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Obituary: Jimmy Byrne, Founder of Modern Tyres Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the industry following the death of popular and well-known County Fermanagh businessman Jimmy Byrne who established Modern Tyres almost 60 years ago. He was 85. In a statement, the company said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jimmy Byrne. Jimmy passed peacefully at his home on Friday 3rd June. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Byrne family; our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.
the business community and across the north and south of Ireland was underlined by the fact more than 500 tributes and comments were posted on social media platforms since his passing; he was described as a true gentleman and a great boss. A spokesperson for Enniskillen Royal Boat Club said: “Sending our deepest sympathy to the Byrne family and all the staff at Modern Tyres on the death of Jimmy. May he rest in peace. Jimmy has been a great supporter of ERBC and Erne Head of the River for many years.”
“Jimmy founded Modern Tyres in 1965 and has been an inspirational leader and huge driving force behind the company. He will be greatly missed, by his family, all at Modern Tyres and his very many friends.” Over the years, Modern Tyres has grown to become Ireland’s largest independent tyre retailers with 40 branches nationwide. The company is still family owned and run today. Jimmy opened his first tyre depot in the Old Railway Yard in Enniskillen, and as his four sons and daughter entered the business, he was able to spend time identifying opportunities within the tyre retail sector. Sites were purchased in various prominent towns throughout Northern Ireland. As the company expanded Modern Tyres made its first major acquisition by purchasing Ards Tyre Service in October 1995; after the success of this came further acquisitions in Belfast, Holywood, Lisburn, Larne, Ballymena bringing the total number of depots to 16.
And a member of Enniskillen RFC added: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Byrne who gave much support to the club over the years. Our condolences to the Byrne family.”
In August 2002 Modern Tyres purchased the Northern Ireland arm of U.K. giant Motorway Tyre & Exhaust centres. This was the largest single purchase of tyre depots in Northern Ireland’s history, making headline new across the province. Further acquisitions were made in Belfast, L’Derry and Strabane during 2003 to 2005. In 2012 the opportunity to take over the last
three remaining ATS branches in Northern Ireland presented itself giving the company a total of thirty branches. Then, in 2013 another opportunity presented itself when Hanover Tyres, with 10 depots spread from Dublin to Cork, came on the market. It means Modern Tyres now have a total of 46 depots across the island of Ireland. That he was well respected in
A keen hillwalker and bridge player, Jimmy was also a former body-builder – he won the ‘Mr. Leinster’ title in 1986 – and a marathon runner, competing in the 1983 New York Marathon in three hours and six minutes. Dearly beloved husband of the late Margaret, he is survived by sons Niall, Rory, Shane, Connor and daughter Siobhan. His funeral took place on Monday 6th June at St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, followed by interment in Cross Cemetery.
Hultsteins launch sustainable leasing solutions to combat diesel price hike Swedish/UK hydraulic refrigeration equipment manufacturer, Hultsteins, has introduced a new leasing option for temperature-controlled operators facing greater costs since the red diesel tax rebate was withdrawn on April 1st. “The new finance option enables operators of existing diesel TRUs to fit an Ecogen to their tractor unit from as little £9.00 per day,” says Graham Usher, MD for Hultsteins UK and Ireland. “We can offer leasing packages for 3, 4 or 5 years to suit operators’ requirements. The fuel savings annually could be in the region of £9,000 to £12,500 per tractor unit, whilst slashing carbon & other emissions by more than 90%. “It’s an increasingly popular solution,” he continues. “Ecogen literally bypasses the existing fridge engine and during transit, it virtually dispenses with fridge diesel altogether. Moreover, if you have a Scania, Volvo or Renault, Ecogen can be easily retrofitted.”
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Usher explains that Ecogen does not replace the existing diesel refrigeration system, but instead works in tandem with the fridge trailer unit. Ecogen is fitted to the tractor unit and is powered by the engine PTO. This runs the 30 Kva alternator that generates 400v @ 50htz of 3-phase electric. By simply plugging the lead from the Ecogen into the fridge, using the standard 5 pin socket, says Hultsteins, operators can benefit from running the diesel fridge on its electric motor when coupled to the tractor. Hultsteins add that a small amount of diesel will be required from the tractor unit to power the Ecogen but even so, the
company claims diesel consumption to the fridge unit will be reduced by up to 90%. Usher says that for a typical diesel-powered fridge unit operating for 56 hours per week and using 3 litres per hour, an annual fuel bill will be over £12,000. However, he adds that by fitting an Ecogen power-generating system the fuel cost per fridge unit will be significantly reduced, making payback for the equipment possible in under two years. Graham Usher goes on to explain that, based on Hultsteins’ fuel and usage assumptions, a carbon saving of over 20 tonnes per year, per tractor unit can be expected from each Ecogen system.
