Road warrior returns

One of the leading forces in the heavy logistics fleet sector, Daysworth International has now entered the Australian truck manufacturing market. Breathing new air into the Diamond Reo brand, which was once considered the world’s toughest truck, father-and-son duo Ivan Vodanovich and Ivan Vodanovich Jr are excited about the new venture and the latest range of products

 

Daysworth is offering a comprehensive range for the on-road market including a full suite of products in the ready-to-work range, including tippers, curtain siders, tilt trays and hook lifts

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Daysworth International, one of the leading forces in the transport and logistics sector, has bold plans as it expands its presence into the Australian on-highway truck market with the return of the Diamond Reo range of heavy-duty trucks. 

The term ‘quiet achiever’ could not be more aptly applied than to describe Daysworth International and its success story. Reaching its 42nd anniversary in 2020, Daysworth has established itself as one of the most trusted and respected partners in the T&L community delivering premium quality terminal tractor solutions for the country’s largest industry players, including Linfox, Toll, TNT-Fedex, Australia Post and many others. 

On the back of over four decades in the industry and more than 3,000 specialist terminal tractors sold in the Australia-Pacific region, Daysworth is taking its ambitions back onto the road with the reintroduction of the Diamond Reo brand. 

Daysworth plans to operate its on-highway division with the same values and engineering expertise that has seen it achieve success across a range of transport sector applications. This namely comes in the form of delivering a reliable product that delivers operational efficiency, backed by strong parts support with a singular focus on customer service and responsiveness. 

Matching its geographic footprint with its market ambitions, Daysworth is expanding its Diamond Reo national headquarters into a 35,000-square-metre facility in the heart of Melbourne’s T&L hub, with additional construction to begin on expanding parts warehousing and a dedicated research and development facility.

THE BEGINNING

The present day values and mindset that define Daysworth are themselves born from the experiences of its founder, Ivan Vodanovich Sr. 

As a 20-year-old, Ivan escaped communism in Croatia to reach Australia in the late 1960s. When he arrived in Sydney, Ivan did not speak English very fluently but his natural skills in reading mechanical designs, coupled with a fierce determination, helped him secure a job as an assembly line worker at British Motor Corporation. He went on to work on construction projects in Whyalla and mining in Port Hedland. His big break came when he was recruited by Scania Trucks as an engineer, and then promoted to run the service and production side in Melbourne. 

It was a drive for innovation and change that saw him establish Daysworth in 1978 out of his own backyard, remanufacturing truck components, including power steering, gearboxes and differentials. 

As the business expanded, Daysworth’s reputation for first-class workmanship did not go unnoticed, with US-based Diamond Reo Trucks and Ottawa Trucks both approaching the company to be their Australian representatives for on-highway trucks and terminal tractors, respectively. Being a business founded on innovation and vision, Daysworth took the leap to start the next chapter in the company’s history.  

One look at the Diamond Reo range and it is clear that it is of a European pedigree, from its cab-over exterior design to its engineering build

PRODUCTIVITY POWERHOUSE

Through the tenacity and perseverance of Ivan and the Daysworth team, success first came gradually, followed by rapid market acceptance. With the closure of the Diamond Reo factory in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, terminal tractors became Daysworth’s core business, solidifying its position as a niche player in the transport industry. 

However, continuous innovation being the hallmark of Daysworth’s ethos, when an opportunity presented itself to revive the Diamond Reo legacy six years ago, the company took it. 

“We have been working behind the scenes for a number of years, making sure specifications match the Australian market, carrying our compliance as well as extensive on-road testing and evaluation,” business development manager Ivan Vodanovich Jr says. 

“We wanted to ensure that the product met the demands of the local market and matched Daysworth’s stringent standards.”

Managing director Ivan Vodanovich Sr adds: “After 42 years in the industry, we would not deliver a truck that was not capable of delivering to the highest standard that we have set for ourselves. We have put a lot of years into developing the product and we are proud of the result.” 

With a proven track record of innovation and successfully bringing new products to market, it will be exciting to see Diamond Reo’s return as a force in the Australian transport scene

ROAD WARRIOR

Diamond Reo has a range of trucks available, starting from 330hp to 540hp (246kW to 403kW). While the base range is designed to meet all standard transport requirements, Daysworth has the capabilities to design configurations that meet specific demands and applications.

“We are offering a comprehensive range for the on-road market, including a full suite of products in the ready-to-work range, including tippers, curtain siders, tilt trays and hook lifts,”  Vodanovich Jr. says.

One look at the Diamond Reo range and it is clear that it is of a European pedigree, from its cab-over exterior design to its engineering build. One such unit is featured on the front cover of this issue – the Diamond Reo C7 prime mover. The 75-tonne rated B-double prime mover is powered by a 540hp Euro V 13-litre six-cylinder turbo common rail diesel engine. It features a 14-speed AMT transmission with Wabco control system, Bosch fuel injection system, ZF power steering system, and Jost turntable as standard. The C7 cabin is spacious with a high roof double bunk.

The Diamond Reo C7 boasts the same specifications expected from other units on Australian roads, sharing these features across the entire range. These include eight air bag rear suspension with Wabco ECAS control, Wabco braking system with Wabco ABS, rear axle cross locks and diff locks, disc brakes all round as standard, alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, climate controlled air conditioning, heated electric mirrors and cruise control. 

“When you consider all factors, there is no other truck that can offer the same value proposition as Diamond Reo on-highway vehicle,” Vodanovich Sr says. 

“Daysworth is driven by its passion for heavy-duty vehicles. We’re meticulous about servicing and the preparation of our vehicles for a life on the road and we are here to help if a customer needs assistance. 

“Daysworth’s association with a vehicle does not end after it drives out of the factory, but we are with the customer through the entire life cycle of the vehicle.”

Daysworth’s philosophy of being a partner with its customer is based on the fact that it is not a traditional corporate structure but a family business with traditional values. It offers a comprehensive after-market support program, with full warehouse of spare parts, service workshops, field service response vehicles as well as operational capacity management. 

Diamond Reo has a range of trucks available, starting from 330hp to 540hp

RIGHT TIME FOR INVESTMENT

The transport industry has not gone unaffected amidst the latest economic situation. In an industry defined by thin margins, transport operators and owner-drivers are looking for the best value proposition in the market. 

With the recent changes to the instant asset tax write-off scheme (increased threshold from $30,000 to $150,000), potential truck buyers are able to claim the full tax benefit of a vehicle purchase this financial year.

“We understand the current economic challenges facing the country, so we are offering assistance to potential customers who are looking to renew their equipment. This includes in-house financing as well as fixed price service contracts for longer term cost certainty,” Vodanovich Jr. says. 

The C7 cabin is spacious with a high roof double bunk

REFLECTIONS

With 42 years in the field, Daysworth is proud of its ‘game-changing’ contribution to Australia’s transport industry.

“What excites us most is not the successes behind us, but the exciting possibilities that we will have to offer our customers into the future,” Vodanovich Sr. reflects.

Just like the trans-continental leap undertaken by its founder over 50 years ago, Daysworth steps into the future with the same determination and vision, values that have been woven into the fabric of its history over 40 years. With a proven track record of innovation and successfully bringing new products to market, it will be exciting to see Diamond Reo’s return as a force in the Australian transport scene.

For more information, visit www.diamondreotrucks.com.au or phone 1800 635 952.

 

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