Since its inception in 1924, THEAULT has designed and manufactured dedicated vehicles for the transport of horses in Normandy, vehicles synonymous with safety, quality and excellence worldwide. THEAULT's Luis Verbeeck talks about the evolution of the company as they celebrate a significant 100-year milestone.
THEAULT has been designing its vehicles to ensure the well-being and comfort of both horses and passengers on the back of a century of innovations, driven by a team of enthusiasts who have always been mindful of horses and their needs.
One hundred years of history is testament of a longevity that shows no signs of slowing down. It is also a story of traditional know-how combined with performance, expertise and innovation, that started from the small assembly workshop set up in the cellar of the Theault family farm.
“We first launched the rear facing and side loading concept back in the 1950's, of course the product has come a long way since, we are very excited to be celebrating a hundred years of innovation,” Verbeeck said.
THEAULT began in a small assembly workshop in Normandy in the cellar of the family farm.
“Everything is done in house, from the assembly to welding as well as picking your leathers, carpentry and the style of the external paint job. Many crafts and idiosyncrasies are involved in the conception of these vans over a four-week production process.”
Gallery: From assembly to the final paint, all is done in house at THEAULT
“Safety, quality and ease of use is what we stand for. The loading process, always on the side of the horse, you can do everything by yourself in addition to the fact you only need a car license, anyone can jump in and drive one, with a low centre of gravity it is very steady and very safe on the road.
“No matter whether you race, breed or train, so many hours are put in getting the horses in prime condition ready to peak, you want to make sure that on arrival they haven’t wasted any unnecessary energy during transit.
“We believe it's a system that will add a lot of value, and will become an essential working vehicle to your operations.”
THEAULT has recently developed the PROTEO Switch Centenary Edition, complete with exclusive finishes that showcase the epitome of French luxury.
Today, THEAULT is the industry’s European leader and is being exported far beyond France’s borders. THEAULT trucks are on the road in the Middle East, Scandinavia, America, and of course Australia and New Zealand, across all horse pursuits.
Wherever the horse is king or queen, THEAULT is present.
The range of vehicles on offer has expanded considerably, from the two-horse van to the 12-horse semi-trailer. From its ultra-modern 30,000 m2 workshops where almost 200 skilled employees - fitters, designers, engineers, assemblers - work today to produce almost three vans a day, following a four-week manufacturing and inspection process.
The THEAULT truck range has recently become available in Australia.
The company has also been awarded by the French Government the Living Heritage Company label since 2019. A distinction for French companies with excellent industrial and artisanal know-how. It is also, and above all, a sign of the very highest quality, the recognition of a job well done.
THEAULT is committed to exceptional service of people and the animal: the adventure of a life spanning 100 years.
For more information, contact Luis Verbeeck on +61 406 900 097 or email luis.verbeeck@theault.com
