opposition. "Like many, our customers initially distrusted electronically-controlled systems too. When you think about it, that seems rather strange. After all, everyone knows that the latest Mercedes Actros and all its competitors were already full of electronics back in 2008. That was accepted by everyone without question," said Markus Dieckmann of Heitling Fahrzeugbau in Melle, Germany. "Why should a trailer with electronics raise so many eyebrows?"
Heilting build bulk trailers entirely in-house. They receive steel plates and parts, and after a series of specialised construction processes the complete trailer rolls out of the factory. "Our main customers are companies from the compound feed sector and the pellet world," explains Dieckmann. "Germany has a relatively large number of homes with a pellet stove. This is a standard dry bulk material, which our trailers are perfect for." Heitling's strength is that they still truly provide a custom, handmade product. Therefore certain extras can be fitted right at the factory. An on-board weighing system is a good example. "Or a steering system. More and more of our customers are going to realise that the VSE steering system makes manoeuvring with the tractor-trailer significantly easier. Moreover, the VSE system is light and takes little space."
These aspects benefit the customer. But the technical installation aspects of the VSE steering system have made it a real favourite at Heitling too. "When we construct the trailer, the VSE system gives us more flexibility to arrive at an optimal design. That has to do with the total length of the trailer, the wheelbase, etc. As a builder you need to balance these aspects carefully. With a VSE steering system you have a greater range of installation options to achieve exactly what you need."
Dieckmann expects Heitling to grow faster than the German economy and therefore to begin doing more export business, including to the Netherlands. "We have several neighbouring countries in mind. The increasing popularity of pellet stoves will also play a role." Another sector Dieckmann expects Heitling to become more active in is household refuse collection. "That's another industry with demand for increasingly versatile vehicles, and with our specialist approach that's certainly a trend we can capitalise on."