Unidan Engineering makes the Unimog fit for world travel, agriculture and aid operations.

No project is too big.

The company employs 30 staff altogether. These include mechanics, engineers, welders and designers, who all help make the Unimog fit for use in the fire brigade, agricultural sector, military or on long-haul trips. What is it that unites them? Perseverance, ingenuity and the ability to tackle any problem head on – the Australians don't mess about!

In addition to complete conversions, Unidan also produces individual modules. From bullbars to complete storage solutions, from expedition installations and water tanks to torsion-free subframes and cable winches – “If it can be built for a Mog, chances are we’ve done it—or we’re working on it”, says Tiarni West. 

The team is particularly proud of a restored Unimog U 2450 6x6 with crewcab, a Unimog U 5023 for flood rescue and a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 1835 as an expedition vehicle – the first of its kind in Australia. A whole fleet for disaster relief in New South Wales is also one of the most recent projects.

The best thing about the job: happy customers!

However, not every customer request can be technically implemented immediately. After all, the Unimog is no ordinary truck. Its off-road capability is based on very special technical principles, like its torsion-free body. Too high a load, too-wide bodies or incorrect weight distribution can limit its abilities. This is where Unidan offers clear and honest advice. The goal is always to build a vehicle that fulfils its purpose and does not overextend itself. 

But Daniel Mavin makes it clear: “We don’t shy away from a challenge—especially when someone says, ‘That can’t be done.’”

It's the end result that really counts. And that is usually spectacular. A standard chassis is transformed into a highly functional, unique vehicle – precisely manufactured, robustly built and clearly tailored to the application. So there's no question as to what the Unidan team love the most about their work: “Seeing a customer’s reaction when they see their finished Unimog for the first time”, says Daniel Mavin with a smile.  

"Crazy" Australians with big plans.

Australia uses the Unimog differently to Germany. While in its country of origin, it is mainly used for commercial purposes, in Australia it tends to be used more as a leisure vehicle, like for world travel. “The Germans must sometimes think we’re crazy", says Tiarni West. 

But the cooperation with Daimler Truck is close, productive and solution-oriented. The exchange with the headquarters in Wörth am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, works well – also because of the local sales structure: “Our local contacts know exactly who to direct our sales and service questions to.” 

Unidan is making big plans for the future too: a new, 2,500 m² factory hall has been built, providing space for more projects than ever before. The 5-axis machine centre and the robotic welder are also set to ensure greater precision and speed, while the international dealer network continues to grow. Always with the goal: better products, sustainable growth, even more innovative power.

But above all, Unidan wants one thing, says Daniel Mavin: “to keep building vehicles that inspire and make a difference.”