Case Study
How Hyundai Translead Incorporated Customer-Specified Safety Systems Into Trailer Production
- Customer-specified safety systems integrated into trailer production
- New trailers delivered ready for service
- Consistent installation across every trailer produced
- Dedicated production support and training
- Reliable support for ongoing trailer production
Client Profile
Project Background
Hyundai Translead is one of North America’s leading trailer manufacturers, supplying trailers to major fleet operators across the United States.
In 2018, following the successful rollout of SCC’s Tail Swing Sensor System across Medline’s existing fleet, Medline made the decision to specify the technology on all newly supplied trailers.
Rather than continuing to retrofit each new trailer after delivery, Hyundai Translead worked with SCC to incorporate the Tail Swing Sensor System directly into the trailer manufacturing process.
This approach ensured new trailers could leave the production line with the specified safety equipment already installed, allowing them to arrive with Medline ready for service whilst supporting a consistent approach to tail swing protection across the fleet.
To support this new manufacturing process, SCC worked closely with Hyundai, providing production training, technical guidance and ongoing support to help establish a repeatable factory installation process that has remained in place ever since.
The Challenge
For trailer manufacturers, customer-specified equipment often needs to be incorporated into the production process without disrupting manufacturing efficiency or build quality.
Whilst aftermarket safety systems can be installed after a vehicle enters service, integrating those same systems during manufacture requires a different approach. Installation methods must be repeatable, components need to fit seamlessly within the production process, and production staff require the knowledge and confidence to install the equipment consistently across every vehicle.
When Medline decided to specify SCC’s Tail Swing Sensor System on all newly supplied trailers, Hyundai Translead needed a solution that could be integrated into normal trailer production whilst maintaining manufacturing efficiency and ensuring every trailer left the factory built to the same agreed specification.
The SCC Solution
Rather than simply supplying the Tail Swing Sensor System as an aftermarket product, SCC worked closely with Hyundai Translead to develop an installation process suited to trailer manufacture.
Following Medline’s decision to specify the Tail Swing Sensor System on all newly supplied trailers, SCC engineers travelled to Hyundai’s manufacturing facility to provide practical training for production staff responsible for installing the trailer-mounted components.
Working together, the two companies established a repeatable installation process that allowed the ultrasonic sensors, ECU and associated wiring to be incorporated during trailer manufacture without disrupting normal production activities.
SCC also designed and manufactured dedicated in-house test units that simulated the tractor-side X-Wire connection. This allowed Hyundai Translead to fully test the trailer-side systems during production without requiring a tractor unit to be present, helping verify correct operation before the trailer left the factory.
As the programme developed, SCC introduced a dedicated Hyundai fitting pack containing the additional components required specifically for Hyundai’s production process. This included a twin-core cable assembly that allowed electrical connections to be made higher up the trailer during manufacture, reflecting Hyundai’s preferred build method whilst maintaining a consistent installation standard.
Alongside technical support, SCC has continued supplying the dedicated production kits required for the programme, providing responsive support whenever required to help maintain manufacturing schedules.
The Result
The successful integration of the Tail Swing Sensor System into Hyundai Translead’s manufacturing process established a consistent approach to factory installation that continues today.
Rather than requiring trailer-side installations after delivery, Medline’s new trailers leave the production line with the specified Tail Swing Sensor System already installed and ready for service. This helps ensure every new trailer enters operation to the same agreed safety standard whilst reducing the need for additional installation work once the vehicle reaches the fleet.
The manufacturing process developed by Hyundai and SCC has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2018, demonstrating the practicality of integrating specialist safety technology directly into trailer production.
Beyond supplying the dedicated production kits, SCC continues to support Hyundai’s manufacturing operation through ongoing technical assistance and responsive product supply. Where required, expedited shipments have helped maintain production schedules, ensuring customer deliveries can continue without unnecessary delay.
What began as a customer requirement has developed into a long-term manufacturing partnership, with Hyundai continuing to install SCC’s Tail Swing Sensor System during production for Medline’s new trailers.
Paul Stewart, Managing Director at SCC, had this to say:
“Working with Hyundai has always felt like a genuine partnership. From the first production training sessions through to the continued support we provide today, the focus has been on making the installation process as straightforward and repeatable as possible. Seeing the system become an established part of Hyundai’s manufacturing process is incredibly rewarding, because it means every new trailer built for Medline leaves the factory ready to enter service with the agreed safety technology already in place.”
Luis Chavarin, responsible for Procurement at Hyundai Translead, said:
“One of the strengths of this programme has been the collaborative approach from the outset. SCC took the time to understand how we build trailers and worked with us to develop an installation process that fitted naturally into our production operation. That ongoing support has helped us consistently deliver trailers built to our customer’s specified safety requirements.”
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