Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine February 2015

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IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

FEBRUARY 2015

Vol. 18 No. 1

EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50

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SPECIALISTS IN HAULAGE & COMMERCIAL INSURANCES

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the written permission of the author or Lynn Group Media © Copyright Lynn Group Media 2014.

The opinions expressed in Irish Trucker do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Irish Trucker. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear.

30 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01-6618 080 Email: tk@kib.ie

Contents 2

Industry News A look at the most recent trucking & haulage industry news

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Irish Logistics & Transport Awards Promises to be a fantastic occasion

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www.keaneyinsurance.ie

www.irishtrucker.com 52

MTS Haulage Award winning transport company

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TD Caldwell Ltd. Largest independent accident and repair service centre in the north east

Curry’s Garage One of the most experienced recovery services in N.I

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Dolphin Haulage (Mark Dolphin Plant Hire Ltd) Low Loader specialists

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McNeilly Haulage One of Ireland’s most experienced and dependable haulage companies

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Cunningham Transport Exceptional family run transport/freight business

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Toyota Material Handling Ireland Bringing to the market the full range of Toyota and BT products

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Central Motors Mohill Ltd. Opel Customer Excellence Award winners

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Winters Plant Hire Ltd. Unrivalled plant hire and civil engineering service

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O’Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd. Over 55 years in operation

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Van Monster Offering quality used commercial vehicles

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Classifields

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APR Autobodys Ireland’s leading fibreglass manufacturing company Eureka Software Total Transport Solutions Letterkenny Skip Hire and Recycling Largest commercial and domestic skip hire provider in the North West Brian Daly Transport Services One of Ireland’s leading warehousing and logistics companies

by Irish Trucker is published th Mea Co. ls, Kel k, Par DG Press, Kells Business ynngroupmedia.com 9241926 e mail: contact@l 6) (04 : Fax 3 192 phone: (046) 924

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Premier Logistics order 10 new SDC trailers to accommodate increasing pallet network trunks

One of the UK’s most progressive logistics providers, Premier Logistics is extending their fleet with 10 new SDC Trailers. The latest order follows considerable expansion from the company who celebrated their ten year anniversary in 2014. The new range of curtainsider trailers will be put to use nationwide from Premier Logistics’ head office in Bardon.

The trailer order features six ‘tall’ 4.5m curtainsiders and two ‘Moffet Ready’ curtainsiders for the companies increasing construction fleet.

A further two double-decker curtainsiders are intended to accommodate Premier Logistics increasing pallet network trunks.

Premier Logistics have a large portfolio of active customers including Premier Logistics are all of the major parcel networks, they also have a variety of blue chip extending their fleet with 10 new SDC Trailers co’s and SME’s who require palletised distribution. With a total of 75 truck and trailer units at their Bardon office and a further 30 vehicles located at their Reading site in Berkshire, the company provides outstanding customer service on a national scale.

Commercial Manager at Premier Logistics, Mark Steel, revealed they have a long standing partnership with trailer manufacturer SDC; “Our relationship with SDC has cemented over the past few years. We have a good working relationship with their staff and the quality of the product speaks for itself. SDC Trailers offer good, solid residuals and are very competitively priced.”

Mark added “Our past couple of orders have included laser print curtains and we have received much praise for the way they look on the road. Image is everything to us and SDC help us display that to other road users and more importantly, potential customers.”

Consolidation is now the primary focus for the logistics operator as they aim to increase their revenue in the areas of warehouse and operational efficiency in 2015. They also intend to further develop their Irish business following significant expansion over the last four years. In April Premier Logistics will be exhibiting at the Multimodal show with a range of vehicles and trailers showcasing cutting edge livery.

For more information contact: aodheendougan@sdctrailers.com

Doppstadt Celebrates 50 Years – ‘The Waste management’s and BioMass event of the year’

This year in June Doppstadt the leading supplier of environmental and recycling machinery celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Doppstadt Expo will take place from June 24th-26th 2015 The Doppstadt Group and staff look forward to you being our very welcome guest at our in-house exhibition to celebrate the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the company. Doppstadt’s in-house exhibition will be hosted at the company’s premises in Calbe (Germany). On 24th June, 2015, we will kick-off with an evening event and on 25th June 2015 we plan to show you ‘Live & Hands-On’ - the Doppstadt range of machines in action.

Please register from 26th January 2015 under: www.doppstadt-expo.de and book your ‘Early Bird Package’ including accommodation and service. In the course of the registration you will also have the opportunity to book an exhibition package with overnight accommodation – so very simple and easy. Up to the 15th February 2015, we can make you the superb offer of the ‘Early Bird Package’ which has particularly favourable terms and conditions.

For organizational and safety reasons, a participation or entry without prior registration will not be possible.

Highlights: • Practical demonstrations on 12 Hectares of our premises • Presentations given by expert speakers • Insight into the production processes at Doppstadt’s largest production facility • Machine updates and new developments regarding Doppstadt machine models • Presentation of Doppstadt ‘world firsts’ • Practical demonstrations on 12 hectares of our premises Be there ...

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

PARTS FOR:

Transpec Kingswood Business Park Baldonnell Road Lower Dublin 22 Tel: 01 464 2002

UNRIVALLED STOCKISTS FOR:

Transpec Rosmadda Business Park Ballysimon Road Limerick Tel: 061 437 932

DAF SCANIA Iveco MAN Volvo Mercedes Renault BPW SAF ROR Mercedes Trailer Parts

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Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port company report over 10 Million tonnes of trade traffic in 2014

Total traffic through the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port Company in 2014 reached a total of 10.1 million tonnes.

Following the transfer of Bantry Bay Harbour to the Port of Cork Company in January 2014, both Ports performed well in the circumstances with some sectors performing strongly while others experienced a decline due to a favourable harvest for Irish farmers in the summer and autumn of 2014 when compared to 2013.

Container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy Container Terminals in the Port of Cork showed an exceptional growth of 13% compared to 2013 figures with over 190,000 TUEU’s handled. This is very encouraging and the Port is confident that this level of growth can be maintained through 2015 and beyond with expectations that we will be at record numbers of container import and export Despite the excellent performance in the container business, overall traffic in both Ports experienced a drop of 4% in trade on 2013. This was primarily due to unseasonably fine weather in 2014 which saw a reduction of 22% in both animal feed and cereal imports and generally challenging market conditions which affected overall traffic. An improvement in financial performance is expected in 2015 over the same period.

Oil traffic through Whitegate Oil Refinery, currently owned and operated by Phillips 66 continues to have a significant impact on the overall traffic through the Port of Cork. Oil traffic through the Port of Cork in 2014 experienced a marginal 1.5% decrease on 2013 primarily due to the maintenance shut-down in the Whitegate refinery which affected refining six weeks in July and August of 2014.

Traffic from the Bantry Bay Oil Storage Terminal also currently operated by Phillips 66 which accounts for 100% of the commercial traffic through Bantry Bay Port, saw an 11% decrease in oil traffic in 2014.

Speaking about the end of year trade traffic results, Chairman John Mullins said: “We are very encouraged by the significantly increased container volumes in 2014 and I am confident that we can sustain this growth in 2015 while continuing to seek other opportunities for increasing trade through the port. Consumer confidence is on the rise and we expect that this in turn will bring a surge in consumer goods imported during 2015. Our move to Ringaskiddy is vitally important to meet expected growth.”

He continued “The decrease in traffic volumes during 2014 is primarily due to a reduction in imports of animal feeds, cereals, salt and coal combined with a lack of oil exploration activity compared to 2013.”

Truck Run St Patrick’s Day

The Port of Cork cruise business continues to grow year on year and 2014 was no exception. 53 cruise liners called to Cork in 2014, reflecting the global shift towards new ‘mega ships’ which can carry in excess of 4,000 passengers. These 53 liners in 2014 brought over 119,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are a welcome economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. Work has commenced on upgrading the facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal which will enable ‘Quantum Class’ vessels, which are largest liners currently operating in Europe today, to be berthed there and the Port of Cork continues to work closely with cruise lines to increase calls to both Port of Cork and Bantry Bay. Brittany Ferries had another positive year with their seasonal service from Cork to Roscoff carrying almost 79,000 passengers in 2014. This figure is on a par with 2013 and it is hoped that 2015 will be another busy year for Brittany Ferries when sailings resume in March.

The Port of Cork continues to await a decision on a planning application which was lodged in May 2014 with An Bord Pleanála for new and improved port infrastructure in Ringaskiddy. As a Tier 1 port of national significance, it is vital that this much needed infrastructure can go ahead allowing the Port of Cork to provide facilities which will address the current operating constraints in the City Quays, Tivoli and Ringaskiddy and bring a much needed stimulus to the local economy.

The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities for the Port and in particular, the agri-food business will be a key sector which the Port of Cork is keen to develop.

Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork says: “The Agri sector presents huge opportunities for the port’s exports, with the lifting of the Common Agriculture Policy production limits this year and a projected national dairy output growth of 50% largely concentrated in Muster and South Leinster.”

The Port of Cork Schools Initiative is now in its tenth year and aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the connectivity to world markets. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading.

This year’s theme (2015) ‘RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015’ focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork.

The Port of Cork’s recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

Following an extremely successful truck run that was held last year and which raised in excess of €8,000 it has been decided to run the event again this year in aid of the Holy Family School, Cootehill.

The meeting point for all lorries will be the sales yard in Cootehill and will depart from there at 11.45 heading towards Shercock, Kingscourt, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Ballybay, Rockcorry and back to Cootehill to fall in with their St Patrick's Day parade. Entry will once again be €20.00 per truck. Anyone wishing to participate can contact Martin on 086 3027193 or Eamonn on 087 7911437 or find us on facebook Holy Family School Truck Run.

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New Bandon Road Service Station - Calling all truck & bus operators - O’Briens of Bishopstown Service Station

A brand new state-of-the-art service station restaurant and convenience store has opened for business on the Bandon Road. The impressive new Amber service station and Costcutter store have been developed by the O’Brien family on their own site just past the Bandon Road Roundabout on the main west Cork road (N71).

The Amber branded forecourt is a state-of-the-art motorway services type facility offering all the services you would expect and more.

The 7,500 sq ft facility represents a Eu1.5m investment and has created 25 local full and part-time jobs.

On site facilities include a modern forecourt with car wash, services and separate truck fuelling area as well as ample parking for up to 40 cars.

The two-storey main building includes a large supermarket, off licence and hot and cold deli.

There is also a separate barista cafe and plenty of restaurant style seating areas with free wi-fi as well as modern hygienic toilet and shower facilities.

Located on the main N71 West Cork route the service station will be the first ‘online’ stop encountered by holiday traffic heading from Dublin to West Cork andn is advertised as the “Gateway to West Cork”.

A spokesperson said, “The O’Brien family have been providing employment in the area for more than 50 years and we are delighted that this new development continues that tradition.”

TC Trailers appointed as Fliegl Trailer distributors

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Fliegl Trailers have appointed TC Trailers are sole Importers and Distributors for Ireland.Fliegl European Sales Director Jose Viedma says that he is very pleased to launch the Fliegl range of trailers to the Irish market in conjuction with TC Trailers who have built an excellent reputation for supplying quality sales and back up to their customers through their existing Stas trailer Dealership.We have already delivered our first Fliegl Roadrunner euroliners to Ireland in January ULW 6250Kgs.H&T Matthews Transport,Navan who have taken delivery of two new units are are impressed with the quality of build and the light tare weight and strength of the Fliegl euroliner,so much so that they have ordered a gooseneck Fliegl Skeletal trailer fitted with a Genset..Jose says that Fliegl will have their first new Irl/UK spec 4.2 – 4.5M Tautliners delivered in Ireland by the end of February.All Fliegls will be sold with BPW drum brakes as standard,with other options available with all chassis galvanised guaranteeing Long life.Fliegl are fast becoming one of europes leading trailer manufacturers .The modified transport specialists from the Modern Fliegl large scale production plant at Triptis in Germany now score higher all round when it comes to Handling,Practicality,Weight & Safety.Jose says that the service from Fliegl does not end with the handing over of a vehicle.A complete service package gives the customer security – all over Europe around the TC Trailers are sole importers and distributors for Fliegel clock,a Fliegl 24 Hour Service card is supplied with each new trailer.Fliegl Trailers in Ireland also produce a range of low loader trailer fom 1 – 7 axles.Tom Carroll is delighted to introduce the Fliegl trailer to Ireland and what impressed him and ultimately convinced him to Import the Fliegl range was the quality of the finish of the Fliegl trailers,Irish customers are very clued in on what they want from a trailer and their dealer, and it is our goal to meet their needs through the wide range of options offered by Fliegl.Tom can be contacted directly on 0869890445.Brian Groome Parts Manager at TC Trailers is available on 0878373110 and can guarantee 24Hr parts delivery to anywhere in Ireland.

WWW.TCTRAILERS.COM IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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O’Briens of Bishopstown Truck Stop & Service Station Opening Hours- 6am-12pm -soon to be 24 hours Specials - introductory offer Breakfast Plate €5 for February Also-12 inch pizza with 3 toppings - €5 At the café - Barista Coffee & Cake €4

Barista Café & Deli | Off Licence | Car Wash | Low Low Fuel Prices

24 HOUR REAR TRUCK FUELING & PARKING AREA,

Tel 021-4624236

Shower Facilities Coming Soon

Follow us on facebook | O’Brien’s Service Station Bishopstown, Bandon Rd., Bishopstown

Hydraulic Pumps & Motors from

If you are in the market for a hard working high performance pump ormotor designed for demanding operations, look no further than the Sunfab range, available from Hi-Power Ltd., Sunfab’s sole Irish Distributor.

Swedish company Sunfab has almost 700 versions of motors which meet high performance requirements, from 12 to 130 cm3/rev, up to 40 MPa intermittent working pressure, up to 8800 rpm, in ISO, SAE (2-and 4 bolt flange) DIN and plug-in design, with splined or key shaft and many variants of connection covers.

Sunfab’s product range of hydraulic pumps, meanwhile, is among the most complete in the world. From 12 to 130 cm3/rev, 30 to 40 MPa constant working pressure, single or double flow, fixed and variable flow, in DIN, ISO and SAE design, for mobile and industrial applications.

So, whether you employ Forest Cranes, General Duty Cranes, Sludge Pump Trucks, Skip Loaders, Moving Cargo Floors or Refuse Collection Vehicles, Hi-Power has a motor or a pump to suit.

ROTECH is Ireland’s leading supplier of diesel and lube oil dispensing equipment since 1981 FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Diesel Pumps | Diesel Accessories | Fuel Filtering AD Blue | Grease Equipment | Oil Equipment Water Equipment | Workshop Equipment Hilltown, Killinick, Co. Wexford

T: 053 9135165 E: info@rotech.ie | www.rotech.ie

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Actros delivers for Noone Transport

Noone Transport, one of Ireland’s leading logistics and distribution companies, has strengthened its fleet with the recent addition of three new Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845LS 2.5 Bigspace Euro 6 trucks – bringing the number of Actros currently in its fleet to eight.

Finished in the Company’s distinctive white and red livery, the vehicles were ordered with Mercedes-Benz Predictive Powertrain Control option which can save an additional 5% in fuel by automatically adjusting the vehicle performance to the terrain / topography. Other Noone Transport strengthens its features include high performance engine brake, twin fleet with the addition of 3 new fuel tank, night heater, fridge, twin bunks and ambient Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845LS 2.5 Bigspace Euro 6 trucks lighting.

According to Noone Transport’s managing director Kevin Noone, the firm ordered the new units based on the ‘excellent fuel returns and reliability of the existing five Actros trucks on the fleet’.

Founded in 1986 in Duleek, Noone Transport’s headquarters has been in Slane since 2001. Coupled with a dedicated national transport service, the company provides a full and part-load continental service on both ambient and temperature controlled trailers, covering all of Europe.

DPD launches Parcel Wizard™ – new delivery service for online shoppers

DPD, the parcel delivery company, today, 28 January 2015, launched a new online delivery service - Parcel Wizard™ - to help online shoppers organise deliveries around their busy schedules.

Online shoppers can visit dpdparcelwizard.ie and register for free with the service. They can provide a number of addresses for delivery – home, family, friends, neighbours or any other address around the country where they will be on a given day. When a parcel is ready for delivery, Parcel Wizard™ routes the delivery according to the shopper's schedule. It notifies the Parcel Wizard™ member that the delivery is on the way and gives them the option to change the day of delivery or the location if they wish.

“We’ve looked long and hard at what online shoppers want from their delivery company.

The one issue that crops up time and again is that they weren’t there at the time, and the parcel was taken back, or they have to go to out of their way to retrieve it. Our approach with Parcel Wizard™ is to deliver the customer’s parcel to whatever address they want, wherever they are in Ireland on a day that suits them. Rather than make the customer run around, we go out of our way to deliver,” said Maeve Dwyer, Service Delivery and Marketing Manager with DPD Ireland.

Parcel Wizard™ with “Guess Parcel Wizard™ members can ask for their parcel to be delivered to a friend’s address, or what’s In The Parcel” box to where they might be staying or working during the week anywhere in the country.

Headquartered in Athlone, DPD is one of the largest parcel delivery companies on the island of Ireland. The company handles up to 50,000 parcels for delivery to households every day, as well as deliveries to business and state organisations.

The company has the largest network of depots, 38 in all around Ireland, including several in Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Limerick, Cork, and Waterford. Depot managers around the country have been busy over the last number of months preparing their systems to deliver the new service.

The new service is being launched with a high profile media campaign across press, radio and online with customers who shop online being encouraged to sign up for the new free service.

“It’s very simple to register for Parcel Wizard™. People just visit dpdparcelwizard.ie and register their details and set up their Parcel Wizard™ calendar with the addresses they want to use for deliveries. Each member gets their own personal calendar where they can let us know where they’re going to be on a given day, and then we’ll do the rest. We’ve been trialing it over the last few months with customers, and they think it works like magic!,” said Maeve Dwyer.

People who register with Parcel Wizard™ online have a chance to win a €100 shopping voucher each day. The new service is partnering with Today FM to promote Parcel Wizard™ with on-air promotions “Guess What’s In The Parcel?” and prizes worth thousands of euros to be won starting on the week of 9 February. A final draw will be made on St Valentine’s Day for one lucky winner to walk away with a cheque for €5,000.

“This is an exciting time for DPD and our business in Ireland continues to grow. Parcel Wizard™ supports a suite a of services that we’re bringing to Irish online shoppers with new developments to be added in the coming months,” said Maeve Dwyer.

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New Business Barometer indicates small firms in transport sector positive about the future

SMEs in the transport sector in Ireland are positive about the future, if less than other sectors, according to the inaugural Magnet Regional Business Barometer (MRBB), a study of over 600 SMEs across the Republic of Ireland by Amarach Research on behalf of cloud telecoms provider Magnet. 55% of transport firms feel the year ahead will be positive, with 14% believing it will be negative. Firms in manufacturing and non-financial services were the most upbeat Patrick Kennedy of Amarach Research and Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet, discussing the Magnet Regional Business Barometer, a study of 600 SMEs across Ireland about the future, at 74% and 70% respectively. SMEs in hospitality (47%) and construction (50%) were less optimistic.

1 in 10 SMEs plan to open a new premises in the next 12 months, but companies of 5 staff and under are less confident, and all feel the Government is not doing enough for them. 30% of firms generally do not know who their local public representatives are, and only 1 in 9 is aware of the technology and business grants available worth up to €5,000.

Surprisingly, the survey revealed that businesses in the Mid-West – Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary - are most confident about the future, followed by those in Dublin, at 73% and 67% respectively. By contrast, only 57% of firms in the Cork, Kerry area and 60% in the Border counties said they were looking forward to 2015 with optimism.

SME decision makers are much more positive than the general public, with 75% of SME’s saying the economy is improving, while just 55% of the general public feel this is the case.* “The first year of Magnet’s barometer shows SMEs across Ireland are far more positive about the future than consumers.

Businesses are proving very resilient in the face of the high operating costs and financing issues they are facing,” says Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet. “While the upswing is seeping through to all businesses, it’s clear that the smaller ones are most vulnerable and in need of support.”

Only 11% of SMEs are aware of Government technology and business grants, while only 3% have successfully accessed the Enterprise Ireland voucher and only 1% the online trading voucher. The smaller the firm the less likely that they are aware of the supports available.

“The low awareness of supports available to small firms is striking,” says Kellett. “The poor take-up of these schemes means more needs to be done by both Government and industry to educate the SME community of the supports available. An acceleration of the planned roll-out of the national broadband scheme is critical so that all Irish SME’s can avail of the supports such as the online trading voucher.”

“We’re making it our mission to take Irish Business to the Cloud, and investment in the creation of our new regional business barometer for Ireland, where previously information was lacking, is one of the many things Magnet is doing to support SME’s in 2015.” says Kellett. A second stage of the barometer research in the coming weeks will shed light on SME’s adoption of cloud technology in their businesses.

This research is publicly available on the Magnet website for SMEs to access. Magnet will be hosting regional breakfast briefings for SMEs based on the research from next month. For more details see magnet.ie

VALX range available at Granning Axles

Granning Axles and Suspensions is delighted to announce its appointment as importer and exclusive distributor for the VALX range of axles in the UK, Ireland, Poland and Scandinavia.

Launched into the market nearly five years ago VALX is a tried and proven quality product with some key partnerships both in manufacture and components. With industry market leading companies like Wabco, SKF, Weweler, Timken, Fuwa and Textar involved this is an innovative and quality product designed and tailored for the OE market.

Building on the Granning tradition the VALX brand offers a new approach in the traditional trailer market. With Granning history as market leader in the supply of bespoke and specialist axles it was a natural fit to look to the Trailer OE market.

“Grannings association with Fuwa dates back over 15 years so it was natural when Fuwa KHitch bought VALX that we would seek to become involved.” said Derek Whelan Grannings MD. With Granning offices in Ireland, England and Poland Granning is ideally located to service this expanding market.

For further details on this or any of our products please contact us sales@granningaxles.ie www.granningaxles.ie Granning Axles and Suspensions Ltd Naas Industrial Estate, Naas, Co Kildare

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5th Armagh City Toy Fair & Model Display Show

Armagh City Hotel Again welcomes the 5th Armagh City Toy Fair and Model display Show for their 2015 event.

There will be some 30 model displays inside the fisher suite, with displays in Construction ,Farm, Trucks, Railway, Cars, Steam Engines, remote control vehicles and many more ,the scales range from 1.76 to 1.24. The exhibitors at the event come from all over the North Ireland, Southern Ireland and Scotland. We are delighted to announce that for the first at the event there will be a large collection of Meccano models on display this year. The venue is open from 12.00 to 6pm on the day, and with adult entry only ÂŁ5/E5 and kids go free it certainly offers value for money .The trade space has been fully booked up for this show for months.

For more details on the event, call Kevin 07742670023

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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New Schmitz Cargobull fridge unit brings cool confidence to UK

Schmitz Cargobull is introducing its own brand of temperature controlled refrigeration units into the UK market, available exclusively on its refrigerated S.KO Cool Executive trailers.

The first unit to arrive factory-fresh from the production line in Vreden, Germany, has entered service with Fowler Welch, one of the country’s largest ambient and chilled logistics providers.

The refrigeration unit is manufactured alongside Schmitz Cargobull’s state-ofthe-art reefer trailer production line, and means customers can rely on Schmitz Cargobull quality for the complete trailer, from the fridge, to the running gear, to the floor, chassis and body construction.

With a compressor unit that can run on either two or four cylinders and includes variable speed control, the Schmitz Cargobull own-brand refrigeration unit offers excellent fuel efficiency, cutting running costs for operators. It also offers impressive cooling and heating performance and sets new standards for rapid defrosting. In addition to the new refrigeration unit, the trailer also includes a PIEK-certified multi-function floor, plus a rear roller compression barrier.

Fowler Welch will operate its new mono-temp asset on a dedicated trunking route between Slough, Northamptonshire and Lancashire, transporting chilled foodstuffs. Fowler Welch currently operates around 250 Schmitz Cargobull trailers and so is a perfect ‘first adopter’ of the revolutionary new unit.

Nick Hay, Managing Director at Fowler Welch, says: “We’ve used Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated trailers since 2010 and we’ve always been very impressed with the quality of the product and after-sales support. That’s why we’re very interested in the new refrigeration unit and we are looking forward to seeing how it performs. If it’s anything like the quality of the actual Schmitz Cargobull trailers, we should be very happy.”

Paul Avery, Managing Director, Schmitz Cargobull UK, says: “We’re delighted to provide Fowler Welch with the first S.KO Cool Executive with our own refrigeration unit, as they are a true leader in their sector. They’re always prepared to take advantage of the latest technology and with this new trailer, they are continuing a tradition of being industry innovators.”

The new Schmitz Cargobull trailer provides confidence in transporting temperature controlled goods. It is equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s unique TrailerConnect Interface (TCI), which provides an unparalleled level of monitoring for a refrigerated trailer.

In constant contact with Schmitz Cargobull’s European service centre in Germany, the system uses a series of temperature sensors to build a comprehensive picture of conditions within the trailer. Humidity and fuel level sensors are also available, allowing total control of fridge operation.

The connection with the service centre also means that drivers and transport managers can be alerted to any potential issues before they become a problem, and then advised on where to find their nearest service centre. Units come with integrated telephony so a driver can be contacted by text, email or phone.

Paul Allera, Head of Fleet, Fowler Welch, says: “The telemetry that’s included as standard is going to be very useful. We can track and trace everything and it means that Schmitz Cargobull can pre-empt most faults before they happen. We’re taking this unit for five years but we may well order more after the first 12 months.”

Maintenance will be provided by Schmitz Cargobull’s official service partner, Michael Ward, which has been appointed to provide 24/7, UK-wide coverage, to support customers. Technicians at Michael Ward have been factory-trained by Schmitz Cargobull in Germany to provide the finest levels of service for the new technology.

The Schmitz Cargobull refrigeration unit is available on a lease-only basis on S.KO Cool Executive trailers through Cargobull Finance, giving flexibility, functionality and peace of mind to operators.

Irish Ferries still Ireland’s best ferry company - say travel experts Irish Ferries has been voted Ireland’s Best Ferry Company 2015 for the 5th year in succession at the Irish Travel Industry Awards held in the Mansion House, Dublin recently.

The award, which is an initiative of the Irish Travel Agents Association, was bestowed on the company following a vote of Irish travel agents and suppliers.

Accepting the award, Irish Ferries head of passenger sales Dermot Merrigan thanked travel agents for their support and recognition, adding that, “Irish Ferries is honoured to receive this award for the 5th year in a row, and we trust that your votes reflect our efforts to provide the highest level of service possible for our customers."

Irish Ferries' latest success follows the recent 'Best Ferry Company 2014' award which the Company received at the Irish Travel Trade News Awards in November.

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Pictured receiving the award from the Master of Ceremonies for the night, RTE's Miriam O'Callaghan, was Irish Ferries' Marie McCarthy and Dermot Merrigan with Martin Skelly, President Irish Travel Agents Association IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Andover Trailers keeps Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd. rolling seven days a week

Specialist rail contractor Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd. has purchased a bespoke tri-axle step-frame trailer from Andover Trailers, relying on the trailer’s durability to move road rail vehicles and other plant across the north of England seven days a week.

The business, based in Carlisle, operates a single tractor unit and trailer, with the Andover step frame bought to replace an older Nooteboom unit.

The SFCL 48 trailer, with rail lines on its upper and lower deck, allows Alan Blaylock Haulage to carry rail plant weighing up to 33 tonnes. It is fitted with hydraulic steady legs with large feet to provide maximum stability during loading and unloading, as well as BPW air suspension with raise/lower controls to make it easier for the driver to reach isolated sites.

Alan Blaylock, Managing Director of Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd., says: “I first came across Andover when I was a driver for another company; I was really impressed with the quality and performance of the trailer so when it came time to purchase a custom-built trailer for myself, I knew they would be able to help me.

“90 per cent of our work is based around the railways, so the trailer not only needed the capacity to carry specialised loads, but the durability and manoeuvrability to reach sites across the rail network. The nature of this business means our delivery and collection points are not always located along surfaced roads, nor do they always have ample turning space.”

The trailer features a low deck height and a beavertail that provides approach angles that make it easier to load and unload machinery.

Blaylock adds: “The rail sector operates on razor thin deadlines; we need to use equipment that can be depended upon. We know that the Andover is strong enough to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should that be required.”

Worth more than £50,000, the trailer has been equipped with fold forward ramps which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.

The new trailer will operate with a powerful Scania R560 tractor unit and has been finished in matching red paint. It has also been supplied with yellow conspicuity markings and three pairs of LED flood lights that improve safety during night time operations.

Specialist rail contractor Alan Blaylock Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd. is currently operating to provide haulage Haulage Ltd. has purchased a bespoke tri-axle step-frame trailer from services to Story Contracting, an approved Network Rail supplier.

Andover Trailers

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Continental Irish Van of the Year 2015 Category Winners Announced

The Ford Transit Courier and Nissan Qashqai Commercial have been named Category Winners of the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2015 title by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Van Jury.

Key attributes of the vehicles such as load capacity, reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership and drive comfort are all considered by the IMWA van jury during the judging process.

Presenting the awards to Ciaran McMahon of Ford Ireland, and James McCarthy, Nissan Ireland; Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland, Transit Courier Small Van: Michael Moroney, Chairman of the commented: “In the current resurgent commercial vehicle market which is IMWA Van Jury; Ciaran McMahon, Ford Ireland; seeing year on year growth of 50 percent, I am sure that these awards will Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres Ireland provide a huge boost for both the Transit Courier and Qashqai Commercial.”

Michael Moroney, Chairman of the IMWA van jury, said: “In assessing candidates for the Continental Irish Van of the Year category awards, our jurors pay close attention to how the vehicles meet the particular requirements of the Irish market – that is why these recommendations are so useful to Irish van / commercial drivers and fleet managers”.

The Small Van of the Year and SUV Commercial of the Year titles are category awards under the umbrella of the Continental Irish Van of the Year. The overall Continental Irish Van of the Year award for 2015 was won by the Ford Transit.

McHale personnel visit historic Komatsu Plant

Senior McHale Plant Sales executives Tim Shanahan and Denis McGrath were guests of Komatsu recently on a visit to their historic plant in the Linden suburb of Hanover, Germany.

Established in 1835 by German industrial giant Hanomag, it is one of the most architecturally striking manufacturing facilities in Europe. At various stages, it has been a centre for the production of steam locomotives, trucks, tractors, farm machinery, motorcars and military vehicles.

In 1989, the facility came under Komatsu ownership and is now home to the production of three different product groups: hydraulic wheeled excavators, wheel loaders above 80hp engine power and compact wheel loaders below 80hp engine power.

Intended as part of McHale Plant Sales policy of ensuring that senior sales personnel get first-hand exposure to Komatsu build quality and enhance their level of product knowledge, the visit was described by their managing director Michael McHale as “an essential step in ensuring that our customer - facing personnel are up to speed with the very latest developments in technology that are so much a part of every Komatsu machine being sold today.”

While there, Tim and Denis viewed production of the new Komatsu Dash 7 range of wheel loaders in the range 54hp to 353hp and the new PW-7 wheeled excavators in the range 14 to 22 tonnes.

Construction sector used strong 2014 to review fleet operations, reports Chevin

The construction sector used a relatively strong 2014 to invest in reviewing fleet operations, reports fleet software specialist Chevin Fleet Solutions.

The company says that this was really the first time following the recession that construction companies had the means to take a fresh and thorough look at how they run their commercial vehicles, cars and plant, looking at fundamental objectives.

Ashley Sowerby, managing director, said: “Clearly, construction had a really rough ride throughout the recession and fleet operations suffered as a result. Vehicle lives were frequently extended on a short term basis, for example, and there were few opportunities to examine policies covering key areas such as overall environmental impact.

“However, this pattern appeared to finally change in 2014, according to feedback from the construction companies with which we work. There was sufficient funding and breathing space available to take a ground-upwards look at fleet operations.”

Important areas that were given the most attention included vehicle replacement cycles, CO2 footprint, compliance with legislation and various schemes, and accident management.

Ashley said: “There is a lot of interesting thinking going around. So, for example, we are seeing increasing use of our latest mobile technology not just to meet O licence obligations such as daily driver checks but also newer though similar obligations in LOLER and the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme.

“Additionally, there is a growing recognition in the sector about the need for better management of accident risk, both in terms of reducing the likelihood of incidents and also getting vehicles back on the road more quickly when they do occur. Again, technology available through fleet software is playing an important role in making this possible.”

Ashley added that there appeared to be a recognition within the industry that business levels may well fall away again and that investment was needed to make sure that companies were in the best shape to thrive during the next few years.

He said: “We have certainly seen an increased level of spending in the kind of fleet technology that we provide. The thinking appears to be that investments made now, while conditions are relatively good, will help to ensure that fleet efficiencies are optimised, whether the economy soon flatlines or the recovery picks up speed.”

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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‘Leading lights in Road Safety Award - ADI of the Year 2014 for the Truck Category

Philip Rice, Instructor and Managing Director of Advance Drive School of Motoring in Salthill, Galway was presented with the prestigious ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety Award’ for ‘Approved Driving Instructor of the Year 2014 for the Truck Category’. Philip was presented with the award on Wednesday 10th December 2014 by Ms Liz O’Donnell (Former Minister of State and Progressive Democrat) Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Philip scooped the Nationwide Award for a second year running after winning the award in 2013 for his recognition and contribution to road safety.

Philip is an Approved Driving Instructor registered with the Road Safety Authority since January 2009. This year Philip was nominated in two ‘Leading Lights’ Award categories for both the Bus and the Truck. Philip is a member of the RSA’s Stakeholders Forum representing ‘Approved Driving Instructor of the Year 2014 in the Truck Category’ in the Road Safety Authority’s ‘Leading Lights’ Awards in Farmleigh House on the West of Ireland and provides driver training in all Wednesday 10th December 2014. This is the 2nd year running that Philip has categories of vehicles (A, A1, B, BE, C1, C, CE, D1, D) won the National Award. I have also included a photo of Philip being presented his award by Chairman of the Road Safety Authority Ms. Liz O’Donnell. as well as delivering Driver CPC Periodic Training for professional drivers.

The ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards were introduced in 2008 to celebrate the outstanding efforts of people across Ireland to make roads safer for everyone. The awards provide a special opportunity for members of the public to honor the contribution of exceptional people who promote road safety in their communities.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Ford Commercial Vehicles top the sales charts in Ireland’s booming van market

According to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), the Ford commercial vehicle (CV) range has retained its position as Ireland’s favourite van range in the booming 2014 CV market. In a total van market comprising 16,652 units, Ford achieved a 25.8 percent share (4,299 units), followed by VW with 17.1 percent or 2,856 units and Renault with 9.6 percent or 1,614 units.

Total van sales in Ireland saw a whopping year-on-year increase of 50 percent or 5,576 units in 2014 – up from 11,076 units in 2013 to 16,652 in 2014. The CV sales increase significantly outstripped the car sales increase which was in the order of 30 percent or 96,338 units versus the 2013 total of 74,303.

The Ford Transit Custom, the Ciaran McMahon, newly appointed Chairman flagship vehicle from Ireland’s favourite range of vans. and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, commented: “Our CV sales teams put in a stellar performance last year, our tally of 4,299 units was more than 50 percent more than our nearest rival… The increase in van sales shows that the Irish economy is definitely on the up and we are delighted that our CVs are at the forefront of that increase in business activity. Van sales have always been a better indicator of the direction of the economy than just car sales on their own – if an increasing number of business owners and van operators have the confidence to upgrade their vehicles then that is generally a precursor to an overall improvement in the economy”.

“The Ford Transit nameplate will celebrate its 50th birthday later this year and in all of that time it has been Ireland’s favourite van, consistently outselling competitors year on year. Fans of the Ford CV range have always cited its reliability, versatility and great value for money as key attributes.

Over the past two years, we have totally revamped the Transit line up with fully redesigned models that integrate the latest technologies and utilise the most fuel-efficient engines that we have ever developed to deliver class leading total cost of ownership within the commercial vehicle sector”.

“When coupled with the broadest network of experienced dealers in the country and an innovative range of offers such as 4 year / 150,000km warranty and low finance offers – you can see why our vans continue to be the favoured option among the majority of van owners and operators in Ireland”, concluded McMahon.

Dennison Commercials Launch Used Truck Website

Volvo Truck and Bus Dealer, Dennison Commercials, has recently launched a brand new Used Truck website.

Damian McCusker, Used Truck & Rental Manager for the Dennison Group, explains: “We have dedicated this new website to simplifying the search for quality second hand trucks. We appreciate that buying a truck is a significant investment, and all of our retail used trucks undergo a rigorous selection process, so operators can buy with confidence”.

The site provides a stock list of all used trucks available as well as those in preparation that will be

available for viewing / purchase soon.

Dennisons can provide a number of finance options, and operators have the added support of the quality Volvo network for ongoing maintenance and parts supply.

To view the new website, visit www.denn-ex.com.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mercedes-Benz brings fuel duel challenge to Ireland

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles division has embarked on a series of Fuel Duel Challenges the aim of which is to demonstrate the fuel-saving capabilities of their latest Actros with Euro V1 engine.

Similar to those conducted in other countries across Europe, each Fuel Duel Challenge is being undertaken in cooperation with leading heavy commercials fleet owners.

Under the scheme, an Actros becomes part of the customer’s fleet and is driven by the customer’s driver for periods of two to three weeks duration.

During that time, fuel usage, driving style and other factors having a bearing on fuel consumption are closely monitored and measured by Mercedes-Benz’s own Fleetboard system.

Said by their Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager, Fergus Conheady to be a programme that “will run throughout 2015 during which time we hope to complete twenty or more tests”, it is expected that the results which will be achieved in Ireland will mirror those in other markets.

In tests conducted elsewhere, Actros was proven to be more fuel efficient in some 97% of cases. “Of 814 duels carried out in 16 countries covering a combined distance of 4.1million kilometers, Actros delivered an average 10.9% fuel advantage” Mr. Conheady said.

IVECO REMAN offers: reduced maintenance costs during the entire vehicle life cycle

The Iveco REMAN features a large range of original-quality spare parts, for standard exchange in-line with the residual value of the vehicle and its use. The scheme has been put in place to offer specific solutions for vehicle maintenance at every stage of its life, guaranteeing customers a value for money Iveco REMAN is a specific range of spare parts for which Iveco offers standard exchange terms, which guarantees a part is completely renewed, to its original specifications. These parts, whose quality matches that of a new product, are then covered under the same warranty as the original parts, but cost between 20 to 40% less. With 80% of recycled components, these remanufactured parts also benefit from a reduced environmental impact, allowing a significant decrease in CO2 emissions compared with that of manufacturing new components.

Today, the product range available under Iveco REMAN has doubled to encompass more than 1,000 references. In addition to traditional engines and gearboxes, the standard exchange is available for a wide range of turbochargers, alternators, starters, clutches, parts for injection systems, steering pumps, cylinder heads, electronic boxes, particulate filters, brake calipers (for buses) and many others parts. The Iveco REMAN range is constantly growing in order to ensure the best possible coverage according to customer requirements.

Iveco REMAN not only has a positive impact on price but also on time. Indeed, thanks to its guarantee to meet original part specifications, the use of a REMAN product can reduce repair time from between 40% and 65% compared to a conventional repair. In addition, a remanufactured product can increase a vehicle’s residual value thanks to the restoration of damaged and worn parts, with reduced downtime and costs.

For example, the price of the maintenance package of the New Stralis Hi-Way using Iveco REMAN parts is reduced by 7%, resulting in parallel fuel savings of up to 10% and increasing the vehicle’s residual value by 4%. In this instance, using remanufactured parts improves the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by 4%.

"At the end of 2013, the Reman Dealer Support (DRS) was created. This call centre is designed to answer questions from dealers on the mode of operation of parts’ remanufacturing circuit, the parts available to order, technical alternatives, product features or on the assembly of Iveco REMAN parts" says Marco Franza, Marketing Services & Communication, Reman, Business Intelligence & Training Manager CNH Industrial Parts & Service EMEA. He continues: "The Dealer Reman Support is available in all European countries via a dedicated hotline or depending on the country, via the usual technical support centre".

In 2014, Iveco REMAN parts sales recorded an increase of over 60% compared to 2013 figures showing a trend that is likely to be continued as it continues to expand and is increasingly adopted by customers who wish to control theirs costs.

Beyond the benefits to customers, Iveco REMAN is part of CNH Industrial Group’s long term commitment to environmental manufacturing. In the remanufacturing process, upgrading components and used-material recycling to the strictest standards leads to a significant reduced amount of waste. Through the remanufacturing cycle, CNH Industrial has reduced its use of raw materials by around 1,200 tons less than levels reached in 2013, in addition to saving energy with a significant decrease in CO2 emissions.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Budweg, the Danish Caliper company produce an extensive range of caliper repair kits for both air and hydraulic calipers. When Irish Trucker spoke to Paul Kane, their Irish distributor, regarding the range of repair kits, Paul stated that ’The Irish climate and particularly the recent prolonged wet winter, has had its effects on all types of vehicle brake maintenance. Correctly serviced calipers will greatly improve braking performance, in addition to extending the service life of a caliper’.

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For Further Information, Please Contact

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Supplier Award from Mercedes-Benz Brazil

BorgWarner’s Turbo Systems facility in Itatiba City, Brazil, was presented with the 2014 MercedesBenz Brazil Interaction Award in the category of Innovation Technology for the successful launch of various turbocharges for the new Mercedes-Benz Euro V engines in South America.

“At BorgWarner, we are driven to deliver innovative powertrain solutions that improve fuel economy, emissions and performance for a cleaner, more energy-efficient world,” said Frederic Lissalde, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Turbo Systems. “We have been developing and producing turbochargers foro Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses in South America over the past 40 years. We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award from Mercedes-Benz Brazil.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

(Left to right) Mercedes-Benz Supply Director Erodes Berbetz, BorgWarner General Manager Arnaldo Iezzi, Mercedes-Benz President of Brazil and CEO Latin America Philipp Schiemer, BorgWarner Account Manager Reinaldo Paulino, and MercedesBenz Operations Vice President Wolfgang Haenle celebrated BorgWarner’s achievement as the recipient of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Brazil Supplier Award winner in the category of Innovation Technology

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Thermo King V800 MAX Spectrum delivers increased flexibility and more powerful multipletemperature transportation

Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, is introducing a new, nondiesel, vehicle-powered V-800 MAX Spectrum unit designed to make multi-temperature urban distribution easier for transporters.

Transporters need refrigeration solutions that can offer fuel efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership.

Compared to several industry selfpowered truck refrigeration units, non-diesel options provide more sustainable operations that produce fewer emissions. This is an important factor for many companies.

The V-800 MAX Spectrum responds to this demand and provides environmentally responsible transport refrigeration for trucks up to 12 ton gross vehicle weight (GVW), delivering reliable performance and more cooling capacity while maintaining low energy consumption This new product range offers both cooling and heating capabilities to ensure peak performance in the most demanding city distribution conditions with multiple stops and significant traffic.

Comprising two-piece split units designed to satisfy two-compartment transportation needs, the new series provides full temperature flexibility allowing customers to transport goods at any required temperature in either compartment whether they are fresh, frozen or heated for urban distribution.

“When designing this new V-800 MAX Spectrum Series, we wanted to provide our customers with a solution for all types of distribution applications, from shops, markets and food-chains through petrol stations, restaurants, catering companies up to retail home-delivery, pharmaceutical transportation and renting companies,” said Dwight Gibson, vice president and general manager, Thermo King, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The Thermo King V800 MAX Spectrum range replaces the V-700 MAX Spectrum and offers the following features:

10 percent capacity increase in comparison to its predecessor.

Improved evaporator airflow and quicker pull-down for better product integrity.

No requirement for a diesel engine due to the direct drive technology for sustainable operations, reduced fuel consumption, lower noise and less maintenance.

New swash plate compressor powered by the vehicle’s engine.

Wide selection of models and voltages.

“This new range weighs less than its predecessor, offers increased performance and provides our customers with the most sustainable solution possible. V-800 MAX Spectrum is the most powerful range for both cooling and heating modes currently available on the multi-temp direct drive market-place,” said Gibson.

Thermo King worked together with truck manufacturers to increase availability of drive kits, providing an easier-to-install, lighter and more reliable compressor that maintains low energy consumption while delivering more capacity with increased reliability.

The new V800 MAX Spectrum uses the advanced Direct Smart Reefer controller, bringing the latest in microprocessor-based intelligent control to Thermo King’s direct drive range. The controller provides accurate single- and multitemperature control. In addition, it employs an easy-to-use interface and offers best-in-class exposure experience.

For more information, please visit http://www.europe.thermoking.com or follow us on Twitter at @ThermoKingEUR.

Irish Continental Group (ICG) has appointed Andrew Sheen to the position of Managing Director of its Irish Ferries division

Andrew will assume his new role with effect from the beginning of April, reporting to ICG’s CEO, Eamonn Rothwell.

Operations Director since 2012, Andrew has been involved in shipping for over twenty-six years, ten of them with Irish Ferries - first as a sea-going Chief Engineer and, since 2010, in shore-based operations roles.

A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers, he holds a BEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical and Marine Engineering and an MSc in Marine and Offshore Engineering.

Previous appointments include roles in marine consultancy and Engineer Surveyor and Technical Performance Manager positions with the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Wishing Andrew every success in his future role, Mr. Rothwell said “Andrew has impressed us all with his strong skills in the ship operational area along with his undoubted drive and enthusiasm in developing Irish Ferries.”

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Mercedes-Benz delivers power to ESB

ESB has added 3 new MercedesBenz Arocs 1845LS tractor units to its fleet

The ESB Networks has strengthened its fleet with the addition of three new Mercedes-Benz Arocs 1845LS tractor units.

Going into operation at its Ballycoolin depot, the units were supplied by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles painted in the ESB Networks distinctive yellow livery.

Supplied as part of a successful tender, all feature a 2.3 metre Classic Space sleeper cab, sliding coupling and stainless steel outside storage compartments.

Commenting, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle sales manager, Fergus Conheady said: ‘Mercedes-Benz is proud to deliver these trucks to such a high profile customer knowing the reputation the Arocs has gained for being a resilient, robust and loadable truck'.

DAF Telematics helps operators track fuel savings

Following the success of DAF Telematics, launched in 2014, operators have been able to track the fuel savings that the latest Euro 6 compliant DAF range of vehicles is delivering. The DAF Telematics system is now supplied as standard with all new DAF vehicles ordered with a DAF MultiSupport Repair & Maintenance contract. Operators who choose not to take a Repair & Maintenance contract can order the system as an optional extra.

Operators with the system receive a weekly fuel and utilisation report as part of the MultiSupport contract to enable them to track fuel efficiency.

Operators can also access a comprehensive view of fleet operations, with access delivered through a web-based online portal giving trend analysis reporting, focused on a single driver DAF Trucks, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial or the entire fleet, as well as a unique safety view and real-time vehicles, has made telematics hardware an available option on all new vehicles sold in the UK visibility of fleet assets. DAF Telematics also caters for tachograph information, with the Microlise Remote Digital Tachograph Download module available to DAF Telematics customers.

Because the DAF Telematics system has been developed in partnership with Microlise, DAF customers can also very easily take the step into full logistics management systems, including Journey Management and Proof of Delivery, to suit their specific business needs.

One of the benefits of having so many vehicles equipped with the system is that DAF is able to analyse economy and vehicle performance trends for a large number of vehicles. "What we can see is that Euro 6 DAF vehicles are consistently outperforming similar Euro 5 vehicles on fuel economy by between 2% and 7%", said Phil Moon, Marketing Manager at DAF Trucks Ltd. "Although there are obvious variables between one operation and another, our ability to consolidate the data for so many vehicles and compare those of similar configurations means we can get a good view on how well the latest vehicles are performing."

Although the Euro 5 compliant DAF vehicles were undoubtedly delivering excellent fuel economy the move to Euro 6 and the attention to every detail that could affect economy has certainly paid off.

"We will be checking the impact of the latest efficiency enhancements to the DAF range as they start to deliver further fuel savings for operators," continued Moon.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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SDC Trailers’ ‘stellar growth’ continues with gala event to mark the official launch of the SDC Group in the Middle

SDC Trailers’ ‘stellar growth’ has continued with the announcement of “SDC Middle -East.” Established in Toomebridge, Northern Ireland in 1978, the privately owned SDC Trailers have set their sights on the Middle Eastern HGV trailer market, following a number of orders for their specialised units. The company held a gala event at the Atlantis Palm Hotel in Dubai this weekend which was attended by 60 guests including logistics and transport operators from the region. 12 key suppliers also attended, with discussions around a series of orders, and the company expects to make a number of announcements in the coming months. SDC also met with Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Arlene Foster in Dubai.

Stephen McIvor, SDC Trailers Export Sales Manager, says the move comes after steady growth across the region, and the development of key strategic partnerships across the Middle East, “The transport sector is looking very positive in the Middle East at the minute and we are well positioned to meet the requirements of operators in this region. Our vision is to provide flexibility and innovation to every customer, developing quality products to specific transport requirements for complete satisfaction and maximum return on investment. By continuously reinvesting and updating our engineering facilities we have been able to adapt to changes in the industry and provide customer led transport solutions. These values have allowed us to secure a number of new trailer orders from operators in the Middle East.”

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Arlene Foster, commented; “The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially Saudi

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Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are target markets for Northern Ireland exporters, education and tourism.

Growing export sales and the growth of local businesses is at the very heart of the Programme for Government with Invest Northern Ireland having a wellestablished and very active trade programme SDC Trailers Export Sales Manager, Stephen McIvor (left) and targeting the Middle SDC Parts Managing Director, Gavin Diamond (third from left) East. I want to pictured along with Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister congratulate SDC on their Arlene Foster and Invest NI's Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton at the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai for the launch of SDC Middle East continued foresight. They are very much part of experience of working with SDC has Northern Ireland’s globally been flawless, recognised expertise in the transportation and engineering sectors and I hope many more “From the outset, the experience companies from Northern Ireland will with SDC has been very positive and take their example of broadening we are pleased to locate a supplier their horizons and exploring who has the will and capability to business and trade relationships listen to our needs and deliver within the international market.” quality, precision engineered solutions matching our expectations.

SDC Group Managing Director Mark The trailers supplied by SDC are Cuskeran, who led the delegation to unique to Saudi Arabia in many the Middle East, said this launch ways. In comparison with standard marks the latest stage in the equipment available in Saudi Arabia, companies’ development, with the trailers are a giant leap in terms further major announcements in the of build quality and feature safety pipeline. enhancing technology.”

“SDC has been working across the Middle East for some time now, building our profile and our understanding of how to do business successfully in the region. Earlier in 2014 we announced a €1.5million trailer order from the Rezayat Group in Saudi Arabia and we believe there is a lot more business to be done there. Over the course of the last few years, we have identified a gap in the export market for a stronger, sturdier trailer for heavy haulage.

Now that we have announced this new chapter in the company development, we aim to secure a healthy share of the Middle Eastern trailer market with a dedicated focus on specialist trailer builds.”

Crescent Transportation, a member of the Rezayat Group of companies is a leading logistics service provider in Saudi Arabia established 1976.

Crescent took delivery of 60 flatbed trailers from SDC during 2014.

James Graham from Crescent Transportation said that the

SDC Parts is also working actively in the region and have secured £120,000 worth of truck and trailer parts business from the region over the past few months. The SDC Group currently employ over 900 staff across their four sites, having created 300 positions since the downturn in 2009. The company retains an excellent reputation in the field of specialised trailer builds with a wide portfolio ranging from flat beds, skeletals and curtainsiders to box vans and car transporters.

SDC have increased production output by 30% in 2014 following ongoing expansion at their four manufacturing plants. Group turnover has also risen sharply, projected to increase by €57 million to €220million, following a number of sizeable orders from local and international markets. The company offer a combination of robust, customer specified products at a competitive price due to the economies of scale of building over 8,000 trailers per year.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Aggregates supplier achieves greater efficiency and better customer service thanks to DAF out of hours servicing

A leading aggregates supplier from Yorkshire, John Owen (Aggregates) Ltd, ensures it can give customers a faster and responsive service by always keeping its fleet of over 20 DAF trucks available during working hours as all servicing and maintenance work is done overnight or at weekends by the local DAF dealer – Chatfields Sheffield.

This level of service, plus value for money, competitive parts prices and the added convenience of service and maintenance contracts has kept John Owen (Aggregates) Ltd as a DAF customer for nearly 15 years, with over 20 eight-wheeler DAF tipper trucks now on its fleet. Typically, each vehicle travels 100,000 km a year carrying up to 20 tonnes at a time, and is changed every three years to keep the fleet modern and always under warranty.

“I use DAFs because their cost and parts prices offer good value for money, and also because of the back-up provided by our DAF dealer to ensure our lorries on the road and working for us at all times,” said Leon Gull, managing director and owner of John Owen (Aggregates) Ltd. “Another key part of their appeal, is the smart and modern appearance of the new ‘greener’ Euro 6 models, which we’re very pleased with, and are achieving excellent fuel economy,” added Leon Gull.

Following its experience with its first three Euro 6 vehicles, which are also the first new DAF CF FAD construction models on its fleet, John Owen (Aggregates) Ltd has just ordered four more.

The new, Euro 6 DAF CF Construction is specifically developed for regular off-road driving with more ground clearance plus increased approach and departure angles. Its new chassis gives maximum stiffness, plus a better driving experience, and is available as a 6x4 and 8x4 rigid or 6x4 tractor unit. For more manoeuvrability or lighter loads, DAF also produces a Construction model of its smaller, new DAF LF. “We are really grateful to John Owen (Aggregates) Ltd for its loyalty to DAF over the last 15 years, and delighted to hear the feedback of the good reasons for this. As experienced professionals in the truck business, DAF dealers always understand that truck owners and operators rely on their vehicles to run their businesses efficiently, so need the best customer service,” said Phil Moon, Marketing Manager, DAF Trucks UK Ltd.

Britains Model & Toy Sale at TBF Shop

Celebrating the recent launch of our new look TBFShop website, we are offering 10% discount on all Britains models and toys for the month of February.

We have a great range of collectables in store, with notable favourites such as the Land Rover Defender, Ford 7600 tractor and JCB 3C MKIII. Come visit us online, fill up your basket and see your savings at the checkout.

24

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

truck news designed_Layout 1 13/02/2015 11:25 Page 24

Magnetic Drill €315

20 Ton Puller Kit €875

20mm Plasma Cutter €550

Car Lift €1450

Headlight Setter €390

180 amp Inverter Welder €315

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Next Day Nationwide Delivery On All Orders Placed before 5pm

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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truck news designed_Layout 1 13/02/2015 11:25 Page 25

“Model Dealer” wins UK’s first full-year Van Pro stamp of approval from Mercedes-Benz

Northern Ireland’s official Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealer has become the first to pass a stringent quality audit covering all aspects of its light commercial vehicle sales and after sales operation.

Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI), which is based on Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey, was hailed a “model Dealer” by the manufacturer in recognition of its achievement.

The Van ProCenter programme is an international initiative by Mercedes-Benz that puts customer care at the very top of the agenda. Just over a year ago, having been pipped at the post by a fellow franchisee, Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) became only the second UK Dealer to meet all of the scheme’s demanding criteria and earn accreditation as a fully-fledged Van ProCenter – to underline just how tough the process is, most members of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer network are still working towards this goal.

Now, 12 months on, Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) has just claimed top spot by becoming the first Dealer to pass a rigorous audit covering a full year’s operation as a Van ProCenter.

Significantly more demanding than the process it went through to secure its accreditation, the new audit effectively confirms that Delivering the Van ProCenter vision: Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) has delivered on all of its (NI) Managing Director Neil McKibbin, left, with Sales Director promises.

Julian Brown, right, and Van Sales Manager Robert Walker Steve Bridge, Managing Director for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK, explained: “Van Pro Dealers have to meet more 50 separate standards of excellence which, taken together, mean their customers are assured of class-leading levels of service, not only when selecting, ordering and taking delivery of their new vehicles, but also once they’re on the road.

“The excellence of our Dealer partner in Northern Ireland is reflected by its achievements over the past year, not only in terms of vehicle sales but also against a range of key performance indicators. MB T&V (NI) is a model Van Dealer.”

Mercedes-Benz Van ProCenter Dealers must keep extended opening hours for customer convenience and meet the manufacturer’s strict requirements on everything from sales staff numbers, their training, qualifications and expertise in specific models and business sectors, to advice on bodybuilding options and the availability of award-winning Sprinter, Vito and Citan demonstration vehicles for test drives at short notice.

They will also demonstrate ‘best-in-class’ brand and product presentation at their premises where, as well as new models, they should retail a broad range of top-quality used vans and offer customers fair and transparent trade-in deals on their own vehicles.

From an after sales perspective, meanwhile, Van ProCenter Dealers must have specially trained service advisors and technicians, and ensure customer mobility by providing replacement vehicles and collection and delivery services.

Managing Director Neil McKibbin, who recently led celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the dealership he founded, added: “Our motivated, expert team have passed every test that MercedesBenz has put in front of them with flying colours, and should all be extremely proud of this latest achievement.

“We’re committed at MercedesBenz Truck & Van (NI) to providing the class-leading acquisition and ownership experience that customers for vehicles bearing the legendary three-pointed star are entitled to expect.”

26

Leading from the front: MB T&V (NI) Managing Direct Neil McKibbin

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Who will be the superheroes at the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards?

19 March 2015 DoubleTree by Hilton, Dublin 4 www.iltawards.ie

Book your place at the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2015.

It’s the best opportunity of the year to: 1.

2.

3.

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Be recognised as a leader in front of the industry’s top players Celebrate with your team and clients at a prestigious event Network with other important decision makers Support the achievements of those in the sector

Book Your Place Today at www.iltawards.ie or call 01 407 0595 Interested in Sponsorship? Contact Kevin O’Driscoll on 01 407 0594 or kevin@eventstrategies.ie Media Partner

Trade Media Partner

Patron

Sponsors

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irish logistics designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:52 Page 1

WHEN: 19th MARCH 2015 WHERE: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

irish logistics designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:53 Page 2

2015 TON, DUBLIN

Irish Logistics & Transport Awards night promises to be a fantastic occasion T

his spring sees the return of the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards which take place on 19th March 2015 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Dublin. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport are the Patron for the Awards.

This is the fifth year of the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards which is now the number one event in Ireland for recognising the highest standards in the logistics and transport industry. There will be over 400 representatives from across Ireland at the Awards which will bean unmissable event for networking and entertainment.

(The Awards, judged by a distinguished panel of Judges, feature) examples of best practise across the industry. This includes logistics, transport, passenger transport, freight forwarding, couriers, supply chain, technology, innovation, safety, communications, sustainability and education. There are 21 categories featured in the 2015 Awards including Overall Logistics & Transport Excellence Award, Logistics Company of the Year and Transport Company of the Year.

This prestigious event will be hosted by one of Ireland's favourite comedians and Today FM host Dermot Whelan. In addition to the Awards themselves and a delicious dinner, the evening will be rounded off with entertainment, making sure that the fun continues long into the night.

The Irish Logistics & Transport Awards are your best opportunity of the year to entertain your clients and reward your team in style. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with other important decision makers and showcase yourself and as a leader in front of the industry's top players.

To find out who will be crowned winners at the 2015 Irish Logistics & Transport Awards on 19th March call 01 407 0595 or book your place at www.iltawards.ie For more on the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards including a film footage of the 2014 event visit www.iltawards.ie1 NB. There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available.

For more contact Kevin O'Driscoll on 01 407 0594 or email Kevin at kevin@eventstrategies.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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currys designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:24 Page 1

Curry’s can transport any type of vehicle apart from a HGV

L

Curry’s celebrate Pearl Anniversary Breakdowns can cause motorists a great deal of stress, while accidents increase those stress levels ten-fold and these are something that we all strive to avoid, but unfortunately they do happen.

uckily, there are specialist companies out there that can ease the burden of either being involved in an accident or breakdowns and for this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile one of the most experienced recovery services in Northern Ireland.

Curry’s Garage is a family run business that was established in 1985 by Leonard and Julie Curry and we caught up with the latter who told us all about running the business.

Based in Eglinton, Co Londonderry, Curry’s started off with just one recovery

CONTACT DETAILS 30

vehicle, but through hard work and dedication, they have an array of recovery vehicles operating on a daily basis.

“We would recover anything from a motorbike up to light commercials and even caravans. There are five working here and we are on call 24hrs a day, 365 days of the year.

With vast experience of the vehicle recovery industry, this family business offers a nationwide service with both private and motor trade customers catered for in a professional and friendly manner, with no account needed. The

company is a 100% reliable, punctual and fully-insured vehicle breakdown/recovery service with an unrivalled record in safety. The state-ofthe-art, hard-working Curry's Garage fleet is maintained to the highest possible standards and kept clean and presentable at all times - reflecting the swift and professional service provided.

“We can help the customer if they have a vehicle that they want to dispose of.

We can pick it up from their location free of charge depending on if the vehicle needs to be stored and provide a certificate of destruction so they can fulfil

Curry’s Garage 13 Edenreagh Rd, Eglinton, L’Derry BT47 3AS, Northern Ireland, Tel: 028-71810567 e-mail: info@currysgarage.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

currys designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:24 Page 2

legal requirements.

“Also, if someone has had a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) or collision and their vehicle is unsafe to be driven we can offer accident recovery to help them during what is normally quite a stressful time. We can collect their vehicle and store it in one of our secure compounds and then their insurance company can collect it from us to save you the hassle.”

The full range of expert services available includes vehicle towing, crash recovery, truck towing and recovery, roadside repairs, fuel removal, wheel changes, battery jumpstarts, roadside puncture repairs, fuel delivery, vehicle lock-outs, mobile tyre changes, longdistance towing and haulage of plant and farm machinery.

“As well as our recovery operations we have a fully equipped workshop where we provide damage repairs, insurance work, panel-beating and re-spray," added Julie.

All services are offered on a 24-hour basis and all operators are trained to the highest industry standards, the Curry’s Garage fleet including five tilt and slide vehicles made up of 3 Renault and 2 MAN. The directors go to great lengths to ensure that all their operatives are fully-trained and kept up to speed with all industry developments and requirements.

The fleet is comprehensively-insured and tracking systems are installed.

“Business is busy all year round. There are no guarantees and you just take it one day at a time in this industry though.

But we’re kept going. Our rates are extremely competitive and the experience that we have picked up over

One of Curry’s recovery vehicles

the years has stood to us.

“We aim to have a mechanic and breakdown truck with a customer inside 30mins, If we can’t repair your vehicle on site, we will recover the vehicle to the Garage or place that you request.”

Leonard and Julie have seen many changes in the recovery industry over the years with new legislations being introduced on a regular basis. But despite the extra paperwork involved, she feels the changes have been for the better.

“Certainly, the introduction of more stringent laws has helped remove the ‘rogue operators’ from this industry and anyone trying to get into the business has to have the proper certificates in place. Before this, a lot of operators were not properly covered with the right insurance, but that can’t happen now.”

The company has always prided itself in their high standard of customer service and see it as the key reason for their repeat business, which has

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Curry’s Garage From

Renault is the preferred choice of recovery vehicle IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The company ws established in 1985

since the very first day. We also place a big emphasis on training our staff and our secure storage facility has CCTV and full security measures in place. The customer can be assured their vehicle is safe and will be looked after.”

Looking to the future, Julie concludes: “If things continue the way they have been going, then I would be happy enough. We are not making millions out of this, but we are doing okay. Our name is out there and we’re always looking at new ways to improve our service."

A vehicle in for repair work

seen them retain their customers’ business down through the years. Repeat business is crucial in the recovery service game and Curry's Garage has made sure to keep their paying customers the priority over the last 30 years.

There are no restrictions to how far this family run business will journey for its customers. Members of the RAC, Green Flag, AA and Britannia Rescue, they are also accredited with PAS 43 and can recover vehicles nationwide.

The reason why their services are so popular is quite simple, really. At the end of the day, it all comes down to providing that quality service: “We do the job right. That has been our way

RECOVERY INDUSTRY ENGINEERING STANDARDS Best Wishes To Curry’s Garage, From

'A Professional Service for the Professionals' Recovery Industry Engineering Standards Ltd P.O. Box 185, Wisbech PE14 4BP Tele: 01945589822 www.rieseurope.com

32

NORTH WEST MOTOR FACTORS

Best Wishes To Curry’s Garage, From

EXHAUSTS | FILTERS | ACCESSORIES | PAINT |BRAKES

Unit 8A Springtown Ind Est, Derry BT48 OLY

T:028-71370050

J.D.

Recovery Services

PROVIDING A TOWING SERVICE FOR ALL VEHICLE TYPES DAY OR NIGHT 24 HOUR RECOVERY & STORAGE SERVICES

Kilmacrennan, County Donegal.

Email: info@jdrecoveryservice.com Phone 00 353 (0) 74 91 39303 Mobile: 00 353 (0) 86 228 9494. Fax 074 91 39010 Web: www.jdrecoveryservice.com

Continued Best Wishes To Curry’s Garage IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mcneilly designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:37 Page 1

Decades of experience and know-how Now in its fifth decade of existence, McNeilly Haulage is one of Ireland’s most experienced and dependable haulage companies. We dropped into their Larne, County Antrim base and spoke to director Martin McNeilly about the proud history and current well-being of this exceptional family business.

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

McNeilly Haulage

7 Glenarm Road, Larne, Co. Antrim, BT40 1BN Tel: 0044 28 2827 2050

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mcneilly designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:37 Page 2

E

xperience is the key currency in haulage; nothing beats it. To this end, McNeilly Haulage in Larne holds a strong hand. The company boasts four-and-a-half decades (and counting!) of experience and knowhow and is renowned for providing professional and dependable solutions at all times. Add in the fact that they are flexible, versatile and available for work both sides of the border and it’s clear that the future is bright for this long-running, highly-respected operation.

Martin McNeilly took over the running of the family business some ten years ago, having joined his father’s team as a rigid driver upon leaving school in 1990.

Reflecting on the genesis and formative years of the company, he notes: “My father started the business off as David McNeilly Haulage in 1969. He started out with a Dodge artic drawing containers out of Larne Port and all across Northern Ireland for ACCS.

“He progressed to an ERF after that and built the business up bit by bit. It was all container work at that time but he then went into general haulage when Containerway – now Roadferry – bought

out ACCS. “He did that for about ten years and then went in to Invercon Papermills in Larne in the early 1980s. He started with them with one rigid delivering to hospitals etc. around the Belfast area. That took over big time as Invercon was one of the biggest employers here and we got a lot of work from them. We had eight or nine lorries with them at one point and were doing runs to Dublin and Cork and all over the country. We even had our own warehouse in Larne Industrial Estate plus three other units.

They closed around 2000 and we were with them for the best part of 20 years.”

Meanwhile, Martin himself had joined the family business in ’90 and progressed year on year. He took the reins a decade ago but his father, David, is a partner in the business and still a big part of the operation. Martin’s wife Philippa also helps out during peak times.

Three generations of McNeillys, l/r: Martin with his son Billy and company founder David

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As for current contracts, Martin reveals: “We do a lot of work for GKN, now called CHEP Pallets, and we also work for Maxi Haulage, who hold the Tesco contract for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We do trunking for them.”

Martin oversees a fleet of seven Volvos. He owns two flat trailers and three curtainsiders but mostly uses the customers’ own trailers. Produce-wise, McNeilly Haulage predominantly carries foodstuffs, groceries and pallets. They also do a little bit of refrigerated work, mainly from Larne Port or Belfast Port to the Tesco hub in Belfast.

The fleet is strong and dependable, maintained in top running order.

Martin’s policy is to buy top-quality, second-hand vehicles and look after them. “Most of the lorries are secondhand and the most recent I purchased was in ’08,” he confirms. “They are all well maintained and we keep them in excellent condition. We use the services of a local mechanic exclusively and we keep all the service records and make sure they are checked and serviced on a regular basis.”

Geographically, what catchment area is covered? “We cover all of Northern Ireland for CHEP and also all of Northern Ireland for Maxi Haulage as well as a little bit of Dublin. We go into Tesco’s central hubs in Antrim and Belfast, which deal with dry and frozen goods respectively, and also down to the DC (Distribution Centre) in Donabate in North Dublin.”

Obviously, only the best hauliers in the business are going to get to work – albeit indirectly - for a company of the scale of Tesco. It’s a shining endorsement of everything that McNeilly Haulage stands for.

“Everything has to be done right,” says Martin. “It’s all time-sensitive deliveries and we have to be there on time every time. You need to be extremely efficient

heads down and keep going. There are and reliable and these are attributes we have honed through years of providing a lot of overheads: we pay over £20,000 customer-orientated solutions. We pride a year for insurance alone and are also ourselves on our reliability – if we say taxed to the hilt. At least the price of fuel we are going to be there at a certain has come back a bit but it’s still very time, then we will be there. Tesco is expensive. There are a lot of factors obviously a very big company and they working against you but you still go out demand the very best from Maxi there and price a job as fair as you can Haulage. In turn, Maxi Haulage and give it 100%. demands the best from me.”

“We’re in a very good location here – Forty-six years after its inception, five minutes from Larne Port and only McNeilly Haulage is still going strong, 20 miles from Belfast Port – and we with its trucks top be seen travelling up provide a very flexible service to and down the M1 motorway every accommodate our customers. We morning and evening, as well as all wouldn’t turn down any work, big or across Belfast city and Northern small. We’ve never let a customer down Ireland. Gainful employment is provided and I’d still go out driving myself when to a team of ten and a low staff turnover needed.” has enabled Martin to provide a It’s that kind of attitude that has seen consistent and steady service.

McNeilly Haulage forge such a stellar “A few of the lads have been with me reputation over the past 46 years! for 15 or 16 years. We also had a guy who just retired after 26 years. Another guy who left last Best Wishes To McNeilly Haulage, From year had been on the books for 28 years. The staff are very important and it’s a relationship that works both ways – we look after them and they look after us.

There are some great lads working here.”

Looking to the future, Martin is hoping to steer the business towards its 50th anniversary and beyond: “The plan for the short term is to perhaps freshen up the fleet a little bit and maybe to look for another wee bit of work,” he concludes. “We are available to do general haulage North or South.

“We’ve been at this for 46 years and we’re still going, which speaks for itself. My father has made plenty of friends through haulage and he knows what he’s doing.

“It’s very tough now for CIP Insurance Brokers Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority everybody so we’ll just keep the

Best Wishes & Continued Success To McNeilly Haulage, From

frank beattie & co accountants

98b Main Street, Larne, Co. Antrim BT40 1RE Email: frankbeattie@btconnect.com Tel:028-2827 2040 | Fax:028-2827 2040 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Toyota Material Handling Ireland is headquartered on Killeen Road, Dublin 12

A pioneer in forklift technology 100% Irish owned, Toyota Ireland was established by the Mahony family in 1973 with the aim of importing and distributing Toyota motor vehicles and forklift trucks to the Irish market. Irish Trucker caught up with Toyota Material Handling Ireland Managing Director Terry O'Reilly to find out what makes Toyota number one when it comes to material handling.

CONTACT DETAILS

36

Toyota Material Handling Ireland Toyota Ireland, Killeen Road, Dublin 12 T: +353 1 4190200 F: +353 1 4190325

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

toyota designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 16:58 Page 2

The Toyota Material Handling showroom

D

uring the past 41 years Toyota Ireland has firmly established the Toyota brand as a household name in Ireland and continues to be a market leader today.

Toyota Material Handling Ireland now brings to the market the full range of Toyota and BT products, offering the customer a one stop shop for all material handling needs.

From hand trucks, pallet trucks and reach trucks to stacker and gas, diesel and electric counterbalance trucks, they offer their customers the widest product range in the business.

Toyota Material Handling Ireland is headquartered on Killeen Road, Dublin 12 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All the benefits, peace of mind and value for money that Toyota provide to make it the number one seller of motor cars in Ireland are also available in its material handling range making Toyota Material Handling Ireland the ideal partner for your business, whatever it is.

“What we pride ourselves on, first and foremost, is our wonderful products,” states Terry O'Reilly who has worked with Toyota Ireland for the past 34 years, promoted to the role of Managing Director of the Material Handling Company in 1992.

Toyota Material Handling Ireland has recently completed the launch of the brand new Toyota Traigo series of electric forklifts – a truck designed to deliver more productivity and offering safer and more energyefficient operation than ever before.

With load capacities ranging from 1.0 tonnes up to 8.5 tonnes, the Traigo range is the result of an intense and continuous collaboration between Toyota and its customers, whose feedback contributed to the parameters of the new design.

The Traigo features a range of qualities to optimise driver comfort and increase performance both

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toyota designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 16:58 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Toyota Material Handling Ireland, From

THE INDEPENDENT BATTERY SUPPLIERS SINCE 1978 Electraction Ltd Unit 61 broomhill Drive, Airton Road, Dublin 24 PH: +353 1 4525866 Electraction NI Ltd Carrickfergus Industrial Centre, Co . Antrim , BT38 8PH PH: +44(0)2893 364454 www.electraction.com Best Wishes To Toyota Material Handling Ireland, From

CALLAGHAN FORKLIFTS LTD SALES - SERVICE - HIRE

Contact Sean Callaghan Drumfin, Co. Sligo T:071-91 27207 M: 087-2799772 E: callaghanforklifts@live.ie www.callaghanforklifts.com Callaghan forklifts Ltd provides The full range of Toyota Material Handling products, also hydraulic attachments, fork extensions etc. Callaghan forklifts Ltd also stock used trucks, which are available for Short or Long term Hire. Our service technicians are fully trained by Toyota and Operate a Same Day Service for Breakdown Repairs with fully equipped service vans. Callaghan forklifts Ltd operate a Comprehensively Stocked Parts Department with overnight deliveries from Toyota Ireland.

Clarke Transport Ltd

Best Wishes To Toyota Material Handling Ireland, From

IRELAND'S FOREMOST MACHINERY HANDLING SPECIALISTS SINCE 1979.

21 Castle Cove, Seabury, Malahide, Co. Dublin

Contact us on 086-2570989

38

Email: clarketransport@gmail.com www.clarketransport.ie

indoors and outdoors. It also benefits from Toyota’s worldleading features and technologies to protect both driver and goods, including the company’s unique SAS safety feature, an exclusive technology designed to actively enhance forklift stability and safety.

“During the course of the past couple of years we have successfully introduced a lot of new products to the market and they have all been very well received by dealers and customers alike. It's the most up-to-date and complete range there has ever been in our history, renowned for their reliability, efficiency and durability. We even have trucks in the field that are 30years old.”

Toyota's success in Ireland is the result of a combination of excellent products and the best dealer network.

Toyota Ireland dealer network is strategically located throughout the country offering the customer peace of mind in terms of sales and more importantly after sales service.

The Toyota dealer has the knowhow and experience to recommend the right forklift for every job and provide advice on leasing, hire and finance etc.

Furthermore with their fifty trained service engineers within the group the Toyota Dealer offers first class customer service with rapid response callout. Each dealer has a hire fleet and can provide additional equipment if required at peak periods for the customer.

Offering the highest standard of sales and aftersales is at the core of the business according to Terry.

“Toyota is one of the world's best brand name and we are fortunate to have a great dealer network in place.

Some of our dealers have been with us over 30 years, the majority have been with us for a long time. They have developed great relationships with their customers through

lean years and good years.

“We're an Irish company and Toyota is well respected in Ireland. We're lucky to have a sister company whose cars are seen on the road every day. Toyota cars are synonymous with reliability, durability and the best resale value in the business.

“The same applies to our material handling equipment.

Our customers know they get value for money and quality when they purchase a Toyota.”

Toyota Material Handling Ireland hasn't been immune from the negative repercussions of the recent economic downturn but Terry agrees that there are signs of recovery in the material handling market.

“Thankfully last year was much better,” he revealed.

“Companies are beginning to spend again and I'd like to think it will improve again this year in line with economic forecasts.

“Tough decisions had to be made and we had to cut our cloth accordingly but we're here forty years now. We had ups and downs but we're in it for the long haul.

Approximately 80-90 people are employed in the material handling side of Toyota’s business in Ireland and, looking forward, if things continue to improve extra service and possibly sales positions may come on stream.

“Toyota is number one when it comes to material handling worldwide. 'The Toyota Way' underlines Toyota's managerial approach with emphasis on continuous improvement, team work and respect for people.

“The Toyota Production System is real and tangible, and with its research and development, it's amazing how Toyota keeps evolving.

It's great to be part of that ‘Toyota Way’.”

If your business needs a lift give Toyota a call.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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OUR TEAM

2 Newtown Road, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Dublin 17 Phone: (0)1 8476866 (8.30am-5pm) Mob: 086 8169381 (after working hours) Fax: (0)1 8484672

www.amlac.ie

Unit 14 Clondalkin Business Centre, Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Dublin 22 Phone: 00353 (0)1 457 8520 Fax: 00353 (0)1 457 8510

www.forktruckservices.ie Ballycurreen, Airport Road, Cork, Ireland Phone: 00353(0)214836060 Fax: 00353(0)214836070

www.lifttrucks.ie Dublin Road, Kilkenny Ph: +353 (0) 56 7721920 Fax: +353 (0) 56 7721550

www.murphyindustrial.ie

Drumfin, Co. Sligo Phone (071) 9127207 Fax (071) 9127207 Mob (087) 2799772 Email: info@callaghanforklifts.com callaghanforklifts@live.ie

www.callaghanforklifts.com

APR designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:41 Page 1

Fibreglass laminating specialists A 100% Irish-owned and –operated company, APR manufacture a vast range of replacement panels for coaches and trucks. We dropped into their depot at Urlingford, County Kilkenny to get an insight into this unique and innovative operation.

A

PR Ltd. is Ireland’s leading fibreglass manufacturing company. With a highly-skilled team specialising in delivering mouldings using the highest-quality materials, they provide a full range of interior and exterior replacement panels for all types of commercial vehicles including coaches, minibuses, trucks and vans.

APR possesses the expertise to design, manufacture and install quality fibreglass products. As a complete onestop shop, they also offer a repair service

CONTACT DETAILS 40

on most panels, as well as a painting service.

The business is fronted by Kathleen Tone-Patton and her husband Tom. Reflecting on the genesis of the company in May, 2012, the former notes: “Tom had worked as a panel beater and painter previously. We decided it might be worth our while starting up our own business and toyed with the idea of doing panel beating, but there is a lot of competition in the local area. Having realised that there were a lot of coach

companies locally, we came up with the idea of manufacturing replacement panels for their vehicles.

“We approached the Kavanaghs and got great support from them and decided to go for it. After doing some training in the UK, we set the business up. Demand has increased steadily over the last twoand-a-half years and the panels part of the business has gone from strength to strength. We also started to get a lot of work painting plant machinery, coaches and trucks.

APR Autobodys Unit 7, Urlingford Industrial Estate, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 086 0334636 www.aprautobodys.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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“The coach industry would be our core market. They were importing the panels beforehand, which was a tremendous expense in addition to the waiting time of up to 16 weeks - a long time to have your coach off the road. We can produce them more or less instantly with next-day delivery on most parts, which can hugely cut costs for coach operators.”

A comprehensive accident damage and repair centre, APR can also deal with any problems that might arise after an accident, from minor damage to major repairs. A full range of vehicles is facilitated, from small passenger cars to large commercial trucks, coaches and plant machinery. Free estimates are provided as well as insurance repairs, fleet repairs, a colour-match guarantee using the latest paint refinishing techniques and the back-up of a full coach works centre.

Today, APR boasts customers all over the island of Ireland as

well as some in the UK. In the next twelve months, one of the targets is to try to sell more and more coach parts wholesale into the UK market. APR have the capacity to manufacture any part out of fiberglass – be it for a truck, bus, car or piece of plant machinery. “We never really planned to expand into trucks but when I was out meeting a coach operator one day he asked me to look at something on a truck for him and it grew from there,” recalls Kathleen.

“Being located next door to a plant hire company opened other doors for us. Other local companies have been a massive help to us and it means a lot when you have local companies on your side – it gives you the confidence to push on.

“Another unique service we offer is that we can mass-produce the parts in specific colours for customers, which then wouldn’t need painting. You are always looking to give customers the best products, the best service and the best value possible.”

Best Wishes To APR Autobodys

Barna, Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

41

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The impressive fleet at Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling

Keeping Donegal cleaner and greener Over the last three-and-a-half decades, Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling has evolved into the largest commercial and domestic skip hire provider in the north west. î “e company is also renowned for its environmentally-conscious approach to waste management, which is at the forefront of the fight to keep Donegal green. We met up with director Kevin McDaid to get an insight into this exceptional family operation.

CONTACT DETAILS 44

Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling, Portland Park, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, County Donegal.

Tel / Fax: 074 9164044 Email: info@lshrecycling.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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brothers and two sisters involved. We’re in a great location, at Ballyraine, opposite the Mount Errigal Hotel, about a minute from Letterkenny town centre.

“Dad, who’s still involved in the business, would have started out hauling sand, gravel and blocks as well as plant and machinery hire and he then branched into skip hire and waste.

He did both for a while but went full-time into the skip hire in 1981.

“We started out serving households, businesses, hospitals and factories etc. Today we do domestic, commercial and industrial skips, commercial wheelie bins, scrap metal processing and recycling. Recycling has become a major part of the operation. We have our own waste transfer station in Ballyraine and all the waste is sorted, segregated and processed on-site.”

Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling has a skip for every need, with as many as 300 skips at their disposal in all sizes from three yards up to 40 cubic metres. They also provide a skip bag service. Ten people are employed full-time and the McDaids operate a fleet of six lorries – five DAFs and one MAN. The recycling centre is open to the public, with a tipping facility offered to builders.

Other services provided include cardboard, paper, plastic, metal and wood recycling, bottle banks and clothes banks, cardboard collection, aluminium drink can collection, shredded paper, pallet chipping and woodchipping, scrap metal processing, confidential document shredding and a public

L

etterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling is a family-run business, established in 1981 and overseen by the McDaid family. Centrally located in Letterkenny and operating throughout the Donegal area, the company has grown to become the largest skip hire provider in the north west.

With decades of experience in serving the local and regional community, the company specialises in providing numerous waste recovery and recycling solutions. The wide range of waste management services provided to organisations throughout the north west guarantees industrial and commercial customers, councils, and local authorities (as well as businesses and households) optimal, bespoke solutions.

Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling prides itself on being one of the most progressive and environmentally-conscious waste companies in Donegal. All activities are consistent with EU and national policies of waste management, prevention, recovery and recycling. Fully-registered members of Repak, Letterkenny Skip Hire and Recycling hold all relevant permits, while all waste material and recyclables are taken to their materials recycling facility in Letterkenny, where it is segregated, baled and forwarded to the appropriate destination.

Reflecting on the genesis and subsequent evolution of the business, Kevin McDaid notes: “The company was established in ’81 by my father Sidney McDaid along with Sidney’s wife Martina. It’s very much a family business and there are now four IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

45

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Best Wishes To Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling From

DONEGAL TRUCK SERVICES

Best Wishes To Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling From

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46

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35 Lower Main Street, Buncrana, Co Donegal Tel: 074- 93 61400 Fax: 074- 93 62180 Email: mclaughlinmotorfactors@eircom.net www.mclaughlinmotorfactors.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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service, so we feel we are in a very strong position going forward.

“We’re not going to become complacent and we’re confident that, once we continue to provide a good service and look for ways to improve it, we won’t go too far wrong.”

weighbridge.

“We cover all of Donegal, but Letterkenny is the main town,” Kevin notes. “Business is going very well. You try to get as much out of the waste as you can. All our timber is shredded on-site and sold as biomass / woodchip for fuel.

We segregate and export all baled materials like paper, cardboard and plastics.

“We moved into scrap metal when the recession was starting and we have also been an authorised treatment facility for

clearly the only way forward.”

Regarding the plans for the business in 2015, Kevin concludes: “We have grown every year – even through the recession – and hopefully we can continue to grow.

We will be looking to find new ways to sort the material and maximise the value we can get from it, and we’ll be focussing on keeping our existing customers happy and hopefully finding some new ones.

“The waste and recycling

End of Life vehicles in Donegal for the past four years. We take the vehicles in and depollute them and issue the owner with a Certificate of Destruction.”

Huge amounts of money have been invested over the years in developing Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling into an efficient, profitable and 100% environmentally-friendly company. This will continue to be the case going forward: “We’re still investing more,” Kevin confirms. “We will look for more ways of recycling the waste, especially ways of using it to make fuel, because the landfills are closing. The nearest landfill to us is in Monaghan, so recycling is

Best Wishes To Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling sector is changing all the time, with new regulations coming Wishing Continued Success To in every year, and Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling From you have to keep a step ahead of it.

We benefit from a lot of repeat custom but rates have fallen and TACHOGRAPH & SPEED therefore you have LIMITER AGENTS to recycle more to VEHICLE PLATING compensate for that. We have 24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE excellent facilities Ballybofey Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal and staff and we Tel: 074-9121005 (Day) Fax: 074-9124257 provide a great Email: mcdaidbros@eircom.net

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Letterkenny Skip Hire & Recycling, From INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, DOMESTIC & LOCAL AUTHORITIES SEPTIC TANK & DRAIN CLEANING

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Email: info@dsenvironmental.ie www.dsenvironmental.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The family-run business employs 55 staff

e Daly news F

Brian Daly Transport Services Ltd is one of Ireland’s leading warehousing and logistic companies. e family-run business boasts a loyal and ever-expanding customer-base, which includes Coca-Cola who it recently renewed its contract with for another three years.

rom humble beginnings, when the late John Daly started out with a single Ford Transit Van in 1992, the company has grown to run a modern fleet of 33 trucks and 33 trailers. In 2007, John transferred the business to his son Brian, who has developed Brian Daly Transport into a complete warehousing and distribution company. Brian has also overseen the opening of a new purposebuilt premises in Ballycoolin, Blanchardstown.

Brian is joined in the business by his sister Laura Daly, who is accounts manager and his uncle Ken Daly, who works in the fleet maintenance department. In total, there are 55 people employed by the company, all of who play a vital role to ensure its continued success in a market that is more challenging and complex than ever.

Dedicated to service, Brian Daly Transport prides itself on its customerbase which it has maintained and grown by providing competitive rates and a quality and reliable service that is second

CONTACT DETAILS 48

to none.

“We offer a wide and varied range of transportation and warehousing services which are ‘tailored’ to meet our customers’ needs,” explains Martin Masterson, who has been general

manager for the last five years.

“We have a diverse customer-base which operates in many industries throughout Ireland. Many of our customers are blue-chip companies.

These include STL, Kellogg’s, Diageo

Brian Daly Transport offers a varied range of transportation and warehousing services

Brian Daly Transport Services Ltd Building 3, Orion Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15.

Telephone: 01 8853260 / 01 8853261 Fax: 01 8853216 Email: Martin@briandalytransport.ie Website: www.briandalytransport.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The family crest is emblazoned on every truck

and Coca-Cola.

“We have developed a one-stop shop capability over the years and our main objective is to provide a complete transport package for our customers.”

Brian Daly Transport Services Ltd is proud to be CocaCola’s main distributor for Ireland, delivering in the region of five million cases of Coca-Cola products annually. Having initially signed a three-year contract with the soft drinks company in 2011, the contract was renewed for another three years in November and this is something Martin is obviously delighted about.

“It just goes to show the level of service we provide when a huge global company like Coca-Cola has decided to put its trust in us for another three years,” he enthuses.

Always immaculately turned out, the Daly fleet is a mixture of articulated curtain-side, rigid curtain-side and rigid box-side vehicles. All of the trucks are equipped with tail lifts, driver and helper (when required), power pallet trucks and vehicle tracking system. Approximately 90 per cent of the fleet is Renault, with Mercedes Benz and Scania making up the remainder.

A Renault Premium Truck Racing Special Series tractor unit – used for delivering Coca-Cola products – is the fleet’s flagship

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company operates from Ballycoolin in Blanchardstown

truck. It was supplied through local Renault dealer, Setanta Sales, and was purchased following outstanding fuel figures from previous Renault Premiums on the fleet. Needless to say, Brian Daly Transport enjoys an excellent relationship with Setanta Sales and its owner Harry Nash.

Of the 33 trailers, 21 are curtain-siders with the remaining 12 being skeletal trailers for container work. The trailers are divided between SDC and Fruehauf.

All drivers are trained to very high standards and must adhere to the Brian Daly Transport Services’ Driver Excellence Program. Each driver is fully trained in manual handling, power pallet truck and current cpc. All drivers complete daily vehicle defect books to ensure that all vehicles are maintained to a high standard.

The drivers are fully uniformed and trained to not only live by the Daly logo which adorns each truck, but to be ambassadors for the company’s brand. Brian Daly

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STL LOGISTICS

Transport expects nothing less than complete competence from its drivers who are highly experienced and fully aware of the importance of customer service.

Boasting 70,000 sq ft in warehousing space, the company is currently developing its own warehouse management system which will be tailormade for its customers. “The system will allow our customers to trace their goods from warehouse to point of delivery. They will be able to see everything. We are a very pro-active company,” Martin says.

Brian Daly Transport’s location beside the M50 means it is within reach of all parts of the country. Dublin city centre is only down the road, while other cities such as Belfast, Cork, Galway and Limerick are all within two hours’ drive. All of the company’s work is

Continued Success To Brian Daly Transport Services

Shannon Transport & Warehouse Company T/A STL Logistics, Logistics Centre, Annacotty Business Park,Annacotty,Limerick.

Tel +353 61 200200 Fax +353 61 200271 www.stllogistics.ie

50

concentrated in Ireland.

Now that the worst years of the recession appear to be behind us, Martin is forecasting major growth for the family-run business in the coming years.

“We’re inundated with work at the moment and could run another 10 trucks if we had them,” the affable general manager reveals.

“The economy is definitely on the up again and we’re getting a lot of business through word of mouth. We aim to grow to cater for the resurgent market. We want to grow our fleet and our warehousing.

We are continuously evolving in order to meet our customers’ requirements.

“The experience we have built up over the years makes us a leader in our field and our customers can be rest assured that we will continue to provide them with the same great service we have always provided.”

Best Wishes To Brian & All At Brian Daly Transport Services From

www.jungheinrich.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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MTS Haulage designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 17:18 Page 1

The company’s impressive fleet

MTS Haulage celebrates 10 years in business MTS Haulage is an award-winning transport company specialising in heavy haulage and aggregate tipper work which was founded a decade ago by Keith McDermott in Westport, Co. Mayo.

CONTACT DETAILS 52

MTS Haulage, Knockranny, Westport, Co. Mayo.

Telephone: 086 8509717 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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K

eith was just 22 when he set up the business, having spent much of his youth working with his late grandfather Petie-Joe Corcoran at his quarry on the Ballinrobe Road out of Westport. The Corcoran family has been at the forefront of Westport business for over 40 years, being the owners of the Castlecourt, Plaza and Westport Coast Hotels.

Keith started out with a JCB Fastrac high-speed agricultural tractor before purchasing a new Volvo FH500 tractor unit and low loader trailer from Murphy Commercials in Galway in 2005, which he put to work in plant haulage. He soon added a Volvo FM460 before purchasing the first Volvo FH16.660 in Ireland, which he still operates.

But just as Keith was expanding his fledgling company, the recession hit and he was forced to downsize to one truck. In spite of this, he has continued to run a steady business and was honoured with the prestigious Owner Driver Haulier of the Year award at the Fleet Transport Awards in 2012.

“Winning that award was a great boost because the country was in the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

depths of recession at the time,” he remembers.

“It was great to receive national recognition like that. I went for the interview and I couldn’t believe it when the judges picked me. When I set up MTS, the building boom was still going strong and I was getting plenty of work. I started out doing aggregate tipper work before branching into heavy haulage. I got a contract with Coleman Quarries in Kilmaine moving quarry crushing machines and various other plant for them.

“Within two years, I had three units on the road and was looking to expand further. However, the recession put paid to that. Anyone in the business will tell you that the last few years have been extremely tough. Everything – fuel, tax, insurance – was going up, yet the rates were staying the same. It was very difficult to stay afloat.

“The only good thing I can say about the recession is that it has got rid of a lot of the cowboy hauliers that were out

53

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there. It has cleansed the industry to a large extend.”

Thankfully, the economy is now showing signs of recovery and MTS Haulage is getting its second wind.

“Things are definitely picking up. A lot of the customers who I worked for before the recession are coming back to me,” Keith enthuses.

“The heavy haulage side of things is very busy. I’m moving a lot of excavators and quarry equipment. As well as the Volvo FH 16.660, I have a four-axle Nooteboom extendable trailer, which was bought from Gary O’Keeffe in Abbeyfeale and a couple of Dennison tipper trailers in operation. If things keep going the way they are, I might have to start thinking about investing in new equipment again.”

Keith’s main customers

include local companies Corcoran Concrete, Gibbons Civil & Building Engineering, Eoghan’s Mini Mix, Staunton Drilling and the aforementioned Coleman Quarries.

Corcoran Concrete is run by Keith’s

Best Wishes To MTS Haulage From

MTS Haulage specialises in heavy haulage and aggregate tipper work

uncle Sean Corcoran, who took over the business from his father Petie-Joe Corcoran, who died in 2003. It was in this quarry that Keith developed his passion for trucks all those years ago.

“I’ve had a long-standing working

MTS Haulage moves a lot of quarrying equipment

Continued Success To Keith & All At MTS Haulage From

CQL COLEMANS QUARRIES LIMITED

Specialise in supply of quality crushed limestone and building stone, mobile crushing, site clearance & rock removal Quarries In

Partry, Co. Mayo - 087-2979229 Ballynacarragh, Kilmaine, Co. Mayo 087-2809135 email: colemanquarries@gmail.com 54

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Wishing Keith & MTS Haulage Continued Success In The Future From

Contact us now for all your Business,Truck & Motor Fleet Insurance Needs

1890 222 122 www.hastings.ie

Hastings Insurance Brokers For Great Value & Sound Advice Branches In: Castlebar * Westport * Ballina * Claremorris *Sligo * Tuam

Hastings (Westport) Ltd t/a Hastings Insurance Brokers, Irishweddinginsurance.ie & Mytravelinsurance.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Pat Hardiman Insurances Ltd t/a Hastings Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. David Flannelly (Holdings) Ltd t/a Flannelly Insurances & Hastings insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Best Wishes & Continued Success To MTS Haulage From

Specialising In Heavy Diesel Engines & Diesel Fuel Injection

GRIMOR SAND & GRAVEL

McHale Rd. Ind. Est., Castlebar, Mayo t: 094-9022644 e: info@enginere.ie w: www.enginere.ie

Continued Best Wishes To MTS Haulage

Suppliers of Sand, Gravel & Crushed Stone

Erriff, Liscarney, Westport, Co.Mayo Mobile: 087-2527405 CE Marking

Congratulations To MTS Haulage On 10 Years In Business & Continued Success In The Future

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Stauntons Drilling Best Wishes & Continued Success To MTS Haulage From

Specialising In Drilling In Quarries Cloonkeen, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tel:094-9022645

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT & PLANT

‘I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MTS HAULAGE FOR YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN THE FUTURE’

Continued Success To MTS Haulage, from - QUALITY READYMIXED CONCRETE - TROWEL-READY MORTARS AND SCREEDS - FULL RANGE OF CONCRETE BLOCKS - WASHED SAND & AGGREGATES - LAND DRAINAGE & PERCOLATION CHIP - STONE & ROAD MAKING MATERIAL - ROCK ARMOUR - 1 TONNE BAGGED PRODUCTS - PLANT HIRE AND HAULAGE

Togher Tyres

T/F: 094-9384810 Mobile: 087-9046077 Mobile:087-2591174

E:maloneyquarries@gmail.com

Best Wishes To MTS Haulage From

National Tyre Retailer of the year 2015 ITIA Accredited Licenced Tyre Outlet

Breaffy Road, Castlebar, County Mayo Tel: 094- 902 3531 Fax: 094- 902 3992 E: toghertyres@eircom.net | www.toghertyres.ie

Eoghan’s Mini Mix

Wishing MTS Haulage Continued Success In The Future From Ready Mix Concrete & Mortar

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.com 56

Lodge Rd, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: 087 - 9172 271 Email: eoghansminimix@gmail.com www.eoghansminimix.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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relationship with Corcoran Concrete, doing all the artic work for them,” he explains.

Eoghan’s Mini Mix, which is owned by Eoghan Cunningham, also supplies concrete products to the local community.

Two major structural projects which have been keeping Keith busy of late are the $350 million extension by Allergan Pharmaceuticals at its plant in Westport and the €550 million M17/M18 Gort-Tuam motorway. The Allergan extension is needed to cater for the 200 extra staff the company is taking on.

The 57km Gort-Tuam motorway will replace the existing N17/N18 roads, remove several bottlenecks and ease congestion in a number of towns. It has been described as a “significant part of the Atlantic corridor” that will ultimately link Cork with Sligo and onwards into Co. Donegal. The motorway will reduce journey times as well as bypassing Tuam, Ardrahan, Claregalway, Kilcolgan, Clarinbridge and Gort by the time it opens in 2018.

MTS Haulage is a full service heavy haulage and aggregate tipper contractor providing quality services to any customer no matter how big or small the job is. Keith is committed to working

with you to implement a solution that meets your needs. His company has earned a reputation for quality, excellence, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

“The outlook is good for MTS and I hope to continue providing my customers with an unrivalled service for many more years to come,” he concludes.

Best Wishes To Keith & All At MTS Haulage & Continued Success In The Future From

Concrete Blocks Stone Sand Gravel Ballinrobe Road, Westport, Mayo.

PHONE 098-25115/27018 FAX 098-29045 MOBILE 087-2411123

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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TD Caldwell designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:54 Page 1

Part of the team at TD Caldwell, front, l/r: Darren Caldwell, Bernie Gavin, Rachel Hester, Donald Nannery. Back, l/r: Chris Swiniarski, Ron Brennan, Jaroslaw Kolasinski, Seamus McFadden, Lukazs Starbek, Sean Spratt, Jason Monaghan.

MIssing: Dermot Caldwell, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Ciaran Williams, Terry Sheridan

TD Caldwell Ltd ‘steeled’ for success For the second year in-a-row, TD Caldwell Ltd has achieved the Certified Steel Standard (CSS) for vehicle bodyshop repairers in Ireland. First introduced in 2013, CSS is a voluntary standards programme which incorporates the industry standard technical specification for the process of structural vehicle body repair.

W

hile there are many approved and accredited bodyshops operating in Ireland, there had never been a national Irish standard that covered all aspects of bodyshop operations until CSS was introduced by SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry).

CSS offers assurance in vehicle body repair in Ireland and is line with the UK standard.

The standard details the minimum requirements for competent personnel, appropriate and well-maintained equipment, suitable repair methods and quality of repair materials. It all incorporates all levels of bodyshop repair, including aluminium and cosmetic

CONTACT DETAILS 58

repairs. The standard embraces all of the aspects of repair process management with an emphasis on continual improvement. CSS supports repairers with the achievement of a safe and technically-sound repair.

CSS is independently audited by NMU Auditing & Inspection Services and accredited by TUV SUD Auto Service GmbH, which clearly demonstrates to customers and to insurance companies that member bodyshops are committed to the highest quality and safety standards.

As the largest independent accident repair and service centre in the northeast, TD Caldwell Ltd undertook the

voluntary CSS audit because it believes that customers deserve the best service and standard of repairs, particularly when they experience the trauma of a crash repair. The CSS certification offers customers the confidence that the repairs completed on their vehicle are to the highest standard.

“It is our second year to achieve the CSS standard and it’s something that we are very proud to have,” TD Caldwell Ltd managing director Darren Caldwell explains.

“We have worked hard to achieve it, but will have to work even harder to keep it!

By achieving this standard, our customers and insurance companies

TD Caldwell Ltd Unit 15, Mullaghboy Industrial Estate, Athboy Road, Navan, Co. Meath.

Telephone: 046 902 2786 Fax: 046 902 3803 Website: www.tdcaldwell.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

TD Caldwell designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:54 Page 2

TD Caldwell Ltd in Mullaghboy Industrial Estate, Navan

know we are committed to the highest quality and safety standards.

“As a CSS bodyshop, we guarantee that the repair will be carried out correctly and completely – no short cuts, no compromises on quality. Only the correct parts are fitted by trained technicians and craftsmen, installed according to the specific recommendation of the manufacturers’ and crash repair experts.”

To achieve the CSS standard, the qualifications of all of TD Caldwell’s technicians were verified by SIMI and retained on file for inspection by the independent auditors. The bodyshop is obliged to keep their training up-to-date and they have access to manufacturers’ repair instructions.

All stages of the repair process are documented for the

customer’s peace of mind. This includes: dismantling the components related to the damage and then carefully storing the components that will be reinstalled; removing all of the damaged parts and retaining them for inspection by the owner/insurer; measuring and recording the chassis dimensions of the car to ensure that it is returned to its original design; Installing any new body structures and panels that are needed using adhesives, mechanical or welding methods as recommended by the manufacturer; treating and painting the new panels with top-quality water-based coatings and corrosion prevention cavity sealer; reinstalling panels and trims and checking the fit and finish; cleaning the car and carrying out a final inspection before returning it to the customer.

Work in progress IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To TD Caldwell Ltd From LEADING SPECIALISTS IN THE DRAINAGE AND WET WASTE INDUSTRY

Call us now on 1800 50 60 50 www.aquajet.ie

Jamestown Industrial Estate, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

Best Wishes To TD Caldwell Ltd From

TD CALDWELL

CAR DISMANTLERS

Ballinlough, Kells, Co. Meath | Tel: 046-9243919

Recycle Your Car | New Car Parts Salvage & Repairables Opening Hours : Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Email:garcaldwell@gmail.com

Contact Gary/Chris 046-9243919 Continued Success to

TD Caldwell Ltd From the Team at

TEXT name & address to 089-2006251 for information on the right paint for your truck

Tel:01-2804621 | Fax:01-2938788 Email: sales@twopacksupplies.com www.twopacksupplies.com

COLM QUINN

Glasson Road (N55), Athlone- 090-646 5888 Outer Tuam Road, Galway City - 091-753888 www.colmquinnbmw.ie

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Best Wishes To TD Caldwell Ltd From all the team at Blackstone Motors Drogheda

Suppliers of

Airedale Chemicals, truck/car detergent, valeting products, janatorial, paper and hand care and work shop products

Killeen, Granard, Co. Longford Tel: (087) 9975936

Continued Best Wishes To TD Caldwell Ltd From

BLACKSTONE MOTORS

NEW GRANGE BUSINESS PARK, DONORE ROAD, DROGHEDA, CO. LOUTH TEL: 041 983 1100 WWW.BLACKSTONEMOTORS.IE

Keep on trucking with IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Navan Road, Dublin 15 T:01-868 9000 | E: info@gowanmotors.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

TD Caldwell designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:55 Page 4

“CSS means confidence for the customer and insurance companies. It provides traceability and peace of mind.

By adopting best practice, we ensure that a vehicle stands up in the event of a second accident,” Darren adds.

Established in Navan over 40 years ago by Dermot and the late Marion Caldwell, and fronted by their son Darren since 1999, TD Caldwell Ltd provides a consistently high quality service. The family-run business has developed longstanding relationships with both work providers and private clients as a result of its consistent professional approach and the continuous development of its technicians.

The company has invested substantially in the latest technologies and is consistently looking at new repair methods. TD Caldwell takes the stress

out of having an accident for the vehicle owner by providing an unrivalled service for accident repairs and crash repairs in counties Meath, Louth and Dublin.

Employing 14 staff at its purpose-built 10,000 sq ft bodyshop in Mullaghboy Industrial Estate, TD Caldwell Ltd offers a three-year workmanship warranty on repairs, a lifetime’s guarantee on parts as well as free collection and delivery. A replacement vehicle can also be arranged while your vehicle is being repaired.

TD Caldwell Ltd is approved by all the leading insurance companies, including AXA, FBD, Liberty Insurance, Allianz, Aviva, and AIG. It is also manufacturer appointed repairers for Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the company is accredited by SIMI, Certification Europe and Acoat Selected.

TD Caldwell has achieved the Certified Steel standard for vehicle bodyshop repairs

The Navan-based concern is a founder-member of ARG (Accident Repair Group) Ireland. ARG is a collaborative group of Ireland’s leading accident repair centres, each providing the widest scope of cover and service throughout the country. The primary aim of ARG is to provide exceptional peace of mind in customer support, communications and outstanding vehicle care with safety and quality paramount.

TD Caldwell Ltd is a sister company of TD Caldwell & Sons Ltd, which is a car dismantling business run by Darren’s brother Gary in Ballinlough, Kells, Co. Meath.

For assurance in vehicle body repair in Ireland, look for the new Certified Steel Standard (CSS) mark. You’ll find the CSS logo proudly on display at TD Caldwell Ltd.

The impressive facility at TD Caldwell Ltd. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Dolphin Haulage specialises in low loader work

Slimmed-down Dolphin Haulage still delivering the goods After the diďŹƒcult years of the recession, Co. Cork-based haulier Mark Dolphin has gone back to basics by reducing his fleet size from six to one. He has also decided to concentrate exclusively on low loader work after previously combining it with general haulage.

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I

reland’s economic woes have taken a heavy toll on the transport industry and nobody knows this better than Mark Dolphin, who has been forced to make some tough decisions and downsize dramatically in order to stay in business.

The recession has been a valuable learning experience for the young haulier, who insists he is “happy out” as a one-man operation once again and is looking to the future with renewed optimism. In many ways, Mark is back to

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

where he was nearly 20 years ago when he bought his first truck at the age of just 18.

“I went to the bank to borrow £10,000 and they immediately assumed I was looking to buy a car,” recalls the affable haulier, who is now 37.

“I got the loan and went out and bought my first truck. I had left school at 15 and had been working in agricultural contracting up until then. I operated as a sole trader for two years before forming a limited company in 1998. I called it

Mark Dolphin Plant Hire Ltd, which is what the company is still known as, but I’ve always traded as Dolphin Haulage.”

The company’s genesis coincided with the start of the Celtic Tiger and within a few years, Mark had grown his fleet of trucks from one to six. He provided a wide range of services for the construction, heavy industry, agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors, operating many routes throughout Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

But by 2008, the hard times had hit and

Dolphin Haulage (Mark Dolphin Plant Hire Ltd) Knockastrukeen, Midleton, Co. Cork.

Telephone: 021 4652888 Fax: 021 4652888 Mobile: 087 2559560 Email: info@dolphinhaulage.com Website: www.dolphinhaulage.com

63

Sole agents in Ireland for Faymonville & MAX Trailers Full range of second hand trailers in stock at all times

www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

Joseph: 00353(0) 87 255 66 77 Sarah : 00353 (0) 86 2556677 BEST WISHES TO MARK DOLPHIN Best Wishes To Mark Dolphin From

KM PLANT SALES FOR ALL YOUR PLANT & COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT

KM Plant Sales have many years of experience in construction and earthmoving equipment.

We buy and sell all types of new and used heavy construction equipment.

Knockgorm, Middleton, Co. Cork Tel:086-3895470 | E:info@kmplantsales.com www.kmplantsales.com

Hydraulics - Pneumatics Torque Tools - Work Wear -

Continued Best Wishes To Mark Dolphin

Unit 10 Owenacurra Business Park, Knockgriffin, Midleton, Co Cork.

T: (021) 4632176 F: (021) 4632601 Email: info@redpower.ie www.redwoodpowertools.com

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS 64

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

New Max Trailers available, 3+4 axle step frame, fixed and extendable, alu or hydraulic ramps, please call for more details

IRISH

JOSEPH MOONEY

www.irishtrucker.com

mark dolphin designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:47 Page 3

JOSEPH S. CUDDIGAN & CO. Continued Best Wishes To Mark Dolphin From

SOLICITORS

30/31 Washington Street, Cork City 9 Connolly Street, Midleton, Co. Cork Tel:021-4270903 Fax:021-4270561

www.southerntyres.com Suppliers of Quality Tyres

Midleton Branch T: 021 4634140 24hr number: 087- 7544666

Blackpool Branch T: 021 4397961 24hr number: 087- 7544666

Wishing Continued Success To Mark Dolphin

www.irishtrucker.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mark dolphin designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:47 Page 4

the work suddenly dried up. It was sink or swim time for the Midleton man.

“The first thing I did was cut back on the number of trucks and trailers I had. I couldn’t justify having six trucks when there wasn’t the work for them. I’m back to one truck now, concentrating on lowloader work, and am I happy out with that. I don’t owe anybody any money, which is a great thing to be able to say after the tough years the country has been through,” he says.

While Mark is confident that the industry will recover, he hasn’t noticed a pick-up in his business as of yet.

“I’m just tipping away, the same as I have been for the last four or five years. I’m lucky to have such good customers who have stuck by me…”

Mark’s two biggest customers are Lagan Asphalt in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork and KM Plant Sales in Cloyne, Co. Cork. He has been working for Lagan Asphalt for the past seven years, moving plant such as pavers and rollers throughout the Munster region for them.

Lagan Asphalt is part of the Lagan Asphalt Group which

also comprises Lagan Bitumen and Lagan Macadam.

Lagan Asphalt tender for and carry out contracts at a local and national level in both the public and private sectors. The company has been involved in many of the new motorway projects undertaken in Ireland in the past decade. Lagan is a onestop shop for minor civil engineering works, realignments, planing, surfacing, anti-skid and road stud, and road marking installation. Innovation in asphalt and surfacing technology is employed where possible.

Mark also carries out low loader work for KM Plant Sales. Typically, he collects heavy plant from KM’s customers, brings it to their yard in Cloyne for maintenance or repair before moving it on to the ports in Cork or Dublin for export.

KM Plant Sales has many years of experience in construction and earthmoving equipment. The company buys and sells all types of new and used heavy construction equipment. All items can be arranged to be shipped worldwide at

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

competitive prices.

KM Plant Sales has expanded its export markets, now supplying quarry equipment such as crushers, screeners, excavators and loading shovels into the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

A large range of equipment is also available to buy.

A member of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) for the past 10 years, Mark runs a Scania R500 and a four-axle Faymonville extendable low lower. He purchased the truck new from AOC Commercials in Carrigtwohill seven years ago and the low loader from Ashbourne Truck Centre in Co. Meath.

Dolphin Haulage operates

The Dolphin fleet in Midleton, Co. Cork

from a one-acre site outside Midleton in Co. Cork. The site boasts a 2,500sq ft workshop and a spacious yard.

The company has established a tradition of value-for-money, reliability and total dedication to customer service over the past 18 years. It prides itself on providing a top class service to customers. Mark stands over its motto which is: “No job is too big or small – you call, we haul.”

He concludes by saying: “With every job, I do my utmost to provide the best possible service. I deliver peace of mind as well as the goods and am always available at the other end of the phone.”

ALAN LOFTUS TRANSPORT

Best Wishes To Mark Dolphin, From

Kilbarry Ind Est., Dublin Hill, Cork City, Co. Cork

Tel:087-2509348 |E:info@kilbarrytransport.com 65

cunningham designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 11:58 Page 1

Growing hand-in-hand with customers Cunningham Transport is an exceptional family-run transport / freight business operating out of Raheenagh in County Limerick and covering Ireland, the UK and Europe. We met up with director Bryan Cunningham to look back at the history of this stellar operation and get an insight into his vision for the business going forward.

CONTACT DETAILS 66

Cunningham Transport

Raheenagh, Co. Limerick info@cunninghamtransport.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cunningham designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 11:58 Page 2

H

eadquartered in Limerick and with a second depot at Rathcoole in Dublin, Cunningham Transport / Loighistic Fior-ama Teoranta is a superb family business which has been developed by the father-and-son team of Michael and Bryan Cunningham. The company is currently experiencing steady growth, with a fleet of eight tractor units and seven full-time employees as well as two part-time staff members.

They’ve come a long way since taking those first tentative steps down the haulage road some fifteen years ago…

“My father, Michael, started the business up in 2000,” reflects Bryan. “He started off with a van doing fruit and veg distribution to wholesalers and shops in the Munster area. In 2002, he decided to make a real go of things and he bought a new Sprinter as well as a secondhad Mitsubishi Canter. He kept with the fruit and veg as well as the odd pallet.

“Then in ’03, he bought a 22ft MAN rigid and started to go to Dublin on a daily basis doing groupage, mostly chilled produce. In ’05, a 30ft Scania rigid was added and we were now doing loads up and down to Dublin twice daily.”

A lasting relationship with local Scania dealer, Tom Nolan of T Nolan & Sons Ltd. in Castleisland, County Kerry, would commence in 2007: “We bought our first artic from them – a Scania Highline – which is still the pride and joy of the yard,” says Bryan. “There are

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

1.4million kilometres on it and it’s still going strong. That one will be going in for a revamp this year…”

As the demand for artics was there, Cunninghams also purchased second-hand 01-reg in 2007, which was replaced by a Renault Premium the following year as work was sourced in the UK market. “We added a third truck in ’08 – nd ’05 DAF – and we started to go to Holland. By then we were doing pallets, groupage, full loads and a bit of traction. We also still had the two vans.”

An unannounced visitor then came knocking on the door: the recession! “Things got tough then and we went through some hard times. We worked together with our customers but the increases in road tax, insurance and fuel costs meant we had a difficult time for a few years.

“Thankfully, demand started to return again and in 2012 we were in a position to buy a new Topline Scania from Nolans and also added a couple of trailers.”

The brand new R620 6x2 twinsteer truck was specified with the New R Series CR 19 Cab, V8 engine with 620HP, Euro five, Scania retarder, V8 styling pack which includes leather seats, V8 door badges, and grille surrounds in chrome. The cab was painted in metallic blue at the Scania factory and equipped with a kitchenette.

In May, 2013, Bryan took over the running of the business from his dad and Cunningham Transport was incorporated as a limited company for the first time (Loighistic Fior-ama Teoranta).

“My father had steered te

Cunningham Transport is a family run business

Cunningham Transport are headquartered in Limerick with a depot in Rathcoole

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business through the recession and had kept our heads above the water under very difficult circumstances. It was a remarkable achievement.

“Now I wanted to bring the business forward and I had a different view of where the company could go. I had been here since I was 15/16 and had been driving from a very young age. At 30, I had a vision of how we could progress and grow.

“Due to good references and continued growth, I added an ’11 Volvo 4x2 Globetrotter and an ’07 Topline from Harris Commercials in Dublin. We also started to hire our trailers from Keenan Refrigerated Trailers in Dublin. We added three more trucks to the fleet in 2014, including a new Scania R560 from Nolans in June – and we started to go to Sweden and France as well as Holland, while also increasing

68

our UK work.”

Looking to the future, Bryan notes: “We are hoping things will continue as they are going. Road tax is a major issue at the moment. We pay €25,000 a year more than a Northern Ireland haulier with a similar sized fleet would,

and that is wrong.”

The company director says he will continue to serve his customers with a high-quality service: “We have tracking on all of our lorries so that customers always know where their load is. They can access this information with

the click of a button. If there are any problems or questions, I am available on the phone 24/7.

“We also have a sister company, Rathcoole Cold Storage, which specialises in chilled and frozen storage.

We do handling, order picking

Wishing Continued Success To Cunningham Transport

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cunningham designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 11:58 Page 4

Continued Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Cunningham Transport From

Unit 542, Greenogue Industrial Estate, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Tel:+353-1-2572112/2572113/2572114 Fax:+353-1-4019078 Accounts Fax:+353-1-2573996 Email: cunnin1@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Cunningham Transport From

Ireland Rathkeale Part of ABP Food Group

Holycross, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick T. +353 (0) 69 64111 F.+353 (0) 69 64459 www.abpfoodgroup.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

UNIT 3A, ANNACOTTY BUSINESS PARK, ANNACOTTY, CO. LIMERICK

T:087-2583964 OR 086-7225598 E:info@fusionlogistics.ie www.fusionlogistics.ie

Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport 69

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White

Best Wishes To Cunningham Transprt, From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Cunningham Transport From

ENGINEERS Services Available

Cunningham Foods DISTRIBUTORS OF QUALITY FOODSTUFFS Camas, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick Tel: 069-72724

Truck Bodies | Trailer Repair & Maintenance Aluminium Welding| Hydraulic Hoses| Sandblasting & Painting

Crean, Monagae, Newcastle West, Limerick

Tel:069-62759 | Mobile: 087-2633896

Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport, From

DAILY LOADS TO/FROM IRELAND, UK & EUROPE • REFRIGERATED • DRY FREIGHT HIGH VALUE LOADS • AIR FREIGHT Call James on 051-562088

4 Rose Hall, Dunmain, New Ross, Co Wexford.

Tel/Fax: (+353) 051 562088 Mobile: (+353) 086 4119 400 Email: info@lynginternational.com www.lynginternational.com

REQUIRING SUBCONTRACTORS TO DO TRACTION WITH FRIDGES TO AND FROM IRL>UK - UK>IRL

Continued Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport From

24 HR Nationwide Assistance

Best Wishes to Cunningham Transport, from

COVERING THE NORTHWEST 0044-7730396683

NEWCASTLE WEST TYRES TRUCK TYRE SPECIALIST

24 HOUR 7 DAY BREAKDOWN SERVICE

Tuogh, Adare, Co. Limerick. Tel: 061 396313. Fax: 061 396540 Email: info@jpgfreight.ie Mobile: 087-7719111

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

70

Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport

24 Hour CAll OUT 086-0827415

Newcastle West, Co. Limerick 086-8131866

069-62303-Office IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cunningham designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 11:58 Page 6

and distribution.

“We’re hoping to grow hand in hand with our customers. If things keep progressing the way they are going, I would hope to add one or two more trucks to the fleet this year.”

As well as the eight tractor units that currently comprise the fleet, Bryan also owns five trailers and has five more on hire from Keenans. Two more new Schmitz trailers were due in at the time of writing.

Cunningham Transport enjoys an unrivalled reputation for excellence and this has been spread by word of mouth down through the years, on the back of providing superb freight solutions at all times. “We are fully focussed on customer service and this is why we get a lot of recommendations from existing customers,” confirms Bryan. “Reliability is very important and we have very close relationships with all of our customers. They all have my mobile number and they can ring me directly. The phone is never off.

“The main objective in haulage is to get the produce to its destination safely and on time. This is why we operate such a good fleet – to ensure that products are delivered intact and on time. If you are offering a service, then the very least you

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Cunningham Transport From

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Clareen House, Tyone, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary p 067-32000 f 067-32020 mob 087-2886343

e seamus.obrien@obrienduff.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

should do is make sure you do it right.

“We take great pride in our trucks and so do our drivers. Each man is allocated his own lorry and he treats it as his own. The staff are great, to be fair, and we’d be lost without them.”

Continued best wishes to

Cunningham Transport Listowel, Co. Kerry 068-23544

www.prestigefoods.ie Best Wishes To Cunningham Transport, From

www.croompark.ie

Sales | Service | Truck & Trailer Diagnostics

Tel: 061- 602866 • Fax: 061- 600741 71

central motors designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:18 Page 1

Customer service Central to success î “rough continuous application and dedication to customer service, the awards keep coming for Central Motors. Director Paul Walpole, who runs the Leitrim business along with his father Patsy and brother Kieran, reflects on their success in the Opel Customer Excellence awards for the second year running.

C

Kevin Walpole receiving the Customer Excellence Award on behalf of Central Motors from Dave Sheeran, MD Opel ireland

entral Motors is a leading motor dealer specialising in the sale and aftercare of new Opel cars, new Opel Commercials, new Fiat Commercials and quality used cars.

Based in Mohill, Co Leitrim since 1972,

CONTACT DETAILS 72

they are easily accessible for motorists in Carrick on Shannon, Sligo, Longford, Cavan and Longford.

Their aim is to exceed their customers' needs and expectations and ensure they are completely satisfied, whether they

are a private buyer looking for a new car, an existing customer needing after sales services or a business client looking for commercial or fleet vehicles, they have a passion to fulfill their motoring needs.

Their number one priority is to provide

Central Motors Mohill Ltd. Station Road Mohill Co. Leitrim Phone: 071-9631013 Mobile: 087-2341941 Email: sales@centralmotors.ie Website: www.centralmotors.ie

The Astra range

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

central motors designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:18 Page 2

The Opel Mokka

A 50-year old Kadett and the new Astra

The new Ducato

Opel Adam IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

a warm welcome and friendly service as is evidenced by their achievement in securing recognition in the Opel Customer Excellence award for the second year running.

The Opel Customer Excellence award recognises dealers who actively practice, promote and deliver the highest levels of customer excellence in sales and aftersales.

This award is visible to customers and is focused on promoting the best possible customer experience while also awarding dealers who are dedicated to customer service. The Customer Excellence Award is determined exclusively on customer feedback for each dealer during the year.

“Repeat business is a big part for us,” explains director Paul Walpole. “We're a long established business and our customers are happy with the service we provide which is why they stay loyal to us. We've been in business since 1972 and have a lot of experience under our belts. It's all down to trust at the end of the day.”

Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6.30pm, Central Motors has 12 employees currently on its payroll and their team is the cornerstone on which they build their business.

Combined, they boast a huge knowledge of the motor trade and that gives Central Motors a big advantage when dealing with their customers.

With the outstanding franchises, Opel and Fiat, Central Motors offers all customers a very modern showroom, a work shop fully loaded with all the latest service equipment and technology to cater for all makes.

Their workshop and repair centre offers exceptional value for money.

With exclusive Opel and Fiat computer diagnostic system's, and an experienced, highly trained team, the Central Motors service department cover all aspects of annual servicing, crash repairs, timing belt replacement, health checks, and general running repairs such as tyres, brake pads and disks and exhausts.

Under the one roof they provide the following services: car servicing, car repairs, car valeting, oil changes, timing belt changes, battery replacement, Pre NCT work, tyres (supply and fit), factory recommended maintenance, advanced engine diagnostics, electrical/electronic systems, emissions test failures, diagnostics and repairs, steering and suspension systems, engine performance and repair, brake systems, including ABS, safety systems, including airbags and heating and air conditioning.

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Central Motors Mohill From

Central Motors also supply a quality and reliable car and van rental business to both business and private users.

They have a range of different vehicles for hire which include: large and small vans, seven seater/people carriers, automatic cars, hatch back and saloon cars. Their prices are competitive and vehicles come fully insured and road taxed.

The motor industry suffered more than most during the recent economic downturn but Paul has detected some green shoots of recovery and he is upbeat when it comes to discussing the future.

“2014 was a strong year for us and we approach 2015 in a positive frame of mind.

The new Corsa

Finance is more accessible now and the outlook is good at this stage. We plan to upgrade our showrooms in 2016 so we're optimistic moving forward.”

In tandem with the prestige of the Opel and Fiat brands, the company's continued growth is underpinned by a focus on quality, personal service and attention to detail.

For more information about their full range of new cars, commercials, used cars or to find out about their aftersales services and finance offers contact Central Motors at the numbers below. They will be delighted to meet you and are there to help.

Continued Success To

Central Motors Mohill From

Unit 15 East Coast Business Park Matthews Lane, Drogheda Tel:041-9878742 | Fax: 041-9878181 74

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Central Motors Mohill Attyfinlay, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

P:+353 (0)71 96 21105 Out of Hours: +353 (0)87 2485350 E: repairs@brendanloweandsons.ie

www.brendanloweandsons.com

Email: info@kpk.ie • Web: www.kpk.ie

Continued success to all at

CENTRAL MOTORS MOHILL Wishing Continued Success To Central Motors Mohill From Vincent Beirne

Beirne Wood Products Ltd SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF JOINERY AND SHOP FRONTS Coolabawn, Mohill, Co. Leitrim Telephone/Fax: (071) 9631638

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

winters plant designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 14:08 Page 1

A Winters Tale W

For 25 years, Winters Plant Hire has been providing an unrivalled plant hire and civil engineering service to a host of satisfied customers throughout Mayo and neighbouring counties (and sometimes further afield).

We dropped into the well-appointed Bangor Erris depot to get an insight into the proud history of this outstanding family business and to take a closer look at day-to-day operations.

inters Plant Hire was established in the late 1980s by Peter and Christina Winters and has evolved into one of the premier plant hire / civil engineering companies in County Mayo. Key services provided include plant hire, civil engineering, agricultural contracting, haulage, mobile screening and crushing, road maintenance services, site development and directional drilling, while they are also renowned as water scheme specialists.

The comprehensive fleet of over 80 items of plant comprises tractors, 360 and 180 excavators, vans, trucks , a wide range of agri machinery, teleporters, dump trucks, low ground pressure machines (swamp diggers), a tar and chip unit and a vast range of long reach excavators.

The company has a policy of only investing in high-quality equipment and this is routinely maintained in perfect running order at a modern workshop at their yard in Cloontakilla. All equipment can be hired with an operator, while a self-drive option is also available to customers.

In total, Winters Plant Hire currently provides gainful employment to a sizeable staff of 25.

Renowned in the Mayo / Galway / Sligo catchment area as a top-class solution provider, Winters Plant Hire has worked on a number of high-profile projects over the last quarter of a century. Some of these include the MV/LV 38 and 110KV network renewal with ESB Networks in the Mayo and Galway

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Winters Plant Hire are 25-years in busines

areas; local authorities water schemes in Mayo and Galway; Rossport GWS; Mayo Abbey GWS; Attymass GWS; Kilcommon GAA pitch development; site investigation with ALLSEAS; the Bangor Erris Angling Club jetty development project; Inland Fisheries embankment protection works; and forestry works on behalf of Coillte.

The fact that Winters Plant Hire boasts longstanding relationships with numerous local authorities, state bodies and national and international firms speaks volumes for the quality of the service provided.

Specialist services provided include – but are by no means limited to - directional drilling, road maintenance services, long reach excavators, swamp excavators and track dumpers and work is carried out on a regular basis for major clients such as Mayo County Council, ESB Networks, Inland Fisheries, Roadbridge, BAM Contractors, Murphy International, Galway County Council, Bord Na Mona, Coillte, Lennon Quarries, Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers, Bluehills Consulting Engineers, RPS, SDS, Artec Construction and Shell.

Like every company associated with the construction sector, Winters Plant Hire was tested by the recession but – crucially – they have come out the other side of the downturn and are in a strong position going forward, with a fantastic fleet of equipment at their disposal,

Winters Plant Hire Ltd, Cloontakilla, Bangor Erris, Ballina, County Mayo.

Tel: 097 83432 Mobile: 087 2757118 Wmail: info@wintersplanthire.com

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Winters Plant Hire From

Horsevalley, Headford, Co. galway. tel: (093) 35644 fax: (093) 35054 foxford road, Ballina, Co. Mayo tel: (096) 79785 Email: info@murphysgarage.ie

Michael Keavney Ltd Tarmacadam & Tar Spraying

Taramacadam & Tar Spraying Specialists DRIVEWAYS | TENNIS COURTS CAR PARKS | FARM ROADS KERBS SUPPLIED AND LAID Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel:094-9023853 | Mobile: 086-2503230 Continued Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire Wishing Continued Success to Winters plant Hire, from

Peter McAndrew

PLANT REPAIRS Continued Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire

Ballina, Co. Mayo

CooLturK

Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire, From QUARRIES LTD

SuppLying Decorative Stone | Plastering Sand | Building Gravel Drainage Stone | Broken Stone | Organic Topsoil CErtifiEd ConCrEtE Raft foundations | Retaining Walls Sheds and Driveways

Coolturk, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Contact Michael Leonard 087 624 3090 E: coolturkquarries@eircom.net

Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire From

Unit 7 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Co.Galway

Tel: 091-795120 | Tel:091-795121 | Tel:091-795122 Fax: 091- 795546 Castlebar Depot | Tel:094-9027625/6

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(096) 70588 tel/fax

J&E HUGHES FUEL OIL LTD Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire From

SUPPLY HOME HEATING OIL, ROAD AND AGRI DIESEL, PETROL, LUBRICANTS AND STORAGE TANKS.

Please feel free to contact us at any time for advice or a quotation.

Culleens, Killala Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo Telephone: Office 096-22277 Fax:096-22655 Mobile: 086-4000461 Mobile 086-2351700 Erris Area 086-2644600

E:jehughesoil@gmail.com

www.hughesoilballina.com

Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire From

Track Machines | Mini Excavators Wheeled Excavators | Backhoe Loaders Dumpers | Telehandler Tibohine, French Park, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Office: 094- 9870100 Padraig: 086- 8109204 Pat: 087- 2581001 www.gaynorplantsales.com | E:info@gaynorplantsales.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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excellent staff, and decades of experience and knowledge of all aspects of plant hire and civil engineering.

This vast experience includes providing the right plant hire equipment and machinery as well as fully-trained and -certified personnel for civil construction services such as group water schemes, ESB ducting schemes, sewerage and major civil engineering projects.

“We have found the recession to be challenging,” Peter Winters confirms. “Due to the downturn in work we had to reduce staff numbers for a time. Also, rates have become very competitive, which makes it more difficult to be successfully awarded contracts. Interest rates have also risen over the past five or six years, which makes it more expensive to replace plant and machinery.”

However, investment in the fleet continues and Winters Plant Hire operates one of the largest, most flexible, freshest and best-maintained fleets of machinery in Mayo and indeed all of Connacht.

Safety has always been paramount at Winters Plant Hire and their rigorous commitment to a safe and healthy working environment - for both staff and members of the public - is well recognised. The Mayo company has invested heavily in training for all employees, including management training , Managing Safely in Construction Courses, plant operator training, SafePass and CSCS Training for all our operatives.

To what does Peter attribute his ongoing success? A combination of things, as it turns out… “The secret of my success has been down to hard work and good planning, as well as a reliable work force, good plant and machinery and excellent relationships with my customers. On top of this, the support of my wife, family and extremely loyal customers and friends has also been invaluable. They have all contributed to our success.”

Looking to the future, Peter has no plans to radically alter his tried and trusted approach to business. To the contrary, the goal is to continue in a similar vein, providing customers with a service they can depend on.

“I hope Winters Plant Hire Ltd. will continue to grow successfully and, to this end, we will continue to provide the best possible service to all of our customers,” he notes.

As a family-run operation, Winters Plant Hire Ltd. provides a friendly and personal touch and Peter Winters remains as appreciative of each job secured today as he was when he started out in business all of 25 years ago.

Indeed, every job is treated as an absolute priority. While he has invested an inordinate amount of energy and vision into the development of the company, he accepts that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support and loyalty of others.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers and staff for their loyal support over the years and we are looking forward to many more successful years in business,” he concludes.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ALL PLANT & MACHINERY

Old Dublin Road, Swinford Co. Mayo Tel: +353 (0)94 9251209 E: sales@mgplant.com | www.mgplant.com Continued Best Wishes To Winters Plant Hire 77

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Defining convenience I

Since 1959 O’Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd has been defining convenience with its first grade service. Irish Trucker spoke to Bryan O’Hare, who was shortlisted for the ‘Transport Manager of the Year’ in 2014, to find out more about the company.

Transport and Warehouse Manager Bryan O’Hare

CONTACT DETAILS 78

t’s well-known that family businesses often turn out to be the most successful ones. In the case of O’Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd in Newry, Co Down it certainly rings through.

Over 55 years in operation, O'Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd has been described as a dynamic forward looking company that began life when founder Bob O'Reilly started a van sales operation in Newry, in 1959. Today's success would not have surprised Bob because he set a firm foundation and was a true visionary.

Fifty five years after its founding, O'Reilly’s is still a family run business. The founder's son Derek O'Reilly and daughter Maureen Magennis are still firmly at the helm.

In 1990 O'Reilly’s joined the buying group Sugro UK resulting in more competitive promotions and access to a larger buying scale. This allows them to offer great value to their customers. "O'Reilly's are in a position to offer the best possible prices to customers along with special deals and promotions negotiated with all main suppliers," said Bryan.

Now with a fleet of 18 delivery vehicles and a work force of over 70 employees, at O'Reilly's we look towards the future and further expansion.

“We are in the FMCG wholesale business and we supply the retail trade with convenience, confectionary, soft drinks and tobacco products. We also moved into grocery products two years ago,” explained Bryan O’Hare, who is Warehouse/Transport Manager.

“The company was started by Bob O’Reilly. He started with a small warehouse in Newry and the business just grew. I’m with the company 22 years myself, having held this position of warehouse manager for the last 10 years.”

As a rapidly growing company with over 5,000 lines of product, O’Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd aim to meet their customers' demands both efficiently and to the highest standards.

“We understand the needs of our customers as we have been working with the key suppliers for over 55 years. We also understand that retailers are operating in an increasingly competitive market and without the promotional offers it would be much tougher, that's why

O'Reillys Wholesale Ltd 1 Ashtree Enterprise Park Rathfriland Road Newry BT34 1BY T 028 3025 0650 F 028 3025 0770 www.orys.biz/ IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Krzystar Wornicki

that customers receive the best possible service from all their departments.

At O'Reilly’s they work as a team with each department in close communication with the other. Communication is a key element in the company, and because of their management structure, they can quickly respond to customer requirements.

"We are able to see where opportunities present and what our customers are looking for," said Bryan.

Having built up a reputation for their excellent service and reliability, O’Reilly’s currently boast an extremely diverse customer base throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These include CTN’s, Forecourts, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Corner shops, Bars, Restaurants, Youth Clubs, Off Sales and many more.

2014 saw the family-owned company have one of its best years to date, according to their Transport Manager.

“We’re very busy at the moment,” said Bryan. “January and February are generally always quiet months but we’ve had a

Ruairi Kearney

we offer 300 new promotions every three weeks.”

O’Reilly’s pride themselves on having a highly trained and motivated sales team who get an excellent back-up service from all other departments. An essential part of the business for them is being aware that it is not only the sale that is important, but also the after-sales service. They are determined Drivers Paul Burns, Nigel Magowan and Seamus Sheridan

Jarlath Monaghan with goods being received and checked in

Continued Best Wishes To O’Reillys Wholesale

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E: info@surefreight.co.uk www.surefreight.co.uk Continued Best Wishes To O’Reillys Wholesale

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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busy spell leading up to Christmas and hopefully 2015 will be as good as 2014 was for us.”

O’Reilly’s knows how to invest in the future, with the company also boasting an extensive fleet which he keeps strictly Mercedes.

“We’ve a full fleet of Mercedes trucks here,” Bryan explained. “We recently bought three rigid trucks after having already bought two earlier in 2014.

Bigger trucks mean more fuel efficiency, so it’s good news all around.”

Fuel costs have been a common problem for businesses in the same line of work but O’Reilly’s have looked at

their efficiencies.

Bryan explained that they do not include a fixed fuel cost in their price like some of the competitors, which is another reason why their customers choose them first.

O’Reilly’s provide their customers with the necessary retail information in the market place.

“We are happy to offer all our customers a complete range of display equipment for all in-store needs. In collaboration with our suppliers you can choose which display solution will best fit the needs of the retailer,” the company’s

Driver George Purdy with the first new Mercedes Actros in Northern Ireland

website explains all of this.

This past summer saw Bryan O’Hare nominated for the Transport Manager of the Year award at the 2014 Irish Logistics and Transport awards.

Although he wasn’t a recipient of the award on the night, Bryan believes that being shortlisted in the first place is an acknowledgement of the first class work that’s been happening at O’Reilly’s Wholesale Ltd. “We intend to continue to bring more customers on board, expand the fleet even more and keep up our quality service,” he concluded.

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To O’Reillys Wholesale 80

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Van Monster celebrates successful first year in Ireland Since opening its first Irish branch in Dublin in February 2014, Van Monster has sold hundreds of quality used commercial vehicles and vans. Branch manager David Dalton explains more.

T

Van Monster has taken the Irish van sales sector by storm

he opening of the Dublin branch on the Old Airport Road has been a resounding success for Van Monster, which offers quality used commercials of all shapes and sizes to businesses and private individuals alike.

The retail arm of Northgate PLC (Northgate Vehicle Hire), Van Monster has an extensive range of used vans from all of the leading manufacturers with varying ages and mileages, and to suit every budget, available to view online or at their purpose-built Dublin site.

Van Monster began selling quality used vans in 2004 in Darlington, offering ex-hire vehicles directly to the market. Building on a strong customer demand for quality used

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

vehicles, the company has opened a further ten branches in the UK in Bridlington, Cannock, Colchester, Leicester, Glasgow, Slough, Wakefield and Warrington as well as in Dublin.

Van Monster has earned a reputation for quality and has grown to become one of the largest used commercial vehicle retailers in the UK and Ireland. At its Dublin site, which is only a stone’s throw from Dublin Airport and can be easily accessed from all parts of the country, Van Monster has over 100 commercials in stock at any time, many of which are low mileage vehicles less than three years old.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received from our Irish

customers,” enthuses David Dalton, who has 35 years’ experience in the motor trade.

“We have hit and exceeded every target we have been given in terms of sales.

We’ve sold an average of over 60 vehicles per month in our first year in business, and we’re expecting that figure to rise in 2015.

We sell to a wide range of customers, from fleets to individuals. What makes us different is that we’re the only 100 per cent light commercial dealer in Ireland that stocks vans in such huge numbers.

“We are proud to be able to offer the largest selection of used vans in Ireland.”

Van Monster are experts when it comes to providing used commercial vehicles,

Van Monster Old Airport Road, Cloghran, Dublin.

Telephone: 01 8427200 Website: www.vanmonster.ie

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used vans, used tippers and even used cars. As they are not affiliated to any single dealer or manufacturer, they can offer truly outstanding prices. The range of used vehicles on offer across their network includes Ford Transits, Mercedes Sprinters, Volkswagen Transporters and Caddys, Peugeot Partners and Bippers, and Vauxhall Vivaros.

Van Monster’s huge selection of commercial vehicles caters for the needs of every driver.

Whether you are in the market for a nimble small van for carrying tools and work equipment or a spacious large van for delivering vast loads with ease, David and fellow sales executive Paul Creedon have the vehicle for you.

Every vehicle that Van Monster sells is DOE tested, has a full service history and comes with a three-month warranty. If, in the unlikely event that a customer is not completely satisfied with their vehicle during the first 48 hours from the handover, Van Monster will offer a full refund, provided the vehicle is returned without damage and with no more than 200 miles added to the clock.

Predominantly, Van Monster’s commercial vehicles are sourced from its parent company, Northgate Vehicle Hire, which is the UK and Ireland’s largest commercial vehicle rental provider, with nearly 100,000 vehicles in the UK, Ireland and Spain. Being part of Northgate Vehicle Hire means Van Monster is able to select only the best ex-hire vehicles.

“Northgate has a huge presence here in Ireland as well as in the UK and Spain,” David explains.

“They have 54,000 vehicles on the road in the UK, 39,000 in Spain and 3,500 in Ireland. The Irish hire centres are located in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Limerick. The majority of the vehicles we source from them are 38 months old. For a tradesman who’s getting back on his feet again after the recession, a commercial vehicle of this age is ideal for him.

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Van Monster, Dublin branch is located on the Old Airport Road IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Van Monster designed_Layout 1 12/02/2015 13:48 Page 3

“Our entry into the Irish market couldn’t have come at a better time because the economy is definitely picking up. We can see it in the number of people who are coming through our doors. By the end of this year, we will be stocking 150 vans at any time to meet demand.

“We currently employ five staff, but I can see that figure rising also.”

Van Monster also benefits from Northgate’s network

of licensed mechanics and workshops. So you can rest assured that in the event of a problem with your vehicle after purchase, they will fix it without any hassle.

The vision for Van Monster is to continue to bring clean, low mileage, quality commercial vehicles direct to businesses and individuals in Ireland and the UK. And at prices that won’t be beaten!

Every vehicle sold by Van Monster has a full service history and comes with a three-year warranty

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Van Monster

Smith Vehicle Transport, Your No1 For Vehicle Transportation Wide Range Of Car Transporter Services Available RECOVERY SERVICES | STORAGE | LOGISTICS Virginia, Co. Cavan| Call our Team on 049-8553819

Email: info@smithvehicletransport.com www.smithvehicletransport.com For more information call us on 01 4570178 Unit 3 Crag Terrace,Clondalkin Industrial Estate, Dublin 22 Email: info@vanconversions.ie www.vanconversions.ie

Best Wishes To Van Monster

VAN MONSTER From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Everything For Your Vehicle IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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