A LOWTON-BASED company is mounting a serious assault on Europe.

Fontaine VGB, the second largest manufacturer of fifth wheel couplings in the world, is attempting to crack the fifth wheel market.

The company, which was taken over by the US-owned Marmon Group last year, has recruited Patrice Guerin as sales manager for France, and plans to make further appointments in Europe and other overseas markets.

Mr Guerin has worked in the transport industry in France with electronic tachograph specialists and is well-known by many truck dealers and fleet operators.

He is based in Lyon, where the Lowton company recently had a stand at the Industrial Vehicle Construction and Haulage Exhibition.