Norweld lifts curtain on Elite tray

AUSTRALIAN canopy and tray manufacturer Norweld has rolled out its all-new Elite tray for popular ute models.

The manufacturer has garnered a cult following in 4x4 circles, with more than 50 years of experience in the off-road game, known for tough aluminium trays and canopies that come with a lifetime warranty.

Launch of the Elite tray comes off the back of a bumper 2023 for Norweld, with 20 per cent year-on-year growth across the company and two new purpose-built facilities in Perth and Brisbane.

When GoAuto attended the grand opening of the manufacturer’s new 2367 square-metre facility at Brendale in Queensland, Norweld said the site is capable of producing up to 40 trays per week.

The Elite tray – which Norweld says is the result of a $750,000 research and development budget – features a lower side profile, adjustable headboard, integrated Anderson plug mounts and water tank with gravity-fed filler and tap, while retaining the company’s renowned rugged yet lightweight aluminium construction. 

According to the Norweld website, the Elite range starts at $16,490 + GST, or a $2,000 premium over the Deluxe Plus tray it supersedes, however the company has confirmed its older models will remain available.

At the time of launch, the tray is available for the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok and, of course, the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series that was chosen as vehicle of choice for promotion of the new tray. 

Initially, the Elite tray will be available for dual-cab models only but the company has confirmed it is working on single-cab tray variants.

Norweld director Jaime McIntosh explains the new Elite tray showcases the best in Australian manufacturing, designed with the needs of its customers in mind. 

“Our new Elite tray is the result of many years of hard work, investment in innovative equipment and manufacturing techniques, and feedback gathered from thousands of Norweld customers who put our products to the test every day,” he said.

“We’re proud to have the support of a passionate community of Norweld customers that share our love for exploring Australia’s tough terrain in their 4WD.

“The Elite tray has been designed to take that experience to the next level, offering a sleek, modern design that’s made to thrive in any environment and offer practical functionality that ute owners need."

The company’s original Cairns location will continue to produce canopies and speaking with GoAuto, Mr McIntosh also hinted at a new canopy design on the horizon. 

“We’re looking at different options for canopies, potentially even modular fitouts, without giving too much away,“ he said at the opening of the Brisbane facility.