Wabash will expand its Wabash Parts distribution network and trailer-as-a-service (TaaS) capabilities through a joint venture with Fernweh Group that aims to enhance the company's e-commerce platform and partner ecosystem.
Fernweh is an investment firm specializing in the industrial technology sector. The partnership will accelerate Wabash's development and growth of an end-to-end digital platform that enhances the overall experience for dealers, customers and suppliers, Wabash says. Ayna.AI will serve as the implementation partner.
"The transportation, logistics and distribution industry continues to experience a rapid pace of change," says Brent Yeagy, Wabash president and CEO. "In 2020, we made a strategic pivot to transform the company so Wabash would be ready to meet the needs of the future, including shifting resources to lead the end-to-end digital transformation of our industry."
The initial phase will be through the expansion of parts availability at parts.onewabash.com, scaling of TaaS capabilities and new value-added services for dealers and customers.
Fernweh was chosen for this venture because of their experience with industrial companies looking to expand digital capabilities and their unique Engaged Investor Operator Model. Wabash and Fernweh will experiment with the speed of a start-up and the knowledge base of an industry leader.
"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Wabash team for trusting us as their partner to scale this platform," says Nick Sathanam, Fernweh's CEO. "We see the digital platform as the next evolution in Wabash's TaaS offering, adding value to all stakeholders by connecting Wabash's dealers, customers and suppliers to facilitate interactions across the transportation ecosystem in a one-stop shop. We look forward to helping Wabash accelerate its technology roadmap by expanding partnerships with third parties in the logistics ecosystem that reduce customer and supplier friction in the exchange of services and solutions."
