Page 31 - CTB n2 - 2013/2

CONTRACT WINS
North West Logistics Intros Efficient Tyre Policy for Combined Fleet
Before North West Logistics was acquired by Ainsworth & Martin in 2010, the two businesses were run separately with neither company having a formal tyre policy in place, instead using local independent tyre dealers to fit a multitude of different brands – with no commonality within or between fleets.
However, just months after the merger of the two companies to form a single operation, the Accrington-based transport specialist has engaged ATS Euromaster to implement and manage a 100 per cent Michelin policy across its fleet of 60 trucks and 50 trailers.
Stephen Dunn, Managing Director of North West Logistics, says: “Tyres are a significant running cost, plus they can have a big impact on fuel efficiency. When we brought the two operations together it made sense to agree a single tyre policy”. In doing so, points out Dunn, the companies have been able to combine their purchasing strength and standardise by fitting a single tyre brand”.
“Most tyre dealers just want to sell you more rubber, but from the start ATS Euromaster adopted an honest approach and are committed to helping us extract the maximum performance from the tyres we already have in service. As they need replacing we’re fitting new Michelins, which ATS will manage through the Michelin ‘Four Lives’ process to ensure maximum performance and value.”
The new agreement sees mobile technicians from ATS Euromaster’s centre in Blackburn, just seven miles away, carrying out routine fleet inspections, as well as regrooving, twinning and turning tyres on the rim – all steps to increase tyre life. Key to securing the contract was ATS Euromaster’s ability to provide a 24/7 roadside rapid response service for tyre-related breakdowns across Europe, managed through its Birmingham- based customer support centre. Dunn adds: “We’re really pleased with how our new tyre strategy is progressing. ATS Euromaster’s attention to detail and technical
expertise is helping to make our tyres work much harder, and at the same time the fleet is starting to benefit from the first new Michelin tyres entering service.” Operating from its head office and distribution centre in Accrington, which has just undergone a £100,000 investment, North West Logistics offer a wide range of services tailored to customers’ specific requirements. This includes
transporting full and part loads, multi-drop operations and hazardous loads – an area where the company has extensive experience with nearly all drivers being ADR trained. North West Logistics also covers Preston, Fylde, Blackburn and Burnley for the Fortec pallet network. Its fleet is comprised predominantly of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo units, from 26 tonne rigids to 44 tonne artics.
Continental Focus on Safety with Stewarts Coaches
With schoolchildren to football stars numbering amongst the 850,000 people who travel each year on its 40-strong bus and coach fleet, passenger safety is paramount at leading Berkshire coach company Stewarts Coaches.
Tyres are clearly one of the most safety critical parts on any vehicle and the Reading company wanted to partner with a reliable tyre supplier who could provide
them with high quality products backed by first class service.
The choice it made was Wokingham based tyre dealer Staysure and the Continental tyre brand, particularly for its longer distance, heavy-duty, premium coaches.
Engineering manager Tommie Thatcher is in no doubt that it was the right decision. “Throughout our long relationship, Staysure Tyres have
been outstanding and provide fantastic support,” he says. “If we have a problem they usually come out to us within 90 minutes and if it’s
roadside assistance then they are usually there within the hour. “They also help us in choosing the right tyre for the different applications, such as long distance work or local urban operations. For our larger top-end coaches, which include the latest Irizar three-axle executive models, our choice of tyre is Continental. “We always use new on the steer
axles and get around 62,000 miles before we get them re- grooved by Staysure and run them out on the drive axle. Continentals always wear nice and evenly and don’t rub out on the shoulders, which makes them ideal for re-grooving and this allows us to get a second high mileage life from them.”
Commercial Tyre Business 31