Irish Trucker November 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015

Vol. 18 No. 9

EURO3.95 stg£2.95

Pulse Logistics Hudson Brothers

Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies

McGuckian Oils Ltd. BR Transport

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 2015.

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.

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www.irishtrucker.com

Industry News A look at the most recent trucking & haulage industry news Direct Deliveries Almost two decades experience in home and retail delivery solutions Pulse Logistics A top class supply chain solutions provider Dublin Tanker Repair Services Ltd Foremost road tanker repair and maintenance experts in Ireland

Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies Leading one stop location for agricultural, hardware and garden supplies Gary Keville Traffic Management Ltd. Industry leader in traffic management and control

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Hudson Brothers Supplying the construction sector with high quality building raw materials

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James E McCabe Ltd Portadown based award winning transport fleet

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PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue & Breakdown Services Unrivalled recovery and breakdown services

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Bates Oil South East’s leading independent oil distribution

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Commercial Vehicle Cleaning Services Ltd. Ireland’s largest mobile truck washing solution provider

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BR Transport Leading the way in transport services all over Ireland

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FD Refrigeration Specialists in refridgeration and electrical work for the transport sector Gaffey Motor Factors Long established supplier of quality parts, tools and accessories

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Clonmel Waste Disposal Ltd. Full range of waste management services

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Calvin Haulage Specialists in ‘factory to factory’ bulk liquid milk transportation

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MPG (Mobile Plant Glass Ltd) Offering a complete glazing service

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Midland Caliper Centre Ltd (Ireland) Truck caliper specialist attracting new customers in Ireland

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Greentown Environmental Ireland’s premier environmental maintenance solution provider

102 Walton Transport Specialists in refridgerated haulage throughout Ireland, UK & Europe

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Equipco Ireland Ltd One of the leading garage equipment suppliers in the country B Hughes & Sons Providing an exceptional haulage solution McGuckian Oils Ltd One of the largest independent oil distributors in Co. Cork

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Culletion Transport Ltd. Top class milk collection and delivery service

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104 Robert Roberts (NI) Ltd. Warehousing & Logistics manager Errol Moorehead 106 Britannia Ryans Move International Weekly service between Ireland and the UK 109 Classifieds Irish Trucker is published by k, Kells, Co. Meath DG Press, Kells Business Par Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 ynngroupmedia.com t@l tac con il: e ma

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Noone Transport chooses Mercedes-Benz

Slane-based Noone Transport has placed what MercedesBenz describes as a ‘very substantial’ double-digit order for new Actros trucks. The company will take delivery of the new units in 2016 – coinciding with what will be the company’s 30th anniversary year.

Influenced in their choice by what Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady, said is ‘the excellent fuel efficiency and reliability of the eight existing Actros trucks on their fleet’, the company will take delivery of the new units on a phased basis during the

course of next year.

Founded in 1986 in Co. Louth village of Duleek, Noone Transport has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading logistics and distribution companies. Since 2001, the company has operated from its current, more extensive headquarters in Slane, Co. Meath.

In addition to a dedicated national transport service, Noone also operates a Europe-wide service for full and part-load consignments employing ambient and temperature controlled trailers.

Their order comes hot on the heels of recent Fuel Duel Challenge tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz which showed that on Irish roads and in Irish conditions, the Actros uses 10.4% less fuel than its main rivals.

McHale Plant Sales appointment as distributor for Metso

The appointment of McHale Plant Sales as distributors for Metso crushing and screening plant in Ireland was confirmed at a formal contract signing ceremony which took place during a recent high-level visit by a McHale Plant Sales management team to the Metso manufacturing plant in Tampere, Finland.

The agreement signing ceremony, which extends McHale Plant Sales’ role from agents to distributors, was a highlight of the visit by McHale directors Michael McHale, John O’Brien, Tim Shanahan and Liam Foley to Tampere.

McHale directors Michael McHale and Tim Shanahan (seated centre) with fellow directors John Describing the appointment as “an O'Brien and Liam Foley (standing from third left) pictured with Metso management at a contract signing ceremony in Tampere, Finland, confirming McHale Plant Sales' extended role from important step in offering the Irish agents to distributors of Metso crushing and screening plant in Ireland market an unrivalled level of support and service for existing and new customers”, Metso Distribution Director for Europe, Adrian Wood said “it is seen as a major step in ensuring that Metso products are backed up by a world class support network with stock where it needs to be - close to the customers”.

During their visit, the McHale team toured the Lokotrack® production line and viewed machines being manufactured in what is described as Metso’s most important global competence center for mobile crushers.

While there, discussions took place on plans for the future marketing of Metso in Ireland with emphasis on what is described as ‘their true mobility, high efficiency, reliability and quality in a wide range of quarry and contracting applications.’

Noting that Metso’s Lokotrack® has significant appeal for Irish customers, Michael McHale said that since being appointed to represent Metso, he and colleagues were ‘highly impressed’ at the level of interest being shown by quarry owners in the Metso range. “Our customers recognise Metso as a global player with a good reputation for producing high quality products. Selling Metso means selling quality, crushing efficiency that maximise operational uptime” he said.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mike Murphy House Unit 7 Sandyford Business Centre Dublin 18

Tel: +353 1 2900 200

Fax + 353 1 6714582 email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie

Single Vehicles Motor Fleet for Hauliers Haulage risks Carriers Liability Warehouse Risks Public Liability Employers Liability Motor Trade

With 40 years in the business we have the expertise to help you with all your insurance needs.

Mike Murphy Insurance is a trading name of ‘New Sure Life Ltd.’ and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

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Antonia Hendron and Barry Richardson of M50 Truck & Van Centre pictured receiving the HCV aftersales main dealer of the year award at the recent Irish Auto Trade Awards with master of ceremonies Sean Gallagher (left)

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealers recognised at Irish Awards ceremony

Two Dublin-based Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle main dealers were recognised for their work in the field of aftersales at the Irish Auto Trade Awards ceremony, held in Dublin recently and attended by over 500 guests.

MUTEC, located on the Naas Road, was voted HCV parts main dealer of the year while M50 Truck & Van Centre in Finglas was honoured with the HCV aftersales main dealer of the year award.

Olivers Transport sets new mileage record on Michelin Tyres

Eccles-based Scottish haulier Olivers Transport has set a new record-high mileage of 362,689km on a set of 295/80 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D XDE drive tyres – lauding them as Michelin’s best regional tyre yet.

The Company’s previous best runout figure, 300,921km, came from a set of Michelin XDN2 Grip drive tyres, and its Fleet Engineer Kevin Hawker says the new recordhigh figures demonstrate how Michelin tyres’ on-road performance has improved over time.

“Those are remarkable numbers for a set of drive tyres, particularly considering that when you leave our Scotland base you have to drive an hour to reach a motorway – so the tyres are dealing with all kinds of roads”, he says.

A family-owned business, Olivers Transport runs a fleet of 30 trucks and 45 trailers throughout the UK, having specified Michelin as its preferred tyre brand for more than 25 years.

Irish Ferries praised at ceremony to mark 20 years of services to Roscoff As part of celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Irish Ferries' services from Rosslare to the French port of Roscoff, a civic reception – attended by the mayor of Roscoff Mr. Joseph Seité and other local dignitaries, chamber of commerce officials, commercial, maritime and tourism representatives from the French region and members of Irish Ferries’ management – was held on board the company’s vessel Oscar Wilde.

During the course of the event, Irish Ferries was praised for the contribution that it makes in promoting tourism and trade in Roscoff and throughout the wider Brittany region and for the investment it has made over the course of two decades, both at sea and ashore.

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G Pictured at the event is Irish Ferries Managing Director Andrew Sheen, Captain Steven O’Mara and Ole Bockmann who, since the early days of direct car ferry services between Ireland and France, has been director of operations for Irish Ferries at the ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Goggins Transport increases Mercedes-Benz fleet Goggins Transport Goggins Transport, one of Ireland’s leading haulage companies, has increased its fleet of Mercedes-Benz trucks by taking delivery of four new

Actros tractor units.

The new additions bring to ten, the number of Actros units purchased by the company this year – a decision that Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady says ‘further underlines the proven resilience and excellent fuel efficiencies that the Actros provides’.

Delivered in Goggins Transport’s distinctive white and red livery, the four new Actros 2545LS, 2.5m StreamSpace cabs are all equipped with a flat floor, tilting sunroof, luxury bed, refrigerator, Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 3 and Predictive Powertrain Control.

A privately owned, family run freight company founded in 1979, Goggins Transport has two depots in Dublin, one in Galway and one in Liverpool and operates over 80 tractor units and in excess of 150 trailers.

Their latest order follows the recent Fuel Duel Challenge tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz which showed that on Irish roads and in Irish conditions, the Actros uses 10.4% less fuel than its main rivals.

P&O Ferrymasters unveils Irish division growth strategy

Pan-European logistics provider P&O Ferrymasters has launched a major overhaul of its market-leading Irish division – featuring a high-tech fleet renewal programme and closer integration with the group’s Contract Logistics division.

As part of a massive 48-month fleet upgrade across the company, the Irish division has taken delivery of 150 new trailers over the past month in the first phase of a project to renew the entire Irish fleet by 2017.

All the trailers are being supplied with telematics systems to enhance operational flexibility and versatility. The telematics facility enables real-time track & trace monitoring through dedicated customer web portals linked to a Transport Management System (TMS) developed in-house by P&O Ferrymasters.

The TMS allows orders to flow from receipt to carrier allocation without human intervention, leaving operational personnel free to focus on exceptions in the day-to-day supply chain. The system underpins the company’s ongoing investment in a network of IT tools that ensure full transparency, speed, efficiency and security in exchanging information between P&O Ferrymasters and its customers – notably through Full Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with the customer’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Meanwhile, alongside the IT and fleet renewal initiatives, P&O Ferrymasters is implementing a far-reaching structural reorganisation to create greater synergy between the Irish and Contract Logistics divisions. Sales and business development activities are being integrated in a move that also makes the company’s logistics engineering and consultancy departments more accessible to the Irish business.

P&O Ferrymasters Contract Logistics director Mark Mulder notes: “This decision will reinforce our success on those contracts already jointly managed and executed within the UK and Ireland. In addition, further synergies will be explored to extend the benefits of our combined asset and 4PL solution for transport, warehousing and cross-docking requirements in this market.

“With all these measures, we continue to recognise that our customers are not simply looking for a product – they need tailor-made solutions to drive efficiencies P&O Ferrymasters have launched a major overhaul of its market-leading Irish division and optimise the supply chain.”

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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EDGE Innovate appoint new Irish distributor

Edge Innovate are delighted to announce Ormonde Machinery as the exclusive dealer for the complete EDGE Innovate product line in Ireland. From their base in Kilkenny, Ormonde Machinery provide a wide range of quality, robust equipment to meet the demand of their ever growing client base within the construction, quarrying and recycling industries. As Ireland’s construction industry has demonstrated substantial growth with new orders rising once again for the twentyfifth successive month and improving economic conditions; it would appear to Conal Mullan - Ormonde Machinery, General Manager; Martin Maye - EDGE Innovate Business be the correct time for EDGE Innovate to Development Manager; Raymond Murphy - Ormonde Machinery Sales Representative expand its’ brand presence at home.

Ormonde Machinery specialise in the field of materials processing equipment and have established a strong name and market presence over the past number of years.

“We are delighted to join forces with Ormonde Machinery. With invaluable expert technical knowledge and dedicated service support, Ormonde Machinery is the perfect partner to represent and grow the EDGE brand in Ireland” Darragh Cullen – EDGE Innovate Managing Director.

Ormonde Machinery will be delivering the entire Edge portfolio of mobile and tracked stackers, feeders, radial truck unloaders, roll-sizers, trommels, shredders, flip flow screens, air separators, fines recovery plants and picking stations to the Irish market.

“Ormonde Machinery are delighted to be representing Edge Innovate in Ireland as the exclusive distributor. The EDGE portfolio adds another dimension to the Ormonde Machinery product offering as it not only complements the existing stable of products but also provides Ormonde Machinery the ability to provide tailor made solutions for the many industries that we service” Conal Mullan – Ormonde Machinery General .

For details please contact the Sole Irish Distributor James Kenna Dublin (087) 2597102 Roy Cooke Cork (087 ) 2575116 Mark Spencer Belfast (0791) 2631524

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A New Generation of Premium Steel Fuel Tanks

Farmers and estate managers looking for robust, versatile, safe and smart storage for their fuel, need look no further.

Kingspan Titan, the global-leading specialist in the design and manufacture of fuel storage solutions, has launched a range of premium steel tanks for the secure containment of diesel, kerosene, gas oil and lubricants.

The New Steel DieselPRO Tank The new DieselPRO bunded dispensing tank is a high-quality, adaptable storage solution for fuel. The tanks are available in a wide variety of sizes from 5,000 to 62,000 litres, either as sleek cylinders or in a rectangular design with dispensing or storage functionality.

Each has been designed to surpass all current oil storage regulations for guaranteed environmental safety.

Commenting on the launch, Tony Strutton, Kingspan Titan DieselPRO Commercial Manager says, “DieselPRO represents a new generation of steel tanks. They have been manufactured to give users total reliability, flexibility and control, for absolute peace of mind.

“Because of this, and their suitability to virtually every application from farms to transport depots, industry and commerce, we’re getting a lot of interest, not surprisingly!”

What’s more, if the standard DieselPRO range doesn't meet a specific requirement then Kingspan Titan also offers a bespoke tank build and design service.

Advanced Fuel Management Every DieselPRO tank is double-skinned with an integrated bund capacity of 110% in accordance with PPG2, and comes with a guarantee of 15 years and a designed life of 20 years.

The dispensing tanks are fitted with full-height roller shutter doors for maximum security, likewise DieselPRO storage tanks are supplied with a robust lockable cabinet as standard which houses a fill point and offers secure positioning for optional ancillary equipment.

The DieselPRO fuel dispensing systems range from entry level through to the advanced fuel management system servicing up to 2000 vehicles and drivers. There is data storage capacity for up to 10,000 individual fuel transactions with USB, LAN, WLAN and GPRS interfaces available.

Fuel Monitoring as Standard All DieselPRO tanks incorporate world-leading Kingspan Sensor TMS monitoring systems as standard offering functionality such as high and low level alerts, bund alarm and tank content data. The major benefits of having the Sensor TMS monitoring system include: • Significantly improved security • No need for manual measurement of fuel levels in the tank by staff • The receipt of timely and accurate data for efficient fuel purchases in conjunction with the TMS modem and connect Sensor DieselPRO Tanks – Key Standard Feature DieselPRO Storage Tank • • • • • • • •

Minimum 110% Bund Capacity Lifting Eyes Tethering Points Emergency Isolating Valve Secure Fill Point Cabinet Integral Drip Tray Raised Bolted Inspection and Maintenance Access Point Kingspan Sensor TMS 200 Tank Monitoring System

DieselPRO Dispensing Tank

• Lifting Eyes • Tethering Points • Fixed Outlet Isolating Valve • Raised Bolted Inspection and Maintenance Access Point • Pre-wired Bulkhead Light • Security Roller Shutter Doors • Three Pumping Specification Options • Dispensing Equipment Upgrade Options • TMS EKO Tank Monitoring

Kingspan’s World-Leading Tank Expertise Kingspan Titan is internationally renowned for its product innovation and forward thinking. It pioneered the world’s first bunded (environmentally responsible) oil tank – leading change in the sector and setting industry standards around the world.

The company continues to invest heavily in research and development and has created a diverse range of innovative, environmentally-friendly and reliable oil, diesel and Adblue storage solutions with the potential to give rapid return on investment.

Customer comment: "What a great quality tank, the build quality truly is superb.

“Having the option to upgrade the dispensing pump to 80 litres per minute is ideal for fast efficient refuelling of our large farm machinery at the busy times of year.

“Oh, and the 10 metre retractable hose reel is great, keeps the hose neat and tidy!"

For more information call 1890 201690 or visit www.commercialtanksonline.com.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Abbeyhelmar introduce new website

Co. Meath based Abbeyhelmar, Manufacturers of detergents and disinfectants are now launching our new web site.www.abbeyhelmar.ie We are a family owned and ran company with many years experience in the detergent business.

From our factory premises in Navan we manufacture a wide range of detergents for the transport, meat, poultry and fish industries. From sanitizers/cleaners to our Klenz 101 traffic film remover, we manufacture your complete factory and fleet cleaning needs.

We also provide a professional after sales service so you can get in touch with us anytime with your queries.

Our friendly and professional attitude has gained us a substantial share of the hygiene market as we strive to offer the highest quality product at the keenest rates.

Our customers are country wide and most have been with us for many years, which we are very grateful for. They have been loyal to us over the bad times and we appreciate that very much. Our customers know we will look after them and they can be assured of consistent quality.

Our product range is expanding all the time with the introduction of new products, and services. If you have a requirement for any vehicle cleaning or sanitizing chemicals please come to us, and we would be delighted to quote for your needs, we guarantee competitive pricing, and consistent quality.

Premier Components UK Ltd

Premier Components UK Ltd, based jut outside Stratford-upon-Avon is a leading core broker working extensively with passenger cars, light commercial and most importantly heavy commercial products.

Our heavy commercial division of our business is increasingly important and continuing to grow year on year as more companies realise the value of what were previously discarded old parts can bring to their business. What this means is that Premier Components can and will buy a range of old used parts such as brake callipers, air valves, tachographs, fuel injection equipment, etc and will pay far more than you would normally get from simply weighing them as scrap.

As well as being beneficial to your business it is also good for the environment as all parts are recycled back into the remanufacturing industry.

The process for buying could not be easier as Premier Components have a team of buyers on the road all the time and they will visit you as little or often as you require and prices are agreed ‘on the spot’.

We would like to hear from you and please feel free to contact Keith Beard at keith.beard@premiercore.com or on 0044 (0) 7860 428419 to arrange a visit.

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South Monaghan Model Toy Show Truck & Vintage Display

Sunday week (November 22nd) sees the South Monaghan Model Toy Show Truck & Vintage Display take place in the Glencarn Hotel in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.

The show is in aid of Down Syndrome Monaghan branch and Castleblayney Care and runs between 12pm and 6pm.

For details contact: Mary 087 7842365, Brendan 087 6866886, David 086 0805357 or Barry 086 8327116

Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK Present Comprehensive Portfolio of Refrigerated Transportation Solutions at Solutrans

WHAT: Transportation solution businesses Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK of Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, will exhibit together to showcase the transport refrigeration industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of products and services at the stand 5 T 124 of the Solutrans show in Lyon, France from Nov. 17 - 21.

Visitors and customers will discover the full portfolio of innovative truck and trailer products from Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK that are reliable, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible to meet their transport temperature control.

At the joint Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK stand, both brands will showcase solutions that meet the needs of distributors and transport professionals looking for: Ways to lower their environmental footprint and meet sustainability goals including first in the market truck and trailer units from Thermo King to use R-452A refrigerant, which has about 50 percent less global warming potential (GWP) than the current refrigerant.

Complete retail and distribution solutions including Thermo King T-Series and FRIGOBLOCK FK/EK-Series refrigeration units for rigid trucks & draw bar applications.

Good Distribution Practices (GDP) compliant Thermo King truck and trailer equipment and services for temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical products. This includes the SLXe trailer units now also available with next generation R-452A refrigerant.

Furthermore, visitors will be able to learn about the extensive service network and aftermarket capabilities of Thermo King.

This unique network of certified service technicians located in more than 500 service locations in 75 countries throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa provides product support, training, advice and assistance to end-users in optimizing their operations.

WHO: Media are invited to join Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK leadership teams, product managers and industry experts at the Stand 5 T 124 at the Solutrans show in Lyon, France to learn more about these innovations.

Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK leaders are available for interviews upon request and by appointment.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Magnetic Drill €315

20 Ton Puller Kit €875

20mm Plasma Cutter €550

Car Lift €1450

Headlight Setter €390

180 amp Inverter Welder €315

HGV BUSH REMOVAL & INSTALLATION KIT BAWNBOy, BALLyCONNELL, CO. CAVAN T: 049 952 3993 | M: 00353 87 1688 005 | WWW.HOWDENTOOLS.IE

Next Day Nationwide Delivery On All Orders Placed before 5pm IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Thermo King Whisper™ Technology in Musgrave Wholesale Partners’ New, Quiet and Efficient Distribution Fleet

Musgrave Wholesale Partners, the market leader in Ireland for multitemperature food delivery service to the catering sector, chose quiet, efficient and fuel-saving solutions from Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, for its new and modernised refrigerated truck fleet.

Thermo King equipped 50 Musgrave trucks with dual temperature T1000 Spectrum units featuring Whisper™ technology for minimum noise pollution. For additional peace of mind, all the units are covered with a comprehensive maintenance contract through Ballinlough Refrigeration, the Thermo King dealer in Ireland.

Knowing the customer’s requirements, Thermo King worked with Musgrave Wholesale Partners through every step of the modernisation process from body design, to delivery frequency, door openings and unit selection. As a result of comprehensive consultation, Musgrave received a complete refrigeration solution and backup service that met all its particular needs.

“We selected the Thermo King T1000 Spectrum Units along with the

maintenance plan from Ballinlough Refrigeration based on careful analysis that showed this solution with all its features, offering the best total lifecycle cost,” said Adrian Hickey, project and transport manager at Musgrave Foodservices. “The cost efficiencies have enabled Musgrave to be more competitive in today’s market.”

“Thermo King Spectrum units bring low lifecycle cost, fuel efficiency and ease-of-use, which together with low emissions yet high performance and an extensive service program, were the features that Musgrave was looking for,” said Laurent Debias, product management leader at Thermo King. “We are pleased that Musgrave chose Thermo King systems and services to contribute to their fleet modernisation efforts.”

Thermo King T1000 Spectrum truck refrigeration units are equipped with the new range of GreenTech™ engines that reduce emissions, waste and noise pollution, exceeding all known requirements, including the most stringent European Union (EU) standards.

The T1000 Spectrum units selected by Musgrave feature the Whisper option, which enables them to be very flexible and deliver in the early morning as

well as late evening deliveries in urban, noise-sensitive areas. This not only creates a great operational advantage resulting also in fuel savings due to lower traffic congestion at those times, but contributes to relieving traffic congestion during the day, improving road safety and limiting noise emitted by transportation factors appreciated by the residents of urban areas.

Additionally, Musgrave also selected optional door switches that minimize temperature fluctuations during multiple delivery drops by automatically switching off the unit each time the doors are opened. This, coupled with Thermo King Data Acquisition System (DAS), a secure, totally independent temperature recorder that keeps a precise record of cargo temperatures from the time the cargo is loaded to final delivery, gives the customer peace of mind that their product is being kept within the right temperature range at all times.

Finally, an additional fuel tank enables the customer to save money by not using the more expensive road diesel to power the refrigeration unit and rear controller provides increased productivity by enabling the loaders to set the unit up without leaving the loading bay area.

Hiab receives an order for 60 MOFFETT truck-mounted forklifts from the United States

Hiab, part of Cargotec, has received an order for 60 MOFFETT truck-mounted forklifts from a US-based customer. The value of the order is approximately USD 3 million and it has been booked into Cargotec's 2015 third quarter order intake.

The customer working in brick manufacturing is Hiab's long term partner since 20 years. During that time Hiab has delivered them hundreds of MOFFETTs. Brant Jones, Sales Manager, USA comments: "The ordered M8 and M5 truckmounted forklifts are designed for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, especially for the safe use on difficult terrain. Their lifting capacity varies between 2,500 and 3,500 kilos and over the years they have reached a great success among customers due to their reliability. Both models are available with a whole range of options and attachments including 4-way mode for negotiating tight access areas with long loads."

The delivery of the ordered truck-mounted forklifts is during January 2016.

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Gear up for ice and snow

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With the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, extremes are becoming more of a norm. Many companies and organisations in both the private and public sector must consider what equipment they need to tackle a possible harsh winter season. Co Antrim manufacturer Quad-X have designed and developed a range of ATV equipment to deal with ice and snow removal.

Quad-X are pleased to announce the launch of True Grit, their commercial spec salt spreader range, in response to the need for a small scale commercial machine popular with amenities, large companies, farms and hire companies. This spreader is Salt spreader capable of spreading damp salt thanks to the feed mechanism continually pushing material forward, irrespective of moisture and consistency, all to help prevent clogging and facilitate an even spread of salt. The machine is available in various capacities and models including from 120L in a towed model, and up to 600L in a mounted model, suitable for pick-up trucks.

Spreading can be activated from inside your vehicle and spread width can be adjusted thanks to a user friendly control unit giving precise control during operation. With an adjustable spinner position, spread can be offset to the left or right. True Grit spreaders are simple, reliable and effective, providing an affordable alternative to large scale belt drive machines.

Quad-X also offer an ATV mounted salt spreader, in 60L capacity. The 60L model fits to the rear rack of an ATV and is powered by a 12v motor to ensure an even spread. The plastic hopper is UV stabilized and durable while the stainless steel spinner and shutter plates help reduce corrosion.

Quad-X offer a fantastic British built alternative to the array of cheap Italian 6 bag spreaders. The 300kg capacity salt spreader is a ground driven, towed machine suitable for gritting larger areas. It is equipped with UV protected plastic hopper, proper wheel bushings, knobby tyres, and dished spinner for excellent spread widths. The salt spreader is specially designed with a specific gearbox with a gearing ratio for better traction in icy conditions. Knobby 18-9.5x8 tyres are fitted as standard, with 4 stud hubs allow for easier wheel changes. These salt spreaders have adjustable flow rates with the necessary deflector plates and special agitator kits for optimum spreading of salt.

The Quad-X snow ploughs are designed to fit on most ATVs, with wider models to suit utility vehicles and compact tractors. Their innovative ‘SUPERMOUNT’ system with implement angle and quick release is the fastest fitting and most versatile system on the market to turn your quad into a work machine. The Supermount System fixes to the underside of your quad and can be used with numerous Quad-X attachments to help you out this winter. It is universal fit, and so even if you change your bike the Quad-X system will fit.

The Supermount System is designed to work with heavy loads and provides great ground clearance even in rough terrain, thanks to considerable R&D, allowing you to keep it fixed to the quad all year. Quick release clips allow the snow plough to be fitted or removed in less than 10 seconds. The blade can be angled left/right and can be lifted very high since the pivot point is at the front. The Snow Plough is spring loaded to cushion collisions with obstacles and is fitted with adjustable skids and a replaceable 2-sided blade to protect the plough.

Quad-X also provide a service for those with special requirements, to tailor machines and develop products to suit their application.

For more details on the Quad-X snow ploughs and salt spreaders or to find your nearest dealer contact: from NI Tel 028 2587 2800, from ROI Tel 048 2587 2800 or visit www.quad-x.com for more information and to watch video footage.

TGE van expands MAN product range

Simon Elliott Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK says there are exciting times ahead with the launch of a new range of van.

The much-anticipated MAN TGE will be revealed at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show, in Hanover.

Positive demand is already expected for the vehicles, which will offer a choice of specifications.

The new product will offer various power ranges with front, rear and four-wheel drive and a choice of transmissions, producing a vehicle to meet all van drivers’ needs.

It is anticipated that the new product will allow for further development of the UK Dealer Network.

Mr Elliott, the former Managing Director of Volkswagen Light Commercial Vehicles, said: “Customers have repeatedly asked me about the possibility of an MAN van, so it’s great to be able to confirm that we are in the market.

“This new addition to our range puts another building block in place for our future.

“We are keen to offer the HGV approach to repair and maintenance for our customers by reducing operator downtime.”

Mr Elliott added that when he worked for VW, his ethos was ‘van people, talking van language to van customers’.

“That belief has not changed,” he stressed. “Having the right product with the right strategy, backed by a great dealer network who understand what customers want, will be key to the success of the MAN TGE range.

“I am confident that our new product will do very well in a competitive market. The next few years are going to be very exciting.”

Mr Elliott has already appointed Andrew Taylor to head up the MAN van project to produce a vehicle offering that really resonates with customers.”

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J apanes e4x4&Tr uc kPar t s

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Krone Approves New Goodyear ULTRA GRIP MAX T Winter Tyres

Krone has become the first trailer manufacturer to offer Goodyear’s latest winter trailer tyres as original equipment.

The renowned manufacturer has approved the Goodyear ULTRA GRIP MAX T in sizes 385/65R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 for trailers destined for severe winter operations.

“We are very pleased that Krone has become the first trailer manufacturer to approve our latest ULTRA GRIP MAX T winter trailer tyre,” said Peter Platje, Director OE Sales Truck Tyres Goodyear Dunlop EMEA. “The excellent winter performance that our new Goodyear ULTRA GRIP MAX Krone picks Goodyear tyres provide helps vehicles to operate in severe winter Ultra Grip Max T conditions and keep going.”

The new ULTRA GRIP MAX winter truck tyre range provides up to 40% more snow grip when half worn and up to 15% more mileage1.

The ULTRA GRIP MAX S steer tyre and ULTRA GRIP MAX D drive tyre are dedicated truck winter tyres and carry both the 3-PeakMountain-Snowflake (3PMSF) official winter tyre marking as well as the M+S symbol. Even when the drive tyres are 50% worn2, they still qualify for the 3PMSF marking. With this special feature, the new Goodyear truck winter tyre line helps keep trucks going and gives peace of mind to drivers as well as fleet operators.

The ULTRA GRIP MAX T trailer tyre has been developed to cope with tough winter conditions and also carries both the 3PMSF marking and the M+S symbol. The full specification of the tyres fitted by Krone are 385/65R22.5 160 K 158 L and 385/55R22.5 160 K 158 L.

UK’s first DAF XF 6x2 heavy recovery units take the strain for CMG

Commercial vehicle recovery and heavy plant transport specialist, CMG in Newport Pagnell, has taken delivery of its latest heavy recovery equipment from DAF Trucks and Boniface. Three new Euro-6 DAF XF 460 FAS Super Space Cabs, the first of their kind in the UK, are plated at 90-tonnes GTW and supplied with Boniface Interstater Mark 6X under-lift recovery bodywork. The vehicles are delivered with five-year DAF MultiSupport R&M contracts managed through local DAF dealership, Brian Currie in Milton Keynes.

DAF Trucks and Boniface pooled their engineering expertise to supply an exacting specification to match their customer’s needs; namely a heavy recovery vehicle with a 25-tonne rear bogie comprising two equal 12.5-tonne capacity axles (a hubreduction drive axle and a rear lifting tag axle), and a fully-fitted, under-lift body equipped with high-pressure air-bags and all ancillary equipment.

The new units, two replacements and one addition, join 20 existing Euro-5 DAFs in a total CMG fleet of 78 vehicles, DAF Telematics is also installed across the company’s DAF fleet.

“We’ve always run DAFs,” said Operations Director at CMG, Mark Cowan, “our past experience has instilled a high degree of trust in both the product and the aftersales support. DAF’s premium duty heavy chassis gives us the ‘big three’; durability, reliability and economy. And it’s the economy from the latest Euro-6 PACCAR MX-13 engine that’s been outstanding,” he said, “8.5mpg, including an hour on tick-over with the PTO kicked-in, is phenomenal.”

The company, which contains plant and car transporter operations in its operations portfolio, has also ordered a new Euro-6 DAF XF 510 FT Low-Deck tractor unit and an accompanying Kässbohrer covered car-transporter trailer.

CMG’s business is head-quartered at Newport Pagnell although the company has locations in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Wellingborough, and has just announced the acquisition of a new site in Newbury.

“We’re very pleased indeed with the aftersales support from Brian Currie,” added Cowan, “it’s a partnership we’ve nurtured together over many years, and it means we understand each other’s expectations. Happily, it’s very much our own expectations which are regularly met, and that offers us great peace-of-mind.”

CMG provides Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Assistance throughout the UK and Europe. With a network of over 300 subcontractors based in and around the UK, the company boasts breakdown recovery contracts with high profile hauliers such as Fowler Welch, Wreford’s Transport,Great Bear Distribution and Norbert Dentressangle but to name a few , servicing their needs in the UK and on the near Continent. Recovery services are also provided for Police forces in Thames Valley, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.

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Mercedes-Benz Actros Irish fuel test results mirror those achieved in 16 other European markets

+353 18612275 obw.eur@vpgsensors.com

In tests conducted in Ireland, on Irish roads and in Irish conditions, the Mercedes-Benz Actros has proven just how fuel efficient it can be returning fuel consumption figures some 10.4% better than its main rivals.

Under the rules of the Fuel Duel Challenge scheme – which has been running in cooperation with leading heavy commercials fleet owners in Ireland since the beginning of January last – the Actros operates as part of a customer’s own fleet and driven by the customer’s own drivers 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 monitored and measured by Mercedes-Benz’s own FleetBoard system.

In comparable tests conducted on a European-wide scale, Actros proved to be more fuel efficient than its competitors in some 90% of cases. In 1,552 tests carried out over a distance of 7.3m kilometres across 16 countries, an exactly similar fuel saving figure of 10.4% was achieved compared to rival Euro V or Euro VI vehicles.

Commenting, their Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager, Fergus Conheady described the programme as one that has “delivered results that clearly mirror those in other markets and prove the Actros to be an extremely fuel-efficient truck on Irish roads.”

MAN to extend its product range by light commercial vehicle MAN TGE

MAN Truck & Bus is to extend its already comprehensive product range of vehicles with the introduction of a new light commercial van and thus becomes a full range supplier offering commercial vehicles between 3 and 44 tons. Designated as MAN TGE, the new range of MAN light commercial vehicles was developed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and will be built together with its twin Volkswagen Crafter in the newly-built plant in Wrzesnia, Poland. This cooperation is expected by both brands to create strategic benefits in acquiring new groups of customers. The MAN TGE will be presented at IAA 2016 and will be available from 2017.

According to MAN Truck & Bus CEO Joachim Drees, many MAN customers need vehicles of this category: "By launching the MAN light commercial vehicle positioned below our MAN TGL light truck range, we are entering a new business area.

Many of our customers with heavy commercial vehicles in their fleets have a requirement for light commercial vehicles as well, so the MAN TGE constitutes a smart enhancement to our already established vehicle range. We know exactly what our customers need and which areas they operate in, and the vehicle solutions and bodies we will offer them will be a perfect fit to their needs and applications. Professional service and also a wide range of solutions from our well established truck business will set standards in this weight range and I'm sure the customers of our light commercial vehicles will be very excited by their introduction as well."

In the near future, it will enable MAN customers to access all our sales, maintenance and repair services from a single source from light commercial vehicles up to heavy trucks. Since, beside classic box trucks, MAN will also offer special vehicle body solutions e.g. for construction or municipal vehicles of fire engines, the company will further extend its longestablished and proven business relations with vehicle body builders.

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A smartphone on wheels: here’s how tomorrow’s intelligent trucks work

Today there are about 175,000 online-connected Volvo trucks on Europe’s roads. A number of them can already today send information about when they need maintenance and some of the necessary service work can even be administrated remotely.

This, however, is just the beginning.

“In coming few years, for instance, the truck will be able to monitor its own health in real time, promoting easier and quicker service which leads to higher productivity for all concerned – drivers, workshops and haulage firms,” says Hayder Wokil, Director Quality & Uptime at Volvo Trucks.

In the future the truck will also make workshop administration easier by booking its own service as and when necessary, booking the appropriate mechanics for the relevant jobs and advanceordering the necessary parts for delivery to the workshop. Repairs will be able to be performed wherever the truck happens to be and will be carried out at an appropriate time in its working schedule.

“Service will be synchronised with the truck’s operating timetable and will be booked at the nearest workshop at a time when the vehicle would in any case not be in operation, for instance at night or when the driver has to take a legislated break. Via online connectivity the truck will also be able to carry out simple self-repairs remotely,” relates Hayder Wokil.

Tomorrow’s truck will also enable more flexibility. As the connectivity potential for trucks continues developing, vehicles will be able to be specified to suit each individual assignment, which in turn promotes more efficient operation.

“The next generation of trucks will be increasingly personalised and will for example be able to be tailored to match the operator’s needs and driving style. It will also be able to update its own configuration to suit specific transport assignments,” explains Hayder Wokil.

One important prerequisite for utilising the benefits of connectivity is the collection of large quantities of data.

According to Per Adamsson, Director Strategy & Business Development at Volvo Group Telematics, today’s trucks will follow the trend shown by smartphones in recent years. In the automotive industry there is talk about ‘The Smartphone on Wheels Evolution’.

“In the near future trucks will be able to communicate with other road users as well as with mobile remotely enabled devices such as cycle helmets, helping to cut the risk of accidents and reducing unplanned standstills,” reveals Per Adamsson.

“Thanks to online connectivity, in the future the truck will also be able to independently monitor traffic status and select the most efficient route if there are traffic jams or roadworks up ahead,” continues Per. However, even if much of the technology for realising tomorrow’s truck already exists today, it may take some time before the next-generation scenario becomes reality.

“The biggest challenge lies in sifting through the massive amount of data we collect from our vehicles. The infrastructure for connectivity throughout the world also needs to be further developed before we can transform next-generation vision into everyday reality,” says Hayder Wokil.

Four future trends in the transport industry

1. Smart services In addition to predicting faults, truck manufacturers will in another few years be able to better understand why faults occur in the first place – before they occur. The vehicle will also be able to rectify minor faults on its own and issue an alert and book its own service before a problem arises.

2. Less administration In the future, service will involve far less administration for the haulage firm and workshop since the truck will be able to handle most of this itself, such as booking service and downloading and updating its own on-board software.

3. Connected devices In the future all the products around us, such as watches, jackets and cycle helmets, will be able to communicate directly with one another as long as the connection adds values. Tomorrow’s wristwatch, for example, will not just show the time, it will also be able to monitor the driver’s pulse and issue an alert and even activate autopilot if something happens to the driver.

4. Personalisation The more information the truck manufacturer has about who is behind the wheel and who owns the truck, the easier it becomes to individually tailor the truck to match specific driving styles and transport assignments.

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LF receives PIEK-certification as a 'Quiet Truck': LF lightweight joins DAF’s quiet revolution

Following the successful launch of the CF and XF Silent models, DAF has now added an extra-quiet distribution truck variant to its LF range. With confirmation of PIEK-certification on its PACCAR PX-5 engine (at 150bhp and 180bhp outputs) DAF’s lightweight 4x2 rigid models for early morning and night-time urban operations are now available to UK operators.

The expansion of the Euro 6 range to include the LF Silent continues the company’s DAF Transport Efficiency theme a philosophy that aims to further increase truck efficiency by reducing operating costs and maximising uptime.

In its special 'Silent Mode', which can be activated by a simple push of a button on the dashboard, the extra-quiet LF has a noise level of no more than 72 dB(A), meeting the conditions for certification as a 'Quiet Truck'. This enables goods to be loaded and unloaded in areas where evening, night-time or early morning noise restrictions apply – thus maximising operational flexibility and improving efficiency.

Abbey Logistics is already benefitting from DAF’s Silent technology having become the first UK operator earlier this year with a CF 440 FT Silent tractor unit, now in regular service (with a Feldbinder Command Steer trailer) into central London on the company’s British Salt contract.

The new LF Silent, however, provides operational opportunities for lighter-weight rigid operators where daily deliveries into town and city centres can often prove problematic.

The LF Silent can allow operational flexibility outside of peak periods thus helping to reduce congestion and, importantly, reducing the risk of accidents involving vulnerable road users.

The new 7.5-tonne DAF LF Silent is powered by the efficient 4.5-litre PACCAR PX-5 engine, with ratings of 112 kW/152 hp and 135 kW/184 hp. The engine is already known for its low noise level and is linked to an automated AS Tronic six-speed gearbox.

DAF can deliver the new LF Silent as a 4x2 rigid with a choice between a day cab, extended day cab and sleeper cab, and with a wide range of wheelbase options.

Importantly for customers of LF, CF and XF Silent models, acquisition costs remain low thanks to conventional driveline technology.

Other PIEK-certified vehicles on the market are powered with gas engines or have hybrid drivelines resulting in prohibitive up-front acquisition costs.

The new, extra-quiet LF is available to order now from DAF dealers.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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DAF pre-empts lengthy lead times with ‘Tip, Skip, Grab and Hook’ trucks

Following a forecast of lengthening delivery lead times made by DAF Trucks’ Managing Director, Ray Ashworth, at Tip-Ex earlier this year, DAF Trucks has announced it is to make available a limited supply of ‘in demand’ bodied vehicles for immediate delivery. Under its ‘Tip, Skip & Grab’ programme, DAF Trucks customers primarily in the construction and utilities sectors will be able to choose from a range of trucks including eight-wheel tippers, tipper-grabs, skip-loaders and hook loaders.

“The construction and waste industries are buoyant at present although we’re seeing long lead times at body-builders for associated models,” said Ray Ashworth, “Therefore, we’re looking to provide a speedy turn around for customers that need

trucks quickly.”

He went on, “Thanks to high demand for trucks across Europe, DAF Trucks has already increased production to ensure that chassis lead times remain reasonable. We have the chassis,” he said, “but it’s getting them bodied and delivered in an acceptable time that may become an issue.”

Consequently,” he continued, “and with the help of our industry-leading body-builder partners, we can sensibly make available a small stock of bodied, ready-for-the road trucks to help customers with their short-term availability requirements.

“Of course, customers will continue to prefer to spec their vehicles from the ground up, but, equally, we understand that immediate availability might be required where contracts suddenly crop-up or where a specific tipper, skip-loader or grab is needed to fill a gap in existing work. Our Tip, Skip & Grab programme will ease the pressure.”

Ashworth touched upon these points at Harrogate’s Tip-Ex show in May and is keen now to reassure DAF Trucks’ customers, and the wider operating community, that DAF Trucks at least will be geared-up to meet any ‘spike’ in demand.

“Supplying trucks through our nationwide dealer network in a timely manner is fundamental to maintaining our market-leading status,” added Ashworth. “To help operators meet their customers’ demands, we’re simply planning ahead.” he said.

Through DAF Trucks’ ‘Tip, Skip & Grab’ programme, a DAF dealer could potentially have a bodied vehicle on the road within days, subject to finance, rental arrangements or any local specification amendments.

Ashworth concluded, “This is a pre-emptive measure and nothing more. A little foresight on the part of chassis manufacturers and bodybuilders,” he said, “helps operators cater for the inevitable short term needs of a buoyant construction industry.”

First DAF XF106 trucks arrive in Netherlands on Xlite forged aluminium wheels

Leading Netherlands haulier, HN Post & Zonen has taken delivery of the country's first DAF XF106 trucks to be fitted with Xlite and Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels.

The Euro 6 compliant pulling units - described as the benchmark for long-distance transport - have been developed for maximum transport efficiency to, with a new chassis and engine to reduce weight, minimise CO² emissions, lower fuel usage and ultimately maximise payload.

The 4x2 configuration vehicles are fitted with 28 units comprising 20 x 9"x22.5" and eight x 11.75"x22.5" 120mm offset on machined-finished Xlite and Xbrite+ wheels.

Fleetservices Benelux, official Xlite partner in the Netherlands for Europe's leading commercial vehicle wheel distributor, Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD), recommended the wheels were changed from steel to further improve economic and environmental performance.

Stefan Jacobs, Owner at Fleetservices Benelux said: "When the vehicles were delivered on steel units the combined weight of the wheels was 236kg per vehcicle, by adding Xlite and Xbrite+ we have reduced this number to 155.4kg."

Marco Post , Operational director at HN Post & Zonen, continued: "Add the environmental and economic efficiences of the DAF trucks, coupled with forged aluminium wheels, and the new fleet represents the lightest, most cost-effective option available to deliver the highest return per kilometre."

Xlite wheels, which are five times stronger and up to 40 percent lighter than the standard steel equivalent, are forged from a single aluminium billet using a CNC machine to produce a higher degree of production accuracy. Wheels are available in 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes.

Forged aluminium options include machined and polished finishes as well as the technically advanced Xbrite+, which goes through several submersed, technically-advanced automated treatment stages to permeate the metal deeper and deliver a wheel with the highest levels of corrosion resistance and shine.

The ultimate advantages of operating with forged aluminium wheels including extra payloads, reduced fuel usage, decreased CO² emissions and less wear on surrounding parts.

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www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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New DAF fleet underlines ‘booming business’ at R Swain Group

R Swain Group has just received delivery of 20 new DAF Euro-6 CF460 FT6 space cabs

With ‘business booming’, Rochester-based R Swain Group has bolstered its truck fleet with the delivery of 20 new DAF Euro-6 CF 460 FTG Space Cabs. The 6x2 tractor units have been in service for four months and are already returning an average of 9.1mpg on mixed work.

With depots in Rochester, Manchester and Woodville (Burton-on-Trent), Swain is reporting a considerable upturn in business at all three locations. “Business is booming right across our operational portfolio,” said Fleet & Workshop General Manager, Peter Ham, “Fleet utilisation currently stands at 97% - and that means we’ll be on the truck acquisition trail again at the end of the year.

Ham’s decision to stick with DAF in future will be made even more likely after reporting that the latest CFs have suffered no breakdowns or mechanical failures of any kind since entering operation. “Aside from regular maintenance and inspections,” said Ham, “the Euro-6 CFs haven’t missed a beat – not for one minute. Zero downtime is something any operator would enjoy.”

The company cites outstanding service from local DAF dealer, Channel Commercials, as key to its decision to remain faithful to the DAF marque.

“We’re really pleased with our relationship with Channel Commercials,” continued Ham, “and support from both the dealer and the manufacturer goes a long, long way to ensuring we remain a DAF customer.

He added, “We received DAF driver training from Channel Commercials and I believe this had a significant effect on productivity.

With a few thousand more miles on the clock, I only see productivity improving still further.”

Swain’s 320-strong fleet is made up primarily of DAF vehicles. The operation covers all areas of the supply chain from pallet distribution, flat bed (claiming the largest flat-bed trailer fleet in the UK), general haulage, Tautliner and a special projects division moving equipment up to 150T cranes. The client base serves all areas of industry from high-tech through to bulk commodities and heavy construction using the Swain fleet and Hallett-Silbermanns operation in Hatfield which Swain acquired in 2014. As well as the significant fleet operation Swain has also invested in a growing forwarding business supporting UK and European customers.

MAN scores 10 out of 10 with haulier

Aberdeen – based I & L Burnett Ltd buys limited edition 100-year truck from MAN Truck & Bus UK to boost fleet.

General haulier Ian Burnett has taken delivery of the special edition 100-year truck and is looking forward to putting it through its paces.

“MAN, as far as I am concerned, took an unfair knock over the Euro 5s but the Euro 6 resolves all of that.

“MAN has taken stock of the challenges, resolved them and moved on. I am a big fan of the brand,” he said.

“I used to be a mechanic with ScotMAN Diesel back in the 80s, under Bill Rennie in Aberdeen. After starting our own business in 1987 we’ve had several used MAN 331s F90s and F2000s. We took our first new MAN lorry a Euro3 TGA in 2001, which is still on the road today, and we have since added Euro4s and Euro5s and Euro6 all 440s and now we have taken delivery of the Special edition 100-year Euro6 480.

“It is the first 480 we are running, new to the fleet, which makes it 10 out of 10 MAN, and it is something we are really looking forward to trying out and putting through its paces.

“We are a husband and wife concern, operating local and long distance and our team of drivers are real industry professionals, experienced lorry drivers with a passion for their jobs and they like driving the MANs.” Regional sales manager for MAN, Roger Turnbull, added: “MAN Truck & Bus UK appreciates hauliers such as I & L Burnett for their custom, loyalty and faith in the brand.

“The Euro 6 100-year truck will surely be a valuable addition to the fleet and I am confident Ian will find it a successful part of his fleet.”

Vehicle data TGX 26.480 6x2/2 BLS 480 bhp EURO 6 Engine Tipmatic XLX Twin Bunk Cab

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With almost two decades’ experience in home and retail delivery solutions, Direct Deliveries provide an unrivalled two-man furniture home delivery service covering the island of Ireland.

We dropped into their Mallusk head depot to find out more about this thoroughly-professional operation from director Aaron Anderson and operations manager Chris Beagan.

D

irect Delivers operate a professional and efficient furniture home delivery service that is second to none, giving customers complete peace of mind and total satisfaction. All customers can access real time information on the status of their orders, while all vehicles are equipped with the latest satellite navigation systems.

Once a delivery goes into the unique IT system - which has been developed in-house - customers are contacted by Direct Deliveries’ office staff to confirm a suitable delivery date and a provisional time slot. The customer is kept in the loop throughout and receives further calls the day of the delivery to ensure that there are no misunderstandings.

This is all part and parcel of the dedication to customer care of a delivery team that aims to please and aims to be the very best in the business. The total commitment to customer satisfaction that permeates every facet of the business is one of the many reasons why Direct Deliveries has become the courier of choice for retail and home delivery furniture across Ireland north and south.

Reflecting on the genesis of Direct Deliveries, director Aaron Anderson points out that the business was established 17 years ago by his now business partner John Kidd. “John, who

CONTACT DETAILS

26

Direct Deliveries have developed their own IT system which keeps customers in the loop

actually comes from an engineering background, used to work for Silentnight doing furniture transportation and doorto-door deliveries. He started off with one van and initially ran Direct Deliveries as his second business.

“He did all the deliveries for Silentnight Ireland, for whom I worked for 27 years – that was how we got to know one another. Four years ago, the Silentnight group, who had a 77,000 sq ft warehouse in Northern Ireland, decided to close down their Irish operation and retain two sales reps here. So I approached my bosses at the time and asked them how did they intend to continue to serve the Irish market. They said they would put the delivery business out to tender. I then approached John

and we formed a partnership, tendered for the business, and got it. We’ve also succeeded in picking up a lot of other business along the way. We collect furniture from the UK, bring it to our warehouse in Mallusk and then deliver island-wide throughout Ireland.”

Looking after both retail deliveries and home deliveries in Ireland, Direct Deliveries work for manufacturers, furniture wholesalers and internet sales companies. They deliver a full range of furniture, from bedroom furniture to sofas, dining room furniture to granite worktops etc.. The fully-trained staff comprises uniformed two-man crews, with assembly services available on request.

The impressive fleet of fresh and

Direct Deliveries, Units 1-3 58 McKinney Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4PX. Tel: 028 9083 0596 www.directdeliveriesni.co.uk IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

direct deliveries designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 17:46 Page 2

excellently-maintained vehicles includes five 7.5 tonne lorries and two 3.5 tonners as well as one artic and 19 trailers in total, including step frames and super cube step frames. The vehicles of choice are Mercedes-Benz and DAF. Two brandnew Mercedes were purchased in 2014 and a second-hand DAF was added to the fleet during the summer.

Gainful employment is currently provided to a team of 16 people, this figure having doubled since Aaron and John entered into partnership four years ago. “This is very encouraging as the market was in recession when we started up. We knew that if we could get it right during the bad times, then the good times would come,” Aaron notes.

“We established a very solid footing for ourselves in the bad times and that has stood to us. Traditionally, Christmas is a boom time but it came early this year in that we had no lull at all. Normally, April – July can be quiet but not this year. We’ve been flat out all year, thankfully.”

Of course, this hasn’t happened by chance. “We are doing things right,” Aaron points out matter-of-factly. “We have maintained our business at the optimum level since Day One and our customer numbers are growing on the back of providing such a good service. We have gained a number of new customers with each passing year.

“Essentially, we provide a prompt, cost-effective and reliable delivery service from A to B. It’s not rocket science but you have to be good at what you do. We bring the furniture in and get it out to the end user within a maximum of five days – usually quicker.

“As I already had relationships with most of our customers from my days in the retail side of things, the transition has been seamless.”

Direct Deliveries is unique from other furniture delivery companies in that they have gone a step further and developed their own IT system, which is tailored to the precise requirements of their own business. “The system, which is unique to us, was developed from scratch by Chris and myself,” Aaron continues. “It’s tailored specifically to the needs of our business and our customers and is in continuous development.

Any customer can click into our website day or night and see where their delivery is. We are also in the process of developing an app, which will further help us to streamline the business. We’re gaining ground continuously through our IT system and affording our customers greater access and more flexibility. It’s there in black and white for customers to see and we can stand over it. We have a proven track record and our IT capabilities are part and parcel of this – the results speak for themselves.

“It’s not just about getting an item from A to B. We are constantly scrutinising ourselves and looking for ways to improve our service, which is obviously to the benefit of our customers. If you are going to make claims, then you have to be able to back them up – to this end, we gladly provide our customers with any details or info they need throughout the delivery process.

“Every single customer we deal with, from when we collect the furniture from England until we bring it to them, has access to our IT system and we also stay in touch with them via text messages and phone calls. We will phone to give them a threehour window the day before delivery and again the following morning. They are kept in the loop and we make sure that they know exactly what’s going on so that they don’t have to sit around all day waiting for us to arrive. They will then get another 15-minute notice when we are nearly there. We strive to get it right first time, every time. We appreciate that everybody is busy and we endeavour to be as efficient, IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Direct Deliveries provide a two-man furniture home delivery service

transparent and flexible as possible.”

No stone is left unturned to ensure the best possible experience for customers. Each driver has a helper with him and each vehicle is fitted with Sat Nav and live tracking. The driver carries a mobile phone and the staff - who are fullytrained in all aspects handling - all wear the company uniform.

As they are the point of contact between company and customer, it’s important that they make the right impression every time. Which they invariably do!

Clearly, an unbelievable amount of thought has gone into getting the finer details exactly right. That’s why Direct Deliveries is widely recognised as Ireland’s premier furniture home delivery specialist.

Best Wishes To Direct Deliveries, From Leader In On-Site Repair & Fleet Maintenance Coastal Warehouse, Dargan Road, Belfast BT3 9JU

T:075-255 38045 27

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Pulse Logistics' impressive new fleet

Pulse Logistics announce significant investment î “e pulse is beating stronger in the Irish supply chain industry and right at the heart of it are Pulse Logistics, who have just invested in a further expansion of their fleet.

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P

Kieran McInerney (Business Development Manager, Pulse Logistics) and Michael Murphy (Sales Manager TIP) 'sealing the deal'.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ulse Logistics is an indigenous Irish Logistics company established in 2012 and building a growing reputation as a top class supply chain solutions provider.

The company have just taken delivery of twenty-four new box trailers from Schmitz Cargobull and two double-deck trailers from SDC Trailers for trunking.

This adds to their already impressive fleet which includes articulated trucks, rigid trucks and vans.

Pulse Logistics provide a wide range of services from four strategic locations in Dublin, Cork, Clonmel and Longford.

Services include Storage and Warehousing, Full Load Distribution, Pallet Distribution, Parcel Services and Value Added Services.

The major shareholder in Pulse Logistics is Total Produce Group plc, the Irish owned leader and the largest fresh produce importer and distributor in Europe.

Total Produce operate in various other markets including India, South Africa and USA, with revenues in excess of €3.5bn and have extensive logistics capabilities within the group.

Jason Bushe, MD of Pulse Logistics states: “We are delighted to announce the significant investment in excess of €1m that further expands our capacity and capability. It also further enhances the profile of the brand with the increased presence of our name and logo on the roads of Ireland.”

Bushe adds: “We are growing year on year as a company and we continually focus on providing best in class and value for money services to our loyal customers. We strive to be considered the number one provider of best in class logistics and supply chain solutions.

“Our ever growing reputation and our expanded offering of cutting edge technologies, we hope will help continue to stay ahead of our competition. This recent investment will just add to our already growing commitment to our customers and the Irish industry.”

The Pulse Logistics fleet is monitored using telematics and GPRS tracking.

Their partnership on this recent deal is with TIP Trailer Services Ireland Ltd, and Michael Murphy, Sales Manager for TIP states: “We are proud to supply Pulse Logistics with its latest instalment of semi-trailers, knowing Pulse Logistics is an approved partner for some of

Kieran McInerney Business Development Manager +353 86 770 5800 kieranmcinerney@pulselogistics.ie

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To Pulse Logistics From

SERVICE AND REPAIR OF ALL HEAVY AND LIGHT VEHICLES, COMMERCIALS, JEEPS, VANS, BUSES, CARS DOE AND NCT PREPARATION DIAGNOSTICS EQUIPMENT FOR BOTH HEAVY AND LIGHT VEHICLES 24 HOUR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FLEET MAINTENANCE WHEEL AND LIGHT ALIGNMENT WHILE YOU WAIT

Phone: 043-33 50400 Fax: 043-3350999 Mobile: 087-6872338

www.longfordcommercialrepairs.ie Email: mcglynncommercials@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To PULSE LOGISTICS From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To PULSE LOGISTICS From

Specialist in providing recruitment solutions for the Irish market

Unit D1, Grange Business Park, Ballycurreen, Kinsale Road, Cork T:021-500 5623 E: info@networkcouriers.ie

Redleaf House, Townpark, Longford

T: 043-333 1600 F: 043-333 1601 E: info@connectrecruit.ie www.connectrecruit.ie

IRISH

www.irishtrucker.com & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

pulse logistics designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:19 Page 4

Jason Bushe (MD, Pulse Logistics).

Ireland’s largest Blue Chip companies.

“The purchase further strengthens the long standing relationship between Pulse Logistics and TIP.”

Pulse Logistics work with many of the major brands in the FMCG sector including Dunnes Stores, C&C Group, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Allegro, L’Oréal, Glenpatrick Water and Medite amongst others.

Pulse Logistics also operate in the Pharmaceutical sector with blue chip customers such as Abbott Technologies, Pinewood Laboratories, and Boston Scientific.

Pulse Logistics handle in excess of 20m cases, for over 40 different contracts servicing over 10,000 customer delivery points throughout Ireland. The company currently have over 600,000 SQ FT of warehousing at our four (4) facilities with an additional 30,000 SQ FT shared in Limerick and Galway.

The company is I.S. EN ISO 9001:2008 and HPRA accredited and operate Customs & Excise bonded facilities.

The company is investing further in IT systems and will

implement a new WMS, TMS and ePOD system in 2016 providing best in class technologies for all customers, leading the way for the Irish Supply Chain

Industry.

The company have a proactive can-do approach, and offer very flexible solutions to meet all requirements.

Pulse Logistics driver John Browne from Clonmel.

MUNSTER LOGISTICS

BEST WISHES & CONTINUED SUCCESS TO JASON, MATT & ALL AT PULSE LOGISTICS, from DARREN & SHANE AND ALL THE STAFF AT MUNSTER LOGISTICS

TER S N U M ICS T S I G LO Unit 13 Sagart Road, Raheen Industrial Estate, Limerick

T: +353-(0)61-307004 Mobile: Darren 086-8258289

www.munsterlogistics.com F: +353-(0)61-307055 Email: logisticsmanager@topmail.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

SPECIALISING IN PALLETS, PARCELS, PART AND FULL LOADS NATIONWIDE EVERYDAY

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ank heavens for Dublin Tanker Repair Services Celebrating 10 years as a limited company, Dublin Tanker Repair Services has firmly established itself as the leading name in the repair and maintenance of road tankers. e company is headed by Henry Cassidy, who has over 30 years’ experience in the sector.

H

enry had been operating as a sole trader before setting up Dublin Tanker Repair Services Ltd in 2005 along with co-director Susan Somers. Operating for the past four years from North City Business Park in Finglas, which is located just off Junction 5 on the M50, the company’s 12-strong team of mechanics and engineers are regarded as the foremost road tanker repair and maintenance experts in

32

Ireland.

Among the array of services offered are tank testing, repairs and certification, meter repairs calibration and verification, ADR preparation including documentation, vehicle servicing, DOE preparation, safe loading pass preparation and issuing of safe loading certificates.

The company’s Quality Management System has been certified to ISO

9001:2008 – it is in the process of being updated to ISO 9001:2014 – which ensures customers receive the highest quality service. Dublin Tanker Repair Services is committed to providing its customers with the best-in-industry level of care and attention.

In addition, Dublin Tanker Repair Services is the only authorised verifier of the NSAI Legal Metrology Service (LMS) based in Leinster and is approved by the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

dublin tanker designed_Layout 1 11/11/2015 14:21 Page 2

The company's original workshop

Irish Petroleum Industry Association for the pressure testing of tanks as specified

by ADR regulations. The company is also approved for both leak-proof testing and thorough examinations. All tests are certified and the relevant test plate is applied to your vehicle.

Henry and his team repair tank leaks (including inter-compartmental), modify

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

pipe-work and carry out welding repairs to mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. They repair, calibrate and, as an authorised verifier of the NSAI Legal Metrology Service, verify all truckmounted oil meters – both mechanical and electronic. They work closely with all of the leading manufacturers to ensure they have the skills to maintain the

equipment on your trucks to the highest standards. They are also highly-skilled in all aspects of product pumping systems, including electrics, hydraulics and pneumatics.

The company services all makes and types of commercial vehicles and carries a comprehensive range of vehicle spares for Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-

Dublin Tanker Repair Services Ltd. D4 & D5, North City Business Park, North Road, Dublin 11.

Telephone: 01 8790300 Fax: 01 8790301 Website: www.tankerrepairs.ie

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QUALITY PARTS, QUALITY SERVICE & QUALITY PRICES

We are specialists in all makes of Truck, Trailer, Car & Boat Trailer and Heavy Goods Vehicles.

We also specialise in Fire & Safety Equipment. All of our products are carefully chosen for their reliability, high performance and affordability.

We are agents for:

Wishing Dublin Tanker Repair Services Ltd all the best

www.bandftrailerspares.ie

79 North Strand Road North Strand, Dublin 3 Tel:01-8364544 E: info@bftrailers.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Dublin Tanker Repair Services From

WE ARE WELDING SUPPLIERS & MILLER AGENTS Unit 3 Slaney Court, Dublin Ind Est, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 T:01-8309977 F:01-8309021 E: darrin@weldtech.ie

www.weldtech.ie

HOSE • HYDRAULICS • FITTINGS • MATTING VALVES • PNEUMATICS • PUMPS • CYLINDERS SWAGING EQUIPMENT•TESTING & REPAIR CLAMPING SOLUTIONS • WELDING

BOWDEN WALSH & CO. Best Wishes To Dublin Tanker Repair Services, From

CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS & STATUTORY AUDITORS

Partners: Richard Bowden FCCA & David Gough FCCA TEC Industrial are proud supplier of hoses and fittings to Dublin Tanker Repair Services We wish them continued success.

Best Wishes To Dublin Tanker Repair Services, From

Beamore Business Centre, Beamore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Telephone: 041 9830200 | Fax: 041 9831138 Email: info@bwc.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Dublin Tanker Repair Services From

Greenhills Road, Tallaght Tel: 01-4684800 34

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Benz, ERF and all the leading manufacturers. It is an agent for Alpeco, Emco Wheaton, Gardner Denver, Alfons Haar, Collins Youldon and many other spare parts.

Temperature compensation probes and the associated software can be fitted to existing meters to help reduce or eliminate stock losses.

Specialising mostly in oil tanker repairs, Dublin Tanker Repair Services also caters for commercial vehicle and

From left to right: Katarzyna Jedlinska (office administrator), Susan Somers (director) and Henry Cassidy (managing director)

bulk tanker repairs. Its impressive client list includes Jones Oil, Kiernan Oil, Emo Oil, Texaco, Top Oil, C&G Logistics, Liffey Oil, Barrett Oil Company, CC Lubricants, Roadstone and Kilsaran.

“About 90 per cent of our customers are from the oil distribution sector,” explains Henry, whose son, also Henry, is involved in the business as well.

“We relocated from Dublin Port to North City Business Park in April 2011 to cater for the large number of oil distributors dotted around the city and in the

Leinster region. Our state-ofthe-art repair centre is divided between two units and we are just a short drive from the M50, which makes us easy to access.”

He continues: “I had worked in commercial vehicle repairs for many years before deciding to specialise in oil tanker repairs.

We’ve cornered that market at this stage.”

Henry says his company is looking to the future with renewed optimism now that the worst of the recession appears to be over.

“Our business is dictated by everything that goes on in the

oil industry, and that was one of the many industries that suffered during the recession. The oil companies were running smaller fleets because there was less of a demand for their products.

“Thankfully, a number of them upgraded their trucks / tankers during the same period and that helped to sustain us. There has been a notable increase in traffic on the roads in the past year and that is obviously good news for us. What also helped us to ride out the recession was the unrivalled service and value-for-money we provided to our customers. Our knowledge and understanding of the requirements of oil distributors and our ability to tailor our services to meet their exact needs also stood to us.”

Dublin Tanker Repair Services has had to keep up with ever-changing EU regulations to consolidate its position as the number one tanker repair and maintenance expert in the country. Appointments are offered at short notice to help operators comply fully with regulations and to keep their wheels moving.

In short, Dublin Tanker Repair Services is a one-stop shop for road tanker repairs and servicing. Why not give them a call?

Michael Quinn, Kamil Markowicz and Henry Cassidy in front of trucks from Jones Oil, Barrett Oil and Kiernan Oil IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Part of the impressive Mackin’s fleet

Newry’s one stop shop Q

For more than 30 years now, Mackin’s Animal Feeds in Co Down have been a leading one stop location for agricultural, hardware and garden supplies. Irish Trucker spoke to Hugh and Brian Mackin to find out all about the company which prides itself in delivering quality.

uality isn’t something that’s obtained easily but the Mackins in Newry, Co Down have endeavoured to make it happen when it comes to their company’s service.

Trading as Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies Ltd, the family-run business has been around since 1980 when Peter Mackin first set-up shop after mixing his own feeds. Some 35 years later and five more departments have been added to the company’s services from their headquarters along the Dublin Road in Newry.

CONTACT DETAILS

36

While animal feeds remains the primary part of the business, hardware supplies, agricultural supplies, coal, decorative stone and garden supplies have seen Mackin’s evolve into a one stop shop down through the years , something that Hugh and Brian Mackin have been delighted to see it.

“Our main business would have always been in animal feeds but in the last 10 years or so we’ve gone into different things like agricultural supplies, hardware and coal is a big thing for us now at the minute,” explained Hugh.

“We’ve a wide range of decorative stone here as well, so between that and coal we’d be kept busy with it in the summer and the winter time.”

The history behind the company has seen it grow from strength to strength down through the last three decades to where it is today.

Hugh’s father, Peter, started out as joiner once he finished school and had been mixing his own feeds on the farm before the idea dawned on him to set up his own operation. Now that same operation still stands nearly 36 years

Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies Address: 108 Dublin Road, Newry, Co Down, BT35 8QP, Northern Ireland.

Tel: (028) 3026 6526 Fax: (028) 3026 0810 Web: www.mackinsnewry.com E-mail: info@mackinsnewry.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mackins designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:07 Page 2

The fleet is kept in pristine condition

later and its success story has been no slice of fortune.

Instead it has come down to the endeavours of himself and his staff down through the years which have kept their customers satisfied to gain repeat business and new customers through word of mouth.

From its roots as a family farm, Mackin’s Animal Feeds has grown to supply a full range of animal feeds for Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Horse, Pig and Poultry.

The company’s home depot is ideally located on the outskirts of Newry,

boasting a strategic location for its customers which allows for easy access for its customers just off the main Belfast to Dublin motorway.

In 2010, the Mackins took another step towards reaffirming commitment to the feeds sector with the commission of a brand new Feed Mill located a short distance away in the local village of Meigh.

“Five years ago, we constructed a new mill for mixing at our Railway Road address and things are progressing well there,” explained Hugh.

“I have to say, business is very good at the minute. The farmers are getting it tough right now alright but we’re going well here and things will turn around again for them.”

Today the business caters for a broad base of customers, from standard feeds to custom formulations designed to individual needs with full nutritional backup.

The chief objective of Mackin’s Animal Feeds has always been customer service and support of the local agrisector. The company prides itself in its commitment to quality both in their raw

materials and manufacture process.

They utilise this by only using selected high quality raw materials.

Every sector demands its own expertise and the staff at Mackin’s Animal Feeds have strived to keep up with modern technologies that allow them to offer a high quality product.

Their range of animal feeds extend to Dairy Cows, Beef Cattle, Sheep, Horses, Pig and Poultry and with years of experience in this field they offer a full professional technical support and backup service to assist with any nutritional information and ration formulation for your livestock.

On the hardware end, Mackins offer a range top quality products for the farming community and the building trade as well as the DIY enthusiast.

They stock a large range of products from power tools and hand tools to manhole covers and drainage fittings.

With regards to the farming community, Mackins have sourced quality products to ensure your buying agricultural supplies that won't let you down. Their products include a range of semiautomatic and fully automatic cattle and

The award winning Volvo FH500

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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BEST WISHES & CONTINUED SUCCESS TO MACKIN’S ANIMAL FEEDS

The Pound Road, Slane, Co. Meath

Tel: 041-9824124/041-9824378 Email: slane@grassland.ie Best Wishes To Mackin’s Animal Feeds,From

Stephen Pollard

Independent Distributor Of Autosmart Products For Co. Down and Co. Armagh

NOW STOCKING ZEPHYR METAL POLISH AND FINISHING PRODUCTS M: 07979 533360 E: pollardautosmart@aol.com

DG Engineering

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Mackin’s Animal Feeds, From

TRUCK ACCESSORIES LTD. Specialises In

STEEL AND ALUMINIUM DIESEL TANKS 3 SERIES SCANIA BUMPERS CAT WALK’S | TOOL BOXES | SIDE PIPES AND UP RIGHT PIPES A FRAMES | SIDE SKIRTS 41 Terrenew Road, Castlecaulfield, Dungannon BT 70 3AB

Mobile: 07739095430 T/F: (028) 87761662

McGeown LOGISTICS LTD

Refrigerated Transport International Freight Forwarding Warehousing 24 Hour Service

Best Wishes To Mackin’s Animal Feeds

67A Rathfriland Road, Newry, Co. Down BT34 1LD T: 028- 3025 1616 F: 028- 3025 1617 After Hours 028-3026 7557

E: info@mcgeowninternational.com www.mcgeowninternational.com

Continued Best Wishes To Mackin’s Animal Feeds

Wishing Continued Success To Mackin’s Animal Feeds From

Best Wishes To Mackin’s Animal Feeds,From

Packaging and process machinery specialists...

27 Hilltown Road, Newry, Co. Down Contact us +44 28 3026 3384 Email: info@mackinconcrete.com

www.mackinconcrete.com 38

Ardboe Business Park, Kilmascally Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 5BJ

UK Telephone: +44 (0) 288 673 7585 Mobile: +44 (0) 7732 692 979 Email: info@devengineeringni.co.uk www.devengineeringni.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mackins designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:07 Page 4

Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies started business in 1980

calf crushes, a range of mains and gas operated dehorners, a range of galvanised gates with related posts and assorted fittings and a range of tractor and trailer equipment including link boxes and bale lifters.

To deliver these products the company use a fleet of four trucks, all of which are of the famous Volvo brand.

The latest addition to the fleet is a FH500 6x2 tractor unit with a Muldoon bulk trailer which captured the ‘Top Truck 2015’ prize at the Mondello Truck Show in September. Brian Mackin would proudly accept the award on the company’s behalf at the Kildare venue, where many hauliers and truck drivers came away from talking about the Mackins’ slick new Volvo.

Having colleagues talk about your business in a

positive manner, in any way, is always a good thing and the Mackins have been earning rave reviews thanks to the quality of service that they provide.

They pride themselves in being a one stop for coal in Newry, Warrenpoint, Dundalk and Armagh, selling coal, doubles, singles, slack, smokeless and calco.

“We have a large range of high heat, low ash fuels and all our solid fuels are under one roof so all you have to do is drive in and get loaded up clean and dry,” the company’s website states.

“All our fuels are keenly priced and we also have a delivery service available. All our coal products come in 20, 25 and 40kg bags, 500kg bags and are also available in bulk.”

The coal end of the business has taken off and become a resounding

success, keeping everyone busy in the winter time.

Mackins’ Newry store have a wide range to suit your garden and all their decorative stones come in 40kg bags, one-tonne bags and bulk up to 30-tonne loads. They offer a speedy delivery service and stones can be collected from their yard with full weigh-bridge

facilities on site.

So if it’s quality service and a wide range of top quality products that you need, look no further than than the Mackins in Newry.

Mackin’s Animal Feeds & Hardware Supplies is open Monday to Friday from 7.00am to 6.00pm and Saturday from 7.00am to 5.00pm.

Best Wishes To Mackin’s Animal Feeds • Bookkeeping • Accounts Preparation • Monthly Management Accounts • Personal Taxation Self Assessment • Payroll (from £1 per employee p/m) • VAT • CIS • Farmers Accounts • SAGE & Manual Accounts • Incomplete Records • Implementation Of New Business Software 2 Duke Street, Warrenpoint, Co. Down BT34 3JY Tel:028 4175 2778 Fax: 084 4358 1779 Email: info@philipdonnanaccountant.com

www.philipdonnanaccountant.com

We are very pleased to be associated with Mackin’s Animal Feeds IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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“We pride ourselves on the standard of the service we deliver” - Operations Manager Barry Bessant

GKTM – the traffic management specialistsThe U12 girls, managed by Lisa McGlynn

GKTM gets the green light Gary Keville Traffic Management Ltd is an industry leader in traffic management and control and they are the first port of call for clients who need all their projects, large and small, carried out to consistent safety and quality standards. Irish Trucker & Light Commercials sat down with Operations Manager Barry Bessant to find out more.

C

onstruction related work and any related enabling works on the road or on the roadway can, in the absence of adequate planning, organisation and implementation, lead to unsafe conditions for workers and all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Traffic Management Plans are required under Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations.

Therefore, a Traffic Management Plan is an essential requirement to ensure systems are put in place to complete work safely.

CONTACT DETAILS

40

GKTM is an extension of the already well established and highly regarded Gary Keville Transport Ltd. brand and was formed to fulfil all traffic management needs. Gary Keville Transport are heavy haulage and abnormal load specialists.

As Traffic Management specialists, they offer their clients the high standards of traffic related services for start to finish applications saving them time and money in their day to day business.

At GKTM, they believe in combining experience with vision to achieve maximum satisfaction and value to allow them to offer a full service in traffic control

ranging from job surveys, to engineered plans, permits, and traffic control set-ups Services provided include traffic management, traffic control, consultancy, roads maintenance, events management and training.

“We pride ourselves on the standard of the service we deliver,” outlined Operations Manager Barry Bessant who played an instrumental role in setting up GKTM in 2009. “We have a huge amount of repeat customers. Quite often our service is seen as one of the more expensive but a large number of customers come back to us because of the quality of our service.

Gary Keville Traffic Management Limited South Bank Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Ph: 01 668 8838 Fax: 01 667 4339 Email: info@gktm.ie Web: www.gktm.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gary keville designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:22 Page 2

“For instance, we're unique in that we're the only company in Ireland who supply temporary pedestrian traffic lights. That is a feature that is generating more work for us. We always look for innovative and high tech solutions to solve long standing traffic problems.”

With thirty employees on the payroll, GKTM are currently working on a scheme in Ashbourne for John Cradock Ltd as well as the Con Colbert Road to Chapelizod bypass. A road realignment scheme is about to get underway in Cork while the evolving company's services were very much in demand when it comes to the Dublin, Cork and Limerick city marathons.

“Things are going well, we're busy enough at the minute and back up to the full capacity of crew,” Barry added. “We recently restructured the company into three divisions, TM Planning & Design, Hire & Sales and finally TM Safety Consultants, under the supervision of three project managers skilled in different areas and we're a better unit now.

“We work out of a four acre yard on the South Bank Road and are currently in the process of opening a second yard, two and half acres in size, on the East Wall Road.

We're also looking at opening a sub depot in Cork, near Mallow. We're a growing and expanding business.”

As a service company, GKTM have secured a number of agency agreements with other major suppliers of traffic management equipment and have spent time using and testing all of the products we carry which means our clients are getting the best product for the price, taking into consideration usability, quality and performance.

In addition, GKTM can assist their clients in reducing workplace accidents through effective training and ensure they are compliant with legislation such as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which is applicable to every place of business in the country.

Their expert safety consultants and instructors provide clients with the practical solutions to their complete health & safety training requirements.

What are the challenges that GKTM face in the dayto-day running of their service?

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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JOSEPH MOONEY

New Schmitz tipping trailers, in stock, hardox body, various lengths available, self-opening tail board, auto lift axle, auto dump valve

GKTM services include traffic management, traffic control, consultancy, roads maintenance, events management and training

New Faymonville MAX 4 axle step frame extendable low loader, in stock, 2 rear steer axles, front lift axle, out riggers, marker boards, options of aluminium hook on ramps or hydraulic ramps

New MAX trailers in stock, 3 / 4 + 5 axle step frames, fixed and extendable beds, lifting bed also available, greaser, option on aluminium or hydraulic ramps,

New MAX 3 & 4 axle flat trailers available, 13.6m or 13.6m + 7.5m extension, full spine bed, heavy duty deck rings, posts & sockets, only 6.2ton tare weight, runs 6 inches lower than standard flat,

ALL TRAILERS SOLD READY FOR WORK, MOT’D AND WELL MAINTAINED

“Other than our core staff, we have a huge turnover in terms of casual employees,” Barry answered.

“During our quiet periods, retention of quality staff is a problem. We lose our fair share during quiet periods and that has a huge impact on our business in terms of the investment in training. It means that, after a short period, we lose that investment.

“It's a very competitive market out there and getting

GKTM take away the headache of traffic management

the price right is always difficult. It would be fair to say that we've lost a number of projects purely on price but we've resisted lowering our price because we don't want to win a race to the bottom. It is our aim to be the best so that our clients can be safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after and the headache of traffic management can be taken away from them on their projects.”

IRISH RADIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD.

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 2556677

www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO GKTM Ltd. 42

8 Naas Road Business Park Muirfield Drive, Bluebell Dubin D12 ER80 Tel: 01 4506666 Fax: 01 4506483 E-mail: info@ircl.ie

Richard Fitzgerald Sales Director Mobile: 087 8209494

www.ircl.ie

Irish Radio Communications Ltd are a main dealer for Hytera Analogue/Digital 2 way radio communications with full after sales service available from our HQ on the Naas Road, D12

We are delighted to be the supplier of radio communications to GKTM Ltd, and wish them continued success IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

clonmel waste designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 12:43 Page 1

New additions to the Clonmel Waste Disposal fleet When it comes to the vital task of promoting environmental awareness, nobody is doing more than Clonmel Waste Disposal Ltd. e national service provider offers a full range of waste management services to both the commercial and domestic sectors. It boasts a 23-strong fleet, including two brand new eight-wheel hook skip trucks.

S

Clonmel Waste Disposal has been in business since 1989

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ince its establishment in 1989, Clonmel Waste Disposal Ltd has been providing an efficient waste management, disposal and recycling service to the community and industry of South Tipperary and surrounding counties.

Headed by managing director John Molloy, who is joined by his son Kieran and grandson Chris, the family-run business has grown to employ 67 people.

It considers efficiency, reliability and quality of service to be at the core of its operation and constantly strives to achieve customer satisfaction. Providing a cost-effective and efficient service for the management and recycling of domestic and commercial waste, Clonmel Waste Disposal is dedicated to the diversion of waste from landfill through the reuse of valuable resources to create closed material life cycles.

The company offers a wide range of services and caters for a comprehensive range of waste disposal needs. Clonmel Waste Disposal provides waste collection, recovery and recycling services for industrial, commercial and domestic types of waste. The Co. Tipperary-based concern meets individual customer requirements by providing tailor-made waste management solutions.

Its broad range of waste collection and recycling services, modern fleet of equipment, coupled with its extensive range of skip sizes, means the company is in a position to meet its customers’ individual requirements, no matter how big or small. The company’s success is based on the solid foundations and values of a family-run business that

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ensure customers receive the very best service there is.

Clonmel Waste Disposal considers Ireland’s race against waste to be of utmost importance and is committed to recycling as much waste as possible.

The family business has invested substantially in its Cashel Road Recycle Centre, which is located on a 15-acre site and currently recycles 24,000 tonnes of waste per year (this figure is expected to double in the next few years). The Recycle Centre is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

The recycling facility is designed to allow the general public to bring their general waste and recyclables to a centrally located site.

Clonmel Waste Disposal entered the local domestic waste collection market in late 2009 and now caters for thousands of households in the South Tipperary area. Other domestic waste services provided include skip hire, waste collection, waste bags, confidential shredding and hire service.

The following services are available to the commercial sector: skip hire, waste collection, waste bags, confidential shredding, hire service, waste transportation, commercial recycling and wheelie bins.

In addition, the well-regarded company shreds approximately 300 tonnes of

Clonmel Waste Disposal recently took delivery of new Scania and Mercedes trucks

The company serves South Tipperary and the surrounding counties

CONTACT DETAILS

44

Clonmel Waste Disposal Ltd Cashel Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Telephone: 052 6124509 Fax: 052 6184724 Website: www.clonmelwaste.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

clonmel waste designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 12:43 Page 3

waste wood, wooden pallets, roots and green waste per week. The waste wood can be used for chipboard or fuel, while cut-off branches can be used as compost or chipwood. Between two and three truckloads of the shredded timber is sent to the UK every week for recycling.

A modern mobile shredder, along with an operative and a JCB waste handling loader, are available for hire in the Tipperary region.

This powerful machine is designed to process approximately 7-10 tonners per hour of waste wood, wooden pallets etc. This service is available for use in many different settings, including building sites, commercial premises and waste disposal and recovery facilities. It is effective and efficient in providing customers with a waste management solution to an extremely bulky waste type.

Clonmel Waste Disposal’s large fleet of trucks are a common sight around the roads of Tipperary and surrounding counties. The trucks, with their distinctive green cabs, are always immaculately turned out.

They are a mixture of Mercedes, Scania, Dennis and Volvo. Maintenance and repairs are carried our inhouse where there is a fivebay garage.

The latest additions to the fleet are two new eight-wheel hook skip lorries. One is a

Scania, which was purchased from O’Mahoney Commercials in Thurles, while the other is a Mercedes which was bought from Surehaul (Ireland) Ltd in Clonmel.

“These new vehicles have already proven to be a great addition to our fleet,” enthuses Clonmel Waste Disposal transport manager Rob Chandler.

Many truck show enthusiasts would be familiar with the Clonmel Waste Disposal fleet from their appearances at the Tipperary Truck Show in Dualla, the Waterford Truck & Motor Show and Truckfest South West and Wales. At last year’s inaugural Tipperary Truck Show which, rather fittingly, is sponsored

by Surehaul, the waste management specialists won the ‘Best Rigid’ category.

Clonmel Waste Disposal’s commitment to the local community is reflected in its sponsorship of Clonmel Rugby Football Club. The club, which has dominated the Munster junior rugby scene recently, is coached by former Munster and Ireland back-row Denis Leamy.

In summary, Clonmel Waste Disposal continues to go from strength to strength by providing a cost-effective and reliable service to its customers. Why not give them a call today?

Best Wishes To Clonmel Waste Disposal, From

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SALES & SERVICING

Derrygrath, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary Tel: 052-6138130 E: info@surehaul.ie

www.surehaul.ie

CORCORANS AUTOBODY WORKS

Best Wishes To Clonmel Waste Disposal

24 HOUR RECOVERY & BREAKDOWN SERVICE All Types of Commercial Vehicle Painting TRUCKS | BUSES | TANKS

ALL TYPES OF ACCIDENT REPAIRS TO TRUCKS

PORTLAOISE, CO. LAOIS

TELEPHONE:057-8621151

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Clonmel Waste Disposal From

Gleeson Steel & Engineering Ltd.

Introducing our new half pipe steel tipper body.

Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel:056-8834110 Fax:056-8834237 Mobile: 086-2111647 Email:info@gleesonsteel.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Clonmel Waste Disposal From

MANUFACTURERS OF SPECIALIST RECYCLING EQUIPMENT Sales • Rental • Service • Retail • Spares Ballymacken, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Contact Jackie on 086-8567215 E: info@lsmltd.com | www.lsmltd.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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calvin haulage designed_Layout 1 11/11/2015 14:42 Page 1

Five of the six trucks run

by Calvin Haulage

irty years of Calvin Haulage As Calvin Haulage prepares to celebrate 30 years in business, Irish Trucker decided to profile the Ballymoney-based family business which specialises in ‘factory to ‘factory’ bulk liquid milk transportation.

C

alvin Haulage was established in 1986 by Wallace Calvin who started out with a single Fiat truck transporting potatoes for local producers. Wallace then began drawing straw from farms in the south of Ireland back to the Antrim area before

CONTACT DETAILS 46

commencing his ‘factory to factory’ bulk liquid milk transport service in the early 1990s.

The service sees Calvin Haulage haul milk from LacPatrick Creamery – formerly Ballyrashane – to other processing facilities in the Ulster area.

LacPatrick only came into existence this summer following the merger of Ballyrashane and Town of Monaghan Co-ops. The merger reflects both Coops’ ambitions to grow their business in Ireland and beyond.

Ballyrashane Creamery has been a

Calvin Haulage 62 Conagher Road, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6NL Telephone: 028 20741427 Mobile: 077 18926127 Email: chaulage@aol.com Web: www.calvinhaulage.co.uk IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

calvin haulage designed_Layout 1 11/11/2015 14:43 Page 2

From left to right: Long-serving driver Stephen Kirkpatrick, founder Wallace Calvin and fleet manager William Calvin

leading liquid milk processor since 1896.

Its location in Coleraine allows it to source its milk supply from farms benefiting from the best natural resources. The milk comes from cows that have the luxury of grazing in rich verdant pastures in one of Ireland’s best

dairy areas, and this gives Ballyrashane’s products their distinctive quality and unmistakable flavour.

“We have an excellent working relationship with Ballyrashane going back 25 years,” says William Calvin, who is involved in the day-to-day running of the Calvin Haulage with his parents Wallace and Nancy.

“We do two-to-three runs for them every day between other creameries, including Glanbia in Moira, Glanbia in Virginia, Lakeland Dairies in Bailieborough, Lakeland Dairies in Newtownards and Town of Monaghan in Artigarvan near Strabane. At these facilities, the liquid milk is turned into butter, cheese, yoghurts, milk powder and other dairy products. It’s all secondary haulage we do for Ballyrashane.”

Calvin Haulage operates from just outside the north Co. Antrim town of

Ballymoney, which is situated on the main Ballymena-Coleraine Road and is just a short drive from the world famous Giant’s Causeway. Employing four staff, the company offers a quick, dependable, professional and price-competitive service to its customers. All goods in transit are fully insured, while the company is also a member of the RHA (Road Haulage Association).

Curtain-sided and flatbed haulage, heavy stock, agricultural and palletised goods and food grade bulk tanker hire are among the areas of transport the company specialises in.

The Calvin fleet consists of three Renault, two Iveco and one MAN. The company recently took delivery of a brand new Renault T460.26 6x2 tractor unit from Diamond Trucks in Mallusk.

The trucks pull six high-tech bulk tankers as well as three curtain-siders and one flatbed trailer. The bulk tankers are

From left to right: Alistair Hartin, Stephen Kirkpatrick, Wallace Calvin and William Calvin of the Calvin Haulage team IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Leinster Environmental Ltd, Dundalk among its ever-expanding list of clients.

It speaks volumes for the Calvin family’s hard work and dedication that they have been able to juggle their transport business with running a 200 head beef farm in Ballymoney.

Here’s to the next 30 years of this highly-regarded family-run operation!

Diesel Fuel Cards

Tel: 01-2915592

Comprehensive Nationwide Network The company provides a 'factory to factory' bulk liquid transport service

stainless steel with a carrying capacity of 30,000 litres. The trucks bear Calvin Haulage’s distinctive white and red livery and are always immaculately turned out and in pristine condition.

“We’ve invested substantially in our fleet recently. We bought two new Iveco’s from NI Trucks last year and the Renault T series 460 is the latest arrival.

The last time we bought new prior to last year was in 2007-2008, so the upgrade was needed. The fresher the fleet the better and more reliable the service we are able to provide,” William adds.

Calvin Haulage’s team of drivers are among the best in the business. They are fully trained, friendly and professional in every aspect of the job and enjoy a great rapport with the customers. The new Renault is being driven by Stephen Kirkpatrick, who has

been part of the team for over 20 years.

In addition to its bulk liquid transport service, the company continues to draw potatoes, fertiliser and straw.

Among the wellknown potato Continued Best growers, packers Wishes To and distributors it Calvin Haulage works for are Nationwide Produce in Belfast, and Laurence Rodgers in Aghalee.

Calvin Haulage also counts Hot & Cold Pressure Washers, Domestic & R i v e r R i d g e Industrial Vacuum Cleaners Recycling, which is a Scrubber Dryers, Polishers, Burnishers, Sweepers waste management company based in Nilfisk-Gerni (N.I.), 102 Ballybogey Rd., Ballymoney Garvagh, Co. Derry / Telephone: 028-2074 1491 Londonderry, and

Quality Cleaning Equipment

Best Wishes To Calvin Haulage

48

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mpg designed_Layout 1 11/11/2015 14:28 Page 1

A glass act In business since the start of the Millennium, Mobile Plant Glass Ltd (MPG) offers a complete glazing service for cars, vans, 4x4s, trucks, camper vans, plant, agri, cranes, forklifts, buses and coaches.

Director Gavin Sinclair explains more.

E

stablished in January 2000 by Gavin Sinclair and Paul O’Shea, MPG is one of Ireland’s leading independently-owned windscreen and glass fitting companies. A one-stop shop for all your windscreen and glass requirements, MPG has attended to the needs of thousands of satisfied vehicle owners in the Leinster area over the past 15 years.

The company prides itself on being able to offer an extremely fast response time to anyone in need of its service. It is also one of only a handful of companies that can supply and install glass for everything from a car to a combine harvester.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

“We can supply and fit glass for absolutely everything,” Gavin points out.

“We stock an extensive range of glass for the Automotive, Plant and Agri market.

We have thousands of Curved and flat screens in stock at any one time. We also have a lot of the oddball stuff you won’t get anywhere else. MPG has a great name in the Plant and Agri sectors, which account for about 50 per cent of our overall business.

“I think what sets us apart from other windscreen companies is our knowledge of the vehicles we supply glass for and the fact that we are able to cut and make our own flat glass on site gives us a huge

advantage over our competitors. A lot of windscreen companies will try their hand at glazing plant and agri machines but a lot of the time their service will fall short simply because of knowledge.

“Take a tractor for example. One tractor could have four different windscreens or three different rear windows, which means they might have to call out to you a couple of times to get the job completed.

We pride ourselves on getting things right first time.”

The Rathcoole, Co. Dublin-based company has specialised equipment to correctly cut, drill and polish glass to a specific size and shape, ensuring even

MPG (Mobile Plant Glass) Ltd Unit 58 Block 503, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

Telephone: 01 4019687 Mobile: 086 6055636

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older vehicles can be repaired securely. MPG’s fully-equipped mobile units cut and install glass onsite with a minimum downtime guaranteed.

Only last March, MPG invested in a Bottero automated cutting table which is a specialised, high-tech machine for cutting, handling, breakout and loading of flat glass sheets.

“We ordered this machine in from Germany and it has proven to be a great success,” Gavin enthuses.

“The cutting machine allows us to make a piece of glass from scratch with great precision, and I’m not aware of any other glass company out there in Ireland who can do that. Our mobile units can also cut and install glass onsite. We are doing more and more work for other glass replacement companies because we are more specialised in certain areas.”

MPG has three mobile units operating in the Dublin and Leinster areas that are manned by qualified fitters who can repair or replace a windscreen at a customer’s home, workplace or wherever and whenever is convenient to them. They can repair any windscreen and, if repair is not possible, can replace the glass straight away. They take great care with the fitting process, not taking any shortcuts and making sure the glass is fitted correctly. Top of the range fast-drying bonding agents are used to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Gavin and Paul insist on supplying and installing only the highest quality windscreens, side glass, rear windows, skylights and other glass types. It goes without saying that their glass, primers, sealers and glues conform to highest industry standards.

The Mobile Plant Glass stand at the 2015 National Ploughing Championships in Co. Laois

A before and after photo of a combine harvester fitted with a new pane of glass by MPG

MPG's fleet of mobile units

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mpg designed_Layout 1 11/11/2015 14:29 Page 3

MPG has built up a large customer-base as Gavin explains: “We have established an excellent working relationship with our clients. Many of them have made a big investment, and we are here to help maintain their vehicles for them. They expect and deserve the best.”

“It’s a specialised business and we are delighted to be able to lend our expertise, technical ability and experience. Our service is also one of the friendliest and most flexible there is.”

MPG, which employs six staff, operates a direct billing service system with insurers and brokers, invoicing them on your behalf. Among the many insurance companies it directly bills are AXA, KennCo, RSA, Chartis, Allianz, Travelers, Zurich and AIG. Both Gavin and Paul had backgrounds in glass fitting before coming together to set up MPG. Paul ran a separate windscreen repair and

replacement company, Diamond Windscreens, in Ballycanew, Gorey, Co. Wexford before it came under the MPG umbrella last year.

“Paul still has the depot in Gorey which, combined with the premises in Rathcoole, gives us a strong presence along the east coast. But we are covering most of Leinster at this stage. The takeover of Diamond Windscreens gives us a much larger presence in the Automotive market so we are able to offer a complete glazing service anywhere our customer’s need us. We could be installing a windscreen in a monster Caterpillar track machine in Carlow one day and a windscreen on a Scania R series in Dublin the next day. Our work is wide and varied,” Gavin continues.

So the next time your vehicle’s windscreen or glass needs to be replaced, make sure to give MPG a call. A competitive quote and unrivalled service is guaranteed!

Best Wishes To Mobile Plant Glass

Unit 16a, Rosemount Business Park Drive, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 Tel:(+353) (0) 1 820 0209 Fax: (+353) (0) 1 820 0120 Email:sales@firstglass.ie www.firstglass.ie

The company has replaced hundreds of truck windscreens over the years

Wishing Continued Success To Mobile Plant Glass, From Wishing Continued Success To Mobile Plant Glass, From Unit 59, Block 503,Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole,Co. Dublin Postcode: D24 CD60 PH: 01 - 401 9062 Fax: 01 - 401 9061 Email: orders@smartofficesupplies.ie

www.smartofficesupplies.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Clonhaston, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

t: +353 53 92 33333 f: +353 53 92 34403 m: +353 86 3823085 e: jacinta.kelly@hughesblake.ie www.hughesblake.ie 51

Midland Caliper designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:16 Page 1

One of the many parts deliveries received from various countries

Another daily delivery of stock replenishment going to MCC Dublin depot

MCC ‘brakes’ into Irish market Truck caliper specialist Midland Caliper Centre Ltd (MCC) has won a host of new customers in Ireland since opening a distribution centre in Dublin last year. Managing Director Mick Bunney explains more.

H

Hydraulic building section

Shot blasting area

eadquartered in Leicestershire, Midland Caliper Centre is a leading supplier of reconditioned truck, bus, trailer and plant brake calipers for all the major manufacturers. The company also supplies parts, kits and individual components from stock. It has certainly come a long way since Mick Bunney started the business from a shed in his back garden in 2002.

Initially employing one engineer, the company grew quickly. Within a few

CONTACT DETAILS 52

years, staff numbers had risen to 28 and a move to a much larger premises was necessitated. In February 2014, MCC relocated to a 13,500 sq. ft. purpose-built premises on a prime industrial estate. As if 2014 couldn’t get more exciting, the company also opened its Irish distribution depot in Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. The depot is managed by Wayne Estill.

In addition, MCC has a small rubber parts manufacturing plant in Poland,

which is where Mick’s wife and business partner Aneta hails from. The company currently has 35 staff on its books.

Mick is delighted with the success of his Irish venture: “We’ve a lot of good customers in the Irish motor factor sector, both north and south of the border. It’s a very competitive market in Ireland, but we’re holding our own.”

He continued: “Our Dublin depot carries excellent stock and facilitates the supply and regular core collection to all parts of

Midland Caliper Centre Ltd (Ireland) Unit P28, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

Telephone: 00353 (0) 14580010 Fax: 00353 (0) 14580018 Web: www.midlandcaliper.co.uk IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Midland Caliper designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:16 Page 2

Despatch

Quality control and test area – Every unit is quality and efficiency tested

More intelligent floor utilisation

Knorr Bremse & Wabco building section

Meritor/Haldex section

the country. This has proven to be a massive success with our customers, cutting down distribution costs and offering full hands-on service that can only truly be achieved by having a personal presence.

“If things keep going the way they are, we may have to take on extra staff in Dublin. We’re extremely busy on both sides of the Irish Sea and are in the

process of extending our Leicestershire factory by 3,000 sq. ft. to create extra storage space.”

MCC prides itself on its high quality products, excellent technical back-up, experience and knowledge of commercial calipers, huge stockholding, free carriage, 12 months no quibble warranty and regular free old core collection. Supplying to motor factors

only, it is ISO 9001 approved and arguably the largest brake caliper remanufacturer and most experienced in the UK and Ireland.

The company has recently been appointed an approved supplier to the UAN (United Aftermarket Group) and the IFA (Independent Factors Association), further bolstering its major role in the supply of remanufactured calipers. The

Some of the crew at Midland Caliper Centre IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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SPECIALSING IN OBSOLETE AND SURPLUS PARTS • CONFIENDTIALITY GUARANTEED Tel: +44 (0) 1789 720061 • Fax:+44 (0) 1789 722429 • www.premiercore.com ©Premier Components UK Limited

Best Wishes To All At Midland Caliper Centre, From

SPECIALISTS IN ALL TRUCK & TRAILER COMMERCIAL SPARE PARTS AND BRAKE RE-LINING Unit 8, 127 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh BT62 3SF

Tel: 028-3835 2299 Fax:028-3833 0986 Email: csp@cspni.co.uk www.cspni.co.uk

QUALITY PARTS, QUALITY SERVICE & QUALITY PRICES

We are specialists in all makes of Truck, Trailer, Car & Boat Trailer and Heavy Goods Vehicles.

We also specialise in Fire & Safety Equipment. All of our products are carefully chosen for their reliability, high performance and affordability.

We are agents for:

Best Wishes To Midland Caliper Centre

www.bandftrailerspares.ie

79 North Strand Road, North Strand, Dublin 3 Tel:01-8364544 E: info@bftrailers.com

54

DOYLE Truck & Trailer

Best Wishes To Midland Caliper Centre, From

COMPONENTS

www.doylettc.ie E:aaron@doylettc.ie

Fairyhouse Rd., Ratoath, Co. Meath

M:089-4976865 | T:01-8256766

Kelchem SP Ltd Best Wishes To Midland Caliper Centre, From

Courier Services

Contact Philip Rea LIMERICK, WATERFORD, KILKENNY, DUBLIN DAILY

Seskinryan, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow Tel:085-1015766 E:rea.sting16@gmail.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Midland Caliper designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:16 Page 4

The large rear service area with a view to a 4000 sq. ft. extension to house old core

UAN, which is part of the Alliance Automotive Group UK, is a buying group for the automotive aftermarket, with the aim of providing its distributors with the best possible purchasing terms for OE-quality suppliers through its collective buying power.

The IFA is one of the largest and most successful motor factor buying groups in the UK. Members are experts in the supply of vehicle parts to garages, workshops, car and van dealers, road haulage operators and to the general public.

Owned and run by its members, the IFA is driven to succeed in every aspect of the automotive aftermarket and to forge strong partnerships with customers and suppliers alike.

In the remanufacturing process, the principal components are reused. Dismantling is carried out so that it is possible to

Mick Bunney and Aneta Bunney with Ola Wolowska and Aneta Shephard

Continued Best Wishes To Midland Caliper Centre From

United Aftermarket Network Ltd

3a Belwell House, Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield B74 4AA

No Need to Break the Bank

Tel: 0121 323 4165 Fax: 0121 323 3249 Email: info@unitedaftermarket.net www.unitedaftermarket.net

Your local broker, where service & saving money count most

ADVANCE INSURANCE SERVICES

Insurance for all your needs, including Private Car • Motorcycle • Van • Household Let Property • Travel • Commercial CALL 01530 560811

Advance Insurance Service, 1A Derby Road, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2HF

Best Wishes To Midland Caliper Centre

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No.564477

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Craig Estill and Colin Orr in the Sales Department

achieves a far superior finish to painting and similar methods, leaving the unit ready to rebuild.

The internals of the old caliper are thoroughly inspected, the overly worn parts are discarded, the main criteria in the remanufacture process is to use

parts that are seen to be in a useable condition, bearings, rubber parts, and the majority of smaller working parts are obviously replaced.

Once the unit has been re-assembled by the company’s dedicated and experienced engineers, the finished product is bench-tested to ensure it is functioning correctly, the necessary parts are aligned, adjusting mechanisms are functioning, rubber parts are not split etc. The unit is then date-stamped and the assembler code is added to ensure complete traceability.

From testing, the unit is then passed to the despatch department where a further inspection takes place and all the necessary caps, covers, bungs and labels are added. Finally, the unit is boxed and either shelved or sent out.

In conclusion, the affable managing director says: “We now feel that we are among the market leaders in the trade and with our dedication to customer service and our ability to invest when necessary, we will be at the forefront for many years to come.”

Rob Stafford, Old Core Coordinator, making sure credit notes are processed quickly

ascertain component condition, wear or deterioration. Each part is thoroughly cleaned and examined. Any broken, missing or damaged items are replaced by new parts or reconditioned so that they are as new. Any necessary rectification by, for example, machining or refinishing, will be carried out to restore working condition. A refurbished product will operate to the same standard as a new one. The whole process is environmentally friendly.

MCC’s remanufacture process is tried and trusted. Taking an old caliper, they strip it and separate the parts from the carcass; the main body is inspected for cracks, breakages and distortions.

Should any of these faults be found, the body is deemed to be scrap. Those casings that pass the initial inspections are then degreased and cleaned in a hot pressure detergent bath. Shot blasting is the next part of the process where a high quality finish is achieved. The unit is then chemically plated “in house”, which

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Just part of the extensive areas housing old core

Finished goods area IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Greentown designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:09 Page 1

Part of Greentown Environmental’s winter gritting crew

e roadside maintenance professionals With a 15-strong fleet of specialist vehicles on the road, County Fermanagh based Greentown Environmental is Ireland’s premier Environmental Maintenance solution provider. We caught up with founder / MD John-Ross Armstrong to find out more about the impressive fleet and the range of highquality services provided by this award-winning operation to local authorities and private sector enterprises on both sides of the border.

G

reentown Environmental Ltd is the largest provider of weed control services in Ireland. They also specialise in grounds maintenance, gully cleaning and jetting, landscaping and winter maintenance programmes, with a vast client portfolio comprising of local authorities, central government departments and a range of corporate customers in urban and rural areas.

Greentown Environmental offers an unrivalled level of customer service, meeting all relevant quality, health & safety and environmental standards.

Weed control services provided cover invasive & noxious weeds as well as

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

urban & highway weeds in addition to railway and moss & algae weed control.

With extensive experience working for public sector organisations throughout Ireland, the professional weed control team is highly-trained, fully-certified and motivated to provide safe and easy maintenance of footpaths and highway infrastructures. Greentown is committed to providing clients with a cost-effective, safety-conscious and environmentallyresponsible service.

Fully-trained, -qualified and – experienced operatives (ranging from NPTC-certified spray operators to BASIS-registered technical advisors) are

equipped with the most up to date and compliant equipment to provide safer and cleaner urban environments.

Audited annually by independent bodies, Greentown holds the following standards: Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008; Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2004; Occupational Health and Safety Management System BS OHSAS 18001:2007; BASIS Amenity Assured Standard; and Investor in People Status.

Greentown Environmental is the island’s leading specialist in all weed control services servicing the specialised industry of hard surfaces consisting of

Greentown Environmental, 65A Marble Arch Road, Tullyhona, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh.

BT92 1DE Tel: 048 66 349989 Email: info@greentownenvironmental.com

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footpaths, Roads motorways and dual carriageways. Greentown also provides proactive and reactive winter maintenance services for a number of clients. These include: attend and grit when requested; attend and grit based on weather forecast; and snow clearance. A full gritting service is provided to both public and private sector this comprises of going on-site (normally outside working hours) and

gritting car parks, entrances and footpaths etc. As gritting is most effective before frost, ice or snow forms, Greentown uses Official Met Office reports, which are specific to each location. Each vehicle is fitted with GPRS tracker units, enabling accurate monitoring of their position and ensuring a systematic service.

Furthermore, Greentown Environmental works in partnership with local authorities, construction companies and private clients throughout Northern Ireland in gully cleaning and jetting. They are highly experienced at gully cleaning in all types of geographical environments and have thereby developed and refined operations to the highest standards Services provided including cleaning and emptying of gullies; medium- and high-volume pressure jetting.

Founder John-Ross Armstrong has worked in environmental maintenance

services for the past twelve years. He established Greentown Environmental in April, 2010 and – on the back of providing a premium service – the company has grown dramatically during the intervening years. Today, he holds a host of prestigious contracts, including treating footpaths for Dublin City Council, Transport NI and Housing Associations and various other public sector bodies.

“We have just completed – in conjunction with the NRA and Kerry County Council – a trial treatment of Japanese Knotweed on the N70 Ring Road. This is the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. At the heart of the operation is a fantastic fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment, including a number of bespoke vehicles. “The newest additions are Mitsubishi Fuso crew cabs for grounds maintenance, which we had designed ourselves so as not to go over the 3.5 tonne whilst giving us a sufficient pay load and train weight reducing the need for two vehicles. By

Greentown Environmental is Ireland’s premier environmental maintenance solution provider

Providing a professional solution at Ulster Hospital

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Greentown operate 24 customised ATVs with fully-tested weed control equipment IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Greentown designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:09 Page 3

Greentown Environmental - Ireland’s largest provider of weed control services

eliminating the need for a second vehicle, we have reduced our fuel bill as well as the cost of buying and maintaining additional vehicles. Also, the driver doesn’t need a lorry license.

All in all, it cuts down on our

running costs, makes us more efficient and also helps the environment, all of which is obviously good for both ourselves and our customers.”

In addition to the new Fusos, the fleet comprises

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Greentown Environmental From

Suppliers of Hand Tools, Power Tools, Garden Machinery & PPE

160 Moira Road, Glenavy,Co. Antrim BT29 4LR

T: 0044 (0) 28 9445 2289 www.deniswilsonofglenavy.co.uk

two 18-tonne MAN rigid for gully cleaning; two DAF beaver tails; two 7.5-tonne box lorries; two Ford Transit tippers; two Transit panel vans; and one Volkswagen Caddy van as well as a 24 customised ATVs with fullytested weed control equipment.

Needless to say, John-Ross is pleased with the progress Greentown has made in the last five-and-a-half years.

“We have gone from being subcontractors to being principle contractors,” he points out. “Since the start, we have tried to do things right and to build up a good solid reputation. This had led to a lot of repeat business.

“Our contracts are qualitybased and that’s what we

tend to go for.

Recognised as a business ambassador for cross-border work by IntertradeIreland as well as picking up the 2015 Herbert Smith Freehills Young Leader of the Year award, John-Ross understandably predicts a bright future for his outstanding self-built business: “For now, we’d be more than happy to keep growing with what we are already doing,” he concludes. “There may be bolt-on services added as we progress, but we certainly have enough to be going on with and will be focusing our attention on ensuring that we continue to provide our customers with professional, effective, highquality solutions.”

Best Wishes To Greentown Environmental From

43 Mallusk Road Newtownabbey BT36 4PP T: 028-90342019 F:028-90342969 E: sales@jandfgroup.co.uk www.jandfgroup.com www.fuso-ni.co.uk IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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equipco designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:27 Page 1

Eamon Rigney and Killian McNabb of Equipco Ireland Ltd

e equipment specialist Ever wonder where to source top quality garage equipment at competitive rates? Well look no further than this article as we profile one of Ireland’s leading automotive equipment specialists.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Equipco Ireland Ltd, Unit B10, The Square, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Phone +353(0)1 295 0218 Equipment Sales - Contact Killian +353(0)87 776 1726 killian@equipco.ie Diagnostics & Servicing - Contact Eamon +353(0)87 328 8034 eamon@equipco.ie Email info@equipco.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

equipco designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:27 Page 2

E

quipco Ireland Ltd may have just recently celebrated its first anniversary, but already they are one of the leading garage equipment suppliers in the country.

How, may you ask could such a fledgling business reach such heights in a short space of time, well attention to detail, top quality products and an excellent service have seen Equipco Ireland Ltd’s stature rise dramatically in this industry.

The business which is based in the Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin has actually been in existence for two years, but last year a merger of Equipco Automotive Ltd and Wheelcare Ireland Ltd saw the company being rebranded.

Equipco Ireland Ltd is the new name in automotive equipment sales and service.

Company Director Eamon Rigney told us that they have been working hard to get their name out there and the feedback they have received has been excellent.

“The business has really taken off and we are pleased with the progress that we have made over the last couple of years,” said Eamon.

“Last year, the merger came about after both our businesses had been working closely together for the previous 18 months or so. We had been doing much of the servicing and installation work for Wheelcare and with both companies seeing a lot of growth in equipment sales, we felt it was a natural thing to do and it’s a decision we are delighted to have made.”

Garages and hauliers alike invest a lot of money into garage equipment, but sourcing the right piece of equipment to

Equipco Ireland Ltd are main dealers for Ravaglioli IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

suit their needs can sometimes be an arduous task.

However, that is certainly not the case when dealing with Equipco Ireland Ltd as they are main dealers for all the leading brands in garage equipment.

“We are main dealers for a number of leading brands including Ravaglioli, Delphi, Sykes Pickavant, Samoa, Tecno Vector, Michelin Compressors, Spin srl, Tecnomotor, Sip, Bradbury Equipment, Dunlop and more. We would consider ourselves a one-stop shop for garage equipment.

“If a customer was setting up a business for the first time, we would have everything they need and our friendly and efficient staff would take them through the various options and help them in any way they could.”

Products supplied by the company include Vehicle lifts, Tyre equipment and Wheel Alignment, Compressors and Air tools, Diagnostics and Test Equipment, Emission Testers, A/C Stations, Oil Equipment, Specialist tooling, and Tyre Bay supplies.

No matter what size or type of garage, Equipco can provide a full range of services from installing a single vehicle lift to providing complete 3D workshop designs.

Diagnostics and test equipment is now a massive area of the repair, service and maintenance industry and Eamon revealed that they provide the full range of equipment in this sector.

“We provide a full turnkey service with regards to diagnostics and test equipment.

Not only do we supply the full range, but we also offer full installation, training and commissioning, so the people using this equipment will know what they are doing right from the start.”

Equipco Ireland Ltd don’t just sell products, their back up service is what puts them ahead of a lot of their competitors as they offer a range of service and maintenance options.

“Fixed price servicing is available to all our customers as well as maintenance contracts. It gives the customer a peace of mind in knowing that if any problems do occur, we will have our technicians out solving the problem straight away.

Equipment reliability is an important issue for us and we don’t sell products without a full back up service being available.”

From their premises in Greenogue Business Park, Equipco Ireland Ltd offer their customers the chance to see and get their hands on the equipment that they are interested in purchasing, giving them a better knowledge and understanding of the product. The

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company has also expanded their product choice, giving the customer a greater choice to choose from.

Another service provided by the company is tyre bay supplies, tools and equipment at excellent prices. “We have a fantastic range of wheel balancers, tyre changers, car lifts, balance weights, tyre repair materials and tools, valves and valve tools, tyre levers, workshop tools and more.”

Equipco Ireland Ltd’s customer base has spread wide and far as they are truly a nationwide business supplying independent garages, tyre centres and hauliers.

John Rigney, Eamon Two service vans are Rigney and Killian McNabb continuously on the road, while the stock is sourced from all over the world and there are a wide range of parts kept at their premises at any given time.

Eamon concluded that their plans over the next year were to expand and improve on the already excellent service that they provide their customers.

“The aim is to take on more service engineers and sales representatives and improve our relationships with our customers through quality, training and support.”

Best Wishes To Equipco Ireland Ltd, From

Just some of the stock at Equipco Ireland Ltd

Best Wishes To Equipco Ireland Ltd, From

J&A COMMERCIALS & AUTO REPAIRS LTD

ALL MAKES MODELS REPAIRED, NCT, DOE REPAIRS

Contact Mick on (086) 8526492

Unit A3, Weatherwell Business Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Tel: (01) 457 8687/457 8693 62

Best Wishes To

Equipco Ireland Ltd Clashcollaire, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

M:087-9393259 Tel:01-6909770 Tel:056-7706551 Email: info@smeleasing.ie www.smeleasing.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

B Hughes designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:25 Page 1

Fresh models are added to the fleet on an annual basis

All the tractor units in the 50-strong fleet look great and perform even better!

Over 40 years of distribution excellence For more than four decades, B Hughes & Sons in Armagh city has been providing customers across Ireland and the UK with an exceptional haulage solution. e outstanding family-run business, which continues to grow on the back of its unrivalled service levels, has at its disposal a stunning fleet of 50 trucks and in excess of 200 trailers. We dropped into their Moy Road depot and had a chat with Barry Hughes to find out more.

T

ime is the real test. When you’ve been operating successfully in the haulage sector for over 40 years, then you don’t need any further commendations. Only the very best will survive for such an impressive number of years. And, tellingly, Armagh-based B Hughes & Sons is not merely surviving but thriving.

With a huge fleet of tractor units and trailers on the road daily, the business set up by Brian Hughes way back in the early 1970s continues to go from strength to strength.

Remember the AEC Mandator? That was the first lorry Brian bought. He added a Scania and, on the back of steady demand, gradually built up the fleet bit by

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

bit. The most recent arrival is a Scania R580s from Road Trucks Ltd. in Larne, which brings the total number of tractor units to exactly 50 - a healthy mixture of Scania, Volvo, DAF and Mercedes-Benz.

The fleet is in a perpetual state of motion, with new and fresher models being added every year. A brand-new Volvo was acquired in 2014 and it won’t be long before another new model enters the eye-catching B Hughes & Sons fleet.

By investing in the very best equipment (including Spoton tracking systems installed on every truck), the Armagh company can provide a thoroughly dependable, prompt and efficient solution to its customers.

Fully insured and licensed by the

Department of Transport, the company boasts an excellent track record of meeting customer requirements in a fast, efficient and affordable manner. No consignment is considered to be too big or too small and a flexible transportation service is complemented by a superb warehousing facility.

Gainful employment is provided to over 50 people and the business is still expanding, having built up solid working relationships with a host of long-standing customers down through the years.

At the time of writing, ten new trailers were on their way from SDC Trailers in Toomebridge, County Antrim, while three brand-new Schmitz trailers had only just arrived in the yard on Armagh’s Moy

B Hughes & Sons 93 Moy Road, Armagh, BT61 8DR. Tel: 028 37525850 Fax: 028 37527579 Email: b.hughesandsons@hotmail.com

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Best Wishes & Continued Success To

B HugHeS & SonS From

BD Refrigerated Limited International Transport

A professional standard of quality services for the commercial and private vehicle owner such as:

Tyre replacement • Exhaust fitting Truck Wheel Alignment /Truck Wheel Balancing Truck Brake Testing / 24 Hour Breakdown Service Unit 27 Tullygoonigan Ind Est, Armagh, Co Armagh BT61 8DR

Tel: 028 3752 8806 • Fax: 028 3752 3176

www.gctyreservices.com

Dungannon, Co. Tyrone For more information Tel: 078-01131440 Email: bdrefrigerated@gmail.com Best wishes to all at B Hughes & Sons from BD Refrigerated Limited

Best Wishes & Continued Success To B Hughes & Sons Book Keeping Services Management Accounts Payroll | VAT & PAYE Submissions 35 Main Street, Camlough, Newry BT35 7JG

Office: 028-30838401

Best Wishes To B Hughes & Sons

For All Your Trucking News........

64

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

B Hughes designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:25 Page 3

B Hughes & Sons moved into a brandnew purpose-built facility in 2008

Road, where B Hughes & Sons have their own workshop / garage, fronted by a full-time mechanic. Thus, all testing, servicing, preventative maintenance, checks and repairs are carried out inhouse.

Indeed, the fantastic fleet out on the road is matched by the company’s wellappointed premises. The purpose-built facility was constructed brand-new in 2008 and comprises spacious offices, workshop and substantial warehousing space.

Founder Brian is still very much part of the business and is joined in the management of this proud family-run operation by his sons Brendan and Malachy. Since Day One, the business has operated to the very highest standards, with everything geared towards complete customer satisfaction.

Between flats and curtainsiders, B Hughes & Sons runs more than 200 trailers, predominantly transporting concrete flooring from Ireland to the UK as well as Ireland-UK, UK-Ireland groupage.

In times gone by, B Hughes & Sons also had a strong presence on the continent, but they now focus exclusively on Ireland and the UK. “All the work is between Ireland and the UK now,” Barry confirms. “To be honest, we’re too busy here to go onto the continent anymore.

We have more than enough work to keep us going.

“We cover the entire island of Ireland, top to bottom. We use all the ports and loads coming in from the UK could go anywhere - from Cork to Donegal, Wexford to Galway and everywhere in between.”

Since its inception, B Hughes & Sons has been a remarkable success story.

Little could founder Brian Hughes – who comes from a farming background – have envisioned the success that would follow when he took the keys to that striking AEC Mandator all those years ago! They’ve come out the other side of the latest economic downturn unscathed and continue to grow.

To what does Barry attribute the continued success of the family business? “Updating the fleet and keeping the bills down as low as possible. It’s about what you save, not what you make. If you keep your overheads down and bring as many efficiencies as you can into the business, then that’s a good start. And once you have a very good fleet, then you can provide a quality service. We’re on top of it now.”

Going forward, the company is in a healthy state. What does the future hold for B Hughes & Sons? “You have to keep trying hard,” Barry concludes.

“You’re always improving your fleet and always looking for ways to improve your service. You can’t ease up. We provide an all-in service to our customers, including warehousing and distribution.

We are currently in the process of building a brand-new warehousing facility, which we hope to open in the next few weeks.”

There’s always something in the pipeline at B Hughes & Sons. This is why clients can rest assured that they’re receiving the very best service that money can buy.

B Hughes & Sons has been providing an exceptional service for over 40 years IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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McGuckian Oil designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:05 Page 1

Fuelling Cork since 1987 McGuckian Oils Ltd is one of the largest independent oil distributors in Co. Cork. Operating out of Carrigtwohill, the family-run business is a one-stop shop for all your oil and lubricating requirements.

CONTACT DETAILS 66

McGuckian Oils Ltd Carrigtwohill Industrial Estate, Carrigtwowhill, Co. Cork.

Telephone: 021 4881190 Web: www.mcguckianoils.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

McGuckian Oil designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:05 Page 2

F

ounded by Killeagh man Tom McGuckian in 1987, the company originally traded as McGuckian Lubricating Oils. Having initially specialised in lubricating oils and grease, Tom branched into oil distribution in 1999. Due to continued expansion, he relocated the business to a purpose-built premises in Carrigtwohill Industrial Estate, which is strategically located between the urban centres of Cork city, Midleton and Fermoy.

Over the past three decades, McGuckian Oils has attained a detailed knowledge of its customer’s requirements in terms of products and services. The company offers an efficient, friendly and reliable service throughout Cork on a daily basis. It will deliver within 50 miles of Carrigtwohill six days a week, and within 24 hours of receiving your order.

McGuckian Oils provides a range of fuel products to the domestic and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company's new Scania P320 oil tanker

commercial market, supplying home heating oil, DERV (white diesel), agricultural diesel as well as lubricants, greases, additives and oil tanks. Only quality products are sold at the most competitive prices. A variety of payment methods are available, while customers also have the option of placing their order online.

In addition, there is a forecourt onsite where customers can fill up. The forecourt and pumps can be accessed 24/7 by McGuckian Oils fuel card holders. The company is an agent for Castrol, Estuary Lubricants and Platinum Oil Tanks to name but three, and is a supplier of AdBlue. A full range of Castrol and other leading lubricants from five-litre cans to 208-litre drums are in stock.

A dedicated sales team is employed to work with you, making sure that you benefit from price updates, latest product information and that deliveries are

arranged to suit your particular needs.

They can also offer advice on any issues that may affect your tanks, pumps or health and safety regulations.

In the event of an emergency and you run out of home heating oil, it’s reassuring to know that McGuckian Oils is just a phone call away and will endeavour to get to you as soon as possible. The company offers a daily delivery service (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays) as well as emergency and top-up services.

The dramatic fall in oil prices means that home heating oil is more affordable than ever. And as Tom points out, it’s not just the customer who’s benefiting.

“It’s a great help to the economy in general,” the affable managing director says.

“It’s a long time since diesel was in the early 90c range a litre plus VAT and kerosene was 60c litre including VAT. These prices have led to a greater

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EAST CORK DAIRY SERVICES & WATERFORD DAIRY SERVICES

Continued Best Wishes To McGuckian Oils From

Milking Machines Sales & Service

Agents for Dairymaster Milking Machines | Auger & Feeding Systems | Automatic Scrapers | Wash Down Pumps Plate Coolers | Automatic Teat Sprayers Also Agents for Water Heaters, Wash Troughs, Detergents & Associated Products Ladysbridge,Co. Cork Tel:021-6019284/6017936 Mobile: 086-8337809 Email: ecds@eircom.net Waterford Depot Tel:058-22994 Best Wishes To McGuckian Oils, From

Best Wishes To McGuckian Oils

Lagan Concrete

Milebush, Midleton, Co. Cork Telephone: 021-4883123 www.laganconcrete.ie 68

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

McGuckian Oil designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 11:05 Page 4

A familiar sight on the roads of Co. Cork

demand, so we’ve obviously been very busy of late. When prices are as low as they are now, it makes life that bit easier for everyone. It’s cheaper for us to deliver to our customers and also cheaper for the hauliers to deliver to us.”

The McGuckian fleet is a familiar sight on Cork roads.

Tom runs six trucks, including a 152-registered Scania P320 26 tonne GVW lift axle/rear steer which he recently took delivery of from AOC Commercials in Carrigtwohill. The new truck is fitted with a 20,000-litre oil tank, which was assembled

by Fitzgerald Commercials in Midleton. The investment comes on the back of Tom purchasing a Scania P230 single axle with a 13,000-litre tank, also from AOC Commercials, a year ago.

The rest of the fleet comprises three DAF and one Volvo. The trucks, with

McGuckian Oils has been in business for nearly 30 years

their striking white and green livery, are always immaculately turned out.

Servicing and maintenance is also carried out by AOC Commercials.

“It makes sense for us to deal with them because they are located on our doorstep

TLA ACCOUNTANTS

Registered Auditors

Slievenamon Rd., Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel:0504-23550 Email: reception@tla.ie 6 Tallow Street, Youghal, Co. Cork Tel:024-92186 Tim Looby Wishes Continued Success To McGuckian Oils IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

and offer a great service. I’m pleased to say that we enjoy a very good working relationship with them,” explains Tom, who employs four highly-skilled, courteous and professional drivers.

As a distributor to the domestic, commercial, farming and retail sectors,

McGuckian Oils fully understands the oil distribution business and how best to reach customers. Tom concludes by saying: “We will continue to offer a low-cost fuel, lubricant and grease service to our customers in the greater Cork area, whose business we greatly appreciate.”

Congratulations to all at McGuckian Fuels and the best of luck in the future

www.tria.iejoin us in fuelling the way

T: 021-4222011 69

culletion designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:54 Page 1

Culletion Transport gets the cream Culletion Transport Ltd has been providing a top-class milk collection and delivery service for Glanbia since 2002. e family-run business collects over one million litres of raw milk from nearly 300 dairy farms in counties Carlow, Wicklow and Kilkenny each year.

B

ased in Ballymurphy, Borris, Co. Carlow, Culletion Transport became a limited company in 2006, having operated as a sole trader for four years prior to that.

It is run by husband-and-wife Lar and Margaret Culleton with the help of their son Laurence.

Laurence’s siblings JJ and Celia also assist from time to time.

Lar has been involved in the transport industry for many years. He hauled containers into and out of Rosslare Harbour for P&O Ferries in the 1990s and also did some relief work for Glanbia before securing his first farm-to-creamery contract with the Kilkenny-headquartered dairy giant in the Rathdrum and Carnew areas of Co. Wicklow.

Lar has since taken on a number of other milk collection Drivers (from left to right): Laurence Jnr, Josef and Lar runs spanning three counties.

His seven-strong fleet of bulk collection vehicles cover an area border, is the largest single infrastructure from Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny to investment in Ireland by an indigenous Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, and from company since the construction of Arklow, Co. Wicklow back across to Ardnacrusha on the River Shannon in Bagenalstown and Ballon in Co. Carlow. 1929.

Culletion Transport calls to 293 farms “We’ve been collecting exclusively for every second day, who between them, Glanbia since 2002,” Lar explains. supply over one million litres of milk to “We started with a small run in Glanbia per annum.

Rathdrum and Carnew, and grew from The milk is delivered to Glanbia’s dairy there. We’re collecting milk closer to processing facilities in Ballyragget, Co. home now which is great from a Kilkenny, Wexford, Virginia, Co. Cavan convenience point of view. We’re busier and Belview, Co. Kilkenny. The new than we ever were. Since the EU quota state-of-the-art Belview facility, which is was lifted earlier this year, there is more located on the Kilkenny-Waterford milk to be collected. There is no such

CONTACT DETAILS 70

thing as a quiet time anymore.”

The Culleton fleet is made up of four Volvo and three Scania. The newest addition is a 151-registered Scania R500, which was purchased from KD (Garage) Services in Drinagh, Co. Wexford. The trucks pull six high-tech collection tankers, which are supplied by Glanbia and bear the Glanbia livery.

The bulk tankers are designed to reduce milk collection times on farm and automate the secure transfer of information needed to pay farmers for the milk collected. The tankers boast stateof-the-art technologies such as GPS

Culletion Transport Ltd Tinnecarrig, Ballymurphy, Borris, Co. Carlow.

Telephone: 059 9773378 Mobile: 087 6792242 Email: larryculleton@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

culletion designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:54 Page 2

Lar Culleton with his wife Margaret, daughter Celia and grandson Darragh IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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K.D. (GARAGE) SERVICES LTD. Drinagh, Wexford

For all your Scania and Fuso Truck needs Also new LDV Vans Tel:053-9145554 www.kdgarage.com

WISHING CONTINUED SUCCESS TO CULLETION TRANSPORT

Continued Best Wishes To Culletion Transport From Patrick Doran T/A

Portersize Transport Services Ltd

Portersize, Timolin, Moone, Co. Kildare Mobile: 087-7390618

McCarthy Commercials Ltd Authorised Dealer For Volvo Trucks

M&C FURLONG

Best Wishes To Culletion Transport

TRANSPORT LTD

WATERGRASSHILL, CO. CORK 021 4889700

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Continued success to all at Culletion Transport

Palace East, Clonroche, Co. Wexford T: 051-424658

RInG ROAD., KILKEnny Tel: 056 7734200 GILLOGUE, CLOnLARA, CO. CLARE Tel: 061 356360

www.mccarthycomms.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Culletion Transport From All At

Pender’s Garage COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SALES, SERVICE & SPARES

CULLETION TRANSPORT

FOR ALL YOUR NEWS

www.irishtrucker.com

Ryland, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

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Tel: (053) 9376077 Fax: (053) 9376275

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

culletion designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:54 Page 4

supplier recognition, data transfer by satellite and GSM. They are equipped to pump up to 57,000 litres of milk per hour, reducing collection time on farm and allowing for a more efficient operation overall.

While Glanbia maintain the tankers themselves, the trucks are maintained and serviced by Laurence Culleton Jnr. Laurence is a qualified mechanic who served his time with Pender’s Garage in Bunclody, Co.

Wexford. For bigger repairs, the trucks are sent to either KD (Garage) Services or McCarthy Commercials in Kilkenny. Culletion Transport employs seven full-time drivers and 12 at peak times.

It goes without saying the drivers are highly-skilled, efficient, reliable and courteous. Indeed, Lar is very proud of the fact that they are on first-name terms with their customers and enjoy a great rapport with them.

Lar is also proud to be

associated with one of Ireland’s biggest and most successful companies. With deep roots in the dairy industry, Glanbia has a turnover of over €3.5 billion per annum, almost 6,000 employees and a presence in 34 countries worldwide. Its vision is to be one of the world’s top performing nutrition companies, trusted to enrich lives every day.

“They are a great company to work for,” he says.

“Glanbia enjoys a terrific

reputation all over the world.

We’ve had a very good working relationship with them since 2002 and please God that relationship will continue for many more years to come.”

Culletion Transport has developed and expanded by providing a professional, prompt and friendly service.

Through ongoing investment and training, it has certainly come a long way in a little over a decade.

The family-run business operates from near Borris in Co. Carlow IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Hudson designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:48 Page 1

Premium raw materials from the Garden County On October 2nd, 2015, Hudson Brothers – who supply the construction sector with high-quality building raw materials - took delivery of a brand-new Renault Range C430 Night & Day cab tipper complete with ompson body. e stunning new vehicle represents a statement of intent from the long-established County Wicklow headquartered family-run operation. We travelled to their well-appointed quarry in Blessington and met up with sales and aggregates manager Tom Hudson to find out more.

H

udson Brothers Ltd. was established in 1971 to supply raw materials to the civil and construction industries. During the intervening decades, the business has grown organically, providing products and service levels that are second to none.

The state-of-the-art materials

CONTACT DETAILS 74

production facility at the company’s Phillipstown Quarry in Blessington, County Wicklow incorporates modern grading and washing plants for the production of sands and quality limestone pebble, while an immaculatelymaintained in-house distribution fleet can meet even the most demanding of schedules.

The Phillipstown site also boasts a static rock crushing plant, which is used to produce crushed graded materials from a sandstone source also at this site. Various grading and crushing mobile plant is also deployed throughout the quarry in addition to a large mobile fleet of dumpers and numerous excavators.

Hudson Brothers Ltd. New Paddocks, Blessington, County Wicklow.

Tel: 045 865880 Fax: 045 857017 Email: hudsonbrothers@eircom.net

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hudson designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:48 Page 2

Hudson Brothers’ run a fleet of eight trucks

The Hudson Brothers’ quarry in Blessington

The range of building materials supplied to the civil engineering and construction sectors in the greater Dublin area includes aggregates (maintained to EN13242 standards), topsoil, washed grit sand, mortar sand, plastering sand, pit rejects and one-tonne bags.

Reflecting on the genesis of the superb second-generation family business, Tom

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hudson notes: “It was started up in the early 1970s by Paddy, Peter and Sean Hudson. Today, the second generation is in charge – Devin (MD), John, Peter Jnr. and myself “All materials are produced here in our quarry in Blessington – sand & gravel, crushed rock and one-tonne bags. We have built up a substantial client base supplying to the civil and construction industry, builder providers and private householders. The vast majority of our work is in Dublin and we’re currently doing a lot of work for John Paul Construction, Joe Miley & Partners and Rattigan’s.”

While the construction sector still has a long way to go before a complete recovery can be confirmed, Tom sees signs of a slight pick-up: “Activity in construction has increased and it’s recovering slowly. Things have definitely improved slightly and there are signs that the industry is moving in the right direction again.”

A fleet of eight trucks delivers materials from the quarry in the Garden County to sites in and around the capital. Up until recently, the fleet comprised Hinos exclusively but in early October, a brandnew 152-reg Renault C430 8x4 tipper was collected from Setanta Motors on the Longmile Road. Explaining the thinking behind the new acquisition, Tom comments: “Our fleet were showing signs of ageing, as we last purchased trucks in 2007, therefore its essential that we start to upgrade our fleet and the warranty offered with the Renault was something that nobody else could match.

“Setanta gave us the opportunity to test drive a demonstrator truck which we found to be to our liking. We carried out a lot of research before deciding which one to buy and everyone we spoke to

had great things to say about Setanta and the levels of service they provide.

They came highly recommended and the four-year warranty means a lot. It’s a big investment but we are confident there will be plenty of work for the truck and we have the peace of mind in knowing that it’s covered by an unrivalled warranty and

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Hudson designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:48 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Hudson Brothers From

Breakdown Repair & Recovery Quality Breakdown Repair & Recovery Service For When You Need It

HEAVY PLANT, TRUCKS, CARS & VANS Aghfarrell, Brittas, Co. Dublin Email: ivor@brittascommercials.ie Landline: 01 4583050 Mobile: 087 2291265

www.brittascommercials.ie Best wishes to Hudson Brothers, from

Unit 1G, Blessington Business Park, Blessington, Co. Wicklow Tel: 045-857999 Fax: 045-857499

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BEARINGS & INDUSTRIAL BEARINGS & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES CAR & AGRI PARTS SAFETY CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR Call us for whatever you require We offer a complete source & supply service Main Street, Blessington, Co. Wicklow

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Best Wishes To HUDSON BROTHERS from

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Best Wishes To Hudson Brothers

www.cjautoparts.ie

SUPPLIERS OF AUTO PARTS FOR CAR & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Exsol Ltd. Best Wishes To Hudson Brothers, From

Suppliers to the quarrying industry of: Bulk Explosive Solutions inc.

Accessories Face Profiling Vibration Monitoring Blasting Engineer Technical Support

Head Office Annagh Industrial Park, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan Tel: (00353) 49 952 7190 (10 lines) Fax: (00353) 49 952 7198 Email: info@exsol.ie

76

Depots Clontygrigny, Ballyconnell Tel: (00353) 49 952 7191 Ballygibbon, Nenagh Tel: (00353) 67 429 68

Best Wishes & Continued Success to Hudson Brothers from

Setanta Vehicle Sales Ltd. Complete range of C & K Range Tippers and Concrete Mixers in Stock.

Factory 5 Axle Tipper & Mixer Now Available

To Book A Demo Or To Talk To The Sales Team Call (01) 403 4500

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hudson designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 10:48 Page 4

A Hino drawing from the quarry

back-up.

The fuel economy seems to be very good on it as well. There’s a good likelihood of adding a second new truck to the fleet next year. We’ll be looking to continue updating the fleet because after the first five years maintenance and repair bills start to become frequent.”

Including subcontractors, employment is generated by Hudson Brothers for a

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

team of 30 people. All in all, Tom is confident that the future is bright for this long-running family operation. “We still have ample reserves of material, so there’s plenty of life left in the quarry itself,” he concludes. “We’ll continue to provide our customers with a good quality product and an excellent service to ensure we remain as a main provider to the market.

“We’re at this a long time now and we’ve earned a solid reputation in the industry. Even before this business was set up, my grandfather Tom was also involved in the same line of work, so we like to think we know what we’re doing.”

Hudson Brothers Ltd.’s outstanding record for supplying the highest-quality and certified raw materials proves that this is most certainly the case!

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In front of the iconic Harland & Wolff cranes in Belfast

McCabe’s scoop major transport award James E. McCabe has been at the heart of the Northern Irish licenced trade for over 60 years, supplying the province with market leading brands including Hardy’s, E&J Gallo, Villa Maria and Jim Beam, as well as local products such as the award-winning Armagh Cider. e long-established Portadown-based company also runs its own award-winning transport fleet which is managed by Charlie Stevenson.

C

harlie brought great honour to his company on September 10 last when he was named Transport Manager of the Year at the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards at a glittering ceremony in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel. He saw off stiff competition from Northern Ireland’s top transport managers to land the prestigious award, which was sponsored by Volvo Trucks UK. Charlie, who has been James E McCabe Ltd’s general manager of logistics since 1990 and has worked for the company since 1984, oversees a 34strong fleet of 26 tonne rigids and vans,

CONTACT DETAILS 78

About three-quarters of the James E McCabe fleet are Iveco

James E McCabe Ltd 4 Annagh Drive, Portadown, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 5WF Telephone: 028 3833 3102 Fax: 028 3833 5916 Web: www.jemcabe.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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and around the same number of drivers. The vehicles operate out of four separate depots in Portadown (James E McCabe Ltd), Belfast (Philip Russell Ltd), Omagh and Derry (both North West Liquor facilities). About three-quarters of the fleet are Iveco, with Renault making up the balance.

James E McCabe deals with NI Trucks in Portadown and Renault UK in Mallusk respectively for all of its Iveco and Renault needs.

Commenting on his award, Charlie says: “It’s a huge honour for me and the people I work with. Our drivers are the face of the company and enjoy a special relationship with our customers. The award also reflects our commitment to introducing fuel-saving alternatives and improving safety and driver behaviour, which has been made possible by our investment in a new fleet management system supplied by NIBC.”

Each truck covers up to 45,000 miles a year IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Charlie Stevenson receives his Transport Manager of the Year award from Adrian Logan (compere) and Richard Sharples

NIBC (Northern Ireland Business Communications) was recently awarded a five-year contract by James E McCabe Ltd to supply, maintain and manage their

multi-functioning Fuel Smart solution, taking away the manual aspect of gathering vital data and presenting it online in a very user-friendly format.

Information is accessed at the click of a button from any web-enabled PC and can be easily printed off.

With each of McCabe’s 27 rigid trucks covering up to 45,000 miles a year, efficiency is a big consideration as fuel costs quickly mount up and any savings per truck can be significant across the fleet. The NIBC Fuel Smart solution allows the company to monitor not only the fuel consumption of its fleet, but also driver behaviour, covering such areas as journey time and distance, harsh braking and acceleration and idling time.

It also enables McCabe’s to produce performance league tables, which in turn should encourage and

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incentivise drivers to maintain high standards. In addition, it controlling documentation and improving communication. provides the company with in-vehicle CCTV, giving live alerts ADVISOR easily links into the NIBC system to offer McCabe’s triggered by incidents or events on the road as they happen, even greater efficiency. which will help it avoid loss through the growing threat of Charlie adds: “All of this combines to enable us not only to run fraudulent and incorrect insurance claims. a fuel-efficient and safe fleet, but also to deliver a reliable and Before opting for the NIBC system, McCabe’s trialled it by dependable service to our customers across Northern Ireland.” putting three of their drivers through the training programme provided by NIBC’s driving training partner, Gencat, who are experts in getting maximum efficiency from drivers. “We were very impressed by the trial period, during which there was a marked reduction in fuel consumption and the drivers took to it very well,” Charlie says.

McCabe’s opted for the remote digital tachograph download facility offered by NIBC as it allows them to centrally manage and analyse downloaded files from their Portadown headquarters. In addition, Tranzaura Technology for Transport provide tachograph analysis and vehicle ‘walk around’ software as part of the overall solution, speeding up processes and ensuring the company and its trucks don’t Best Wishes To James E McCabe break the law.

The Iveco vehicles supplied by NI Trucks are fitted with ADVISOR (Automated Distributor Vehicle Inspection Online Records). This is a completely transparent computer-based inspection, service and maintenance programme that minimises the effort involved in managing a vehicle fleet,

Best Wishes & Continued Success To James E McCabe

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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This fantastic new truck is a huge addition to the businessThe U12 girls, managed by Lisa McGlynn

Complete recovery PJ Murphy has been delivering unrivalled recovery and breakdown solutions across County Tipperary and beyond – predominantly along the M8 motorway - for three decades. We dropped into his base at urlesbeg, Cashel to find out more about the history of his exceptional operation, the range of services provided and the superb fleet of recovery vehicles he operates.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue & Breakdown Services Thurlesbeg, Cashel, County Tipperary Tel: 0504 41107 Mobile: 087 2509845 Email: murphyrecovery@yahoo.co.uk

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A

s the name suggests, PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue & Breakdown Services provides a complete range of recovery solutions. The eponymous PJ has been specialising in recovery since the mid-‘80s and he offers a thoroughly-professional, punctual and dependable service, 24 hours of the day, seven days per week.

From his Cashel base, he is particularly synonymous with the stretch of the M8 motorway that runs from Junction 4 Urlingford to Junction 8 Mitchelstown, although his excellent services are extended to all routes in the Premier County (especially within a 25km radius of Cashel town), if and when required.

PJ works with all the major roadside rescue companies - including AA Roadside Rescue, RAC Rescue, Motor Insurance Services (MIS), Crash Services NI, Aria and Mapfre – and also provides breakdown / recovery services for all of Ireland’s main insurance companies.

Ideally located just five minutes off the M8 on the outskirts of Cashel, PJ owns and operates the latest specialist equipment for the safe and efficient recovery of all types of motorcycles, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including those equipped with automatic transmissions and vehicles with low suspensions.

Twenty-fifteen has been a big year for PJ as he freshened up his recovery fleet significantly by investing in an eyecatching brand-new 152-reg MAN 12250 with tilt-and-slide body to complement his ’05-reg Mercedes-Benz 1227 (with tilt-and-slide). A comprehensive service is offered. “At the moment, I have the two trucks plus a jeep and trailer as well as a motorcycle unit. I can recovery anything

PJ Murphy is synonymous with recovery between junctions 4 and 8 along the M8

from a motorbike up to a Mercedes Sprinter.”

PJ has certainly come a long way in the past 29 years. From modest beginnings, he has established a stellar reputation as the premier breakdown / recovery specialist along the M8 around the Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Urlingford, Cashel, Cahir, Tipperary Town, Thurles or Clonmel areas.

Reflecting on the genesis of his selfmade enterprise, the Tipp man notes: “I started the business up in 1986. I’m a trained motor mechanic by trade and I served my time working in a local garage before opting to get involved in the recovery side of things. The first recovery vehicle I bought was a Dodge lorry and I’ve just built the business up from there.”

PJ has never looked back. Mind you, this was no overnight success story. In this line of work, you’ll only get back what you’re prepared to put in. To this end, a lot of long hours have been invested in developing and growing the business. It takes years to develop the sort of reputation for excellence that PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue &

TLA ACCOUNTANTS

Registered Auditors

Breakdown Services now carries.

The nature of recovery is that you have to keep the mobile phone fully charged and switched on day and night; be prepared for any eventuality; invest in the best equipment and be able to safely

The beautiful new 152reg MAN 12250.

Best Wishes To PJ MURPHY RECOVERY

Slievenamon Rd., Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel:0504-23550 Email: reception@tla.ie 6 Tallow Street, Youghal, Co. Cork Tel:024-92186 Tim Looby Wishes Continued Success To PJ Murphy Recovery 82

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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PJ’s pride and joy boasts a six-seater crew cab

and professionally operate it. At the end of the day, recovery is essentially an emergency service and operators have to have their heads screwed on at all times.

“I’m on call 24/7, 365 days a year,” PJ confirms. “You have to be ready to work at any time, day or night, because when people call you they are really depending on you to get them out of trouble. You have to be prompt and you have to make sure you have everything that’s needed

Campion Insurance would like to wish continued success and best wishes to PJ Murphy Recovery 100 Main Street Cashel, Co. Tipperary 062-61991 www.campioninsurance.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

to safely remove the vehicle – and, if required, its occupants – from the road or roadside.

“The new MAN truck – which I bought from MAN Importers Ireland Ltd. on the M50 in July and is my pride and joy - has a six-seater crew cab so I can safely bring away all the occupants of a car as well as the actual vehicle itself.”

The success of PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue & Breakdown Services has been achieved by providing a great service and using the best possible equipment. There’s no trade secret or rocket science at work here. A combination of hard work and customer care have seen PJ carve out a niche for himself in this vital sector.

“We’re kept busy,” he says. “About 80% of our work is on the motorway and all of that would come through the insurance companies. Once you recover the vehicle safely and without damaging it in any way, that’s the main thing.”

PJ now has a wealth of experience of recovery and can handle every job with a minimum of fuss and complete professionalism. “I’m at it nearly 30 years and it has served me well,” he concludes. “I keep all the equipment in great condition and the new MAN is going really well. It was a big investment but it’s a major asset to

the business and it’ll play a big role in ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible service.”

With a magnificent track record of providing excellent breakdown/recovery services over the past 29 years, PJ Murphy Recovery, Roadside Rescue & Breakdown Services is in a strong position going forward. One gets the distinct impression that there are a few chapters yet to be written in this particular success story!

PJ Murphy has been providing unrivalled recovery services in Tipperary and beyond for three decades

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Bates is best for oil B

In business since 1988, Bates Oil prides itself on being Wexford’s oil company. Managing director Rodney Bates explains more about the South-East’s leading independent oil distributor.

ates Oil is a family-run business which was established by husband-and-wife Bill and June Bates and has been trading successfully from Ardcavan, on the outskirts of Wexford town, for nearly 30 years. Bill, who is now semi-retired, set up the company after spending the previous two decades working in, and developing his knowledge,

CONTACT DETAILS 84

of the oil business.

Nowadays, Bates Oil is headed up by Bill and June’s son Rodney and is known in Wexford for its top quality service and personal touch, as well as for its very competitive pricing. All these factors have allowed it to become a leader in its field, whilst still retaining its unique personal touch. Also specialising in lubricants and

greases, Bates Oil is a one-stop shop for all your oil requirements.

The company offers an efficient, friendly and reliable service throughout the Model County, delivering to hundreds of satisfied customers on a daily basis, and within a short time of receiving your order. Bates Oil supplies the domestic, agricultural, commercial, retail and marine sectors with

Bates Oil Ardcavan, Wexford.

Telephone: 053 9143978 Fax: 053 9170591 Web: www.batesoil.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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The Bates Oil fleet of trucks in all their glory

a range of fuel products, including home heating oil, DERV (white diesel), agricultural diesel and petrol as well as lubricants, greases, additives and oil tanks. Customers have a choice of payment methods which include cash, cheque, laser or credit card, while the option of ordering online is also available.

Bates Oil offers a very competitive discounted rate for larger amounts of diesel, kerosene and petrol deliveries, having the capacity to deliver up to 36,000 litres at once. A dedicated sales team is employed to work with you, making sure

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

that you benefit from price updates, latest product information and that deliveries are arranged to suit your particular needs.

They can also offer advice on any issues that may affect your tanks, pumps or health and safety regulations.

At the Bates Oil depot in Ardcavan, you’ll find fuel pumps, an office and storage area. Customers can call in six days a week and pump their own road diesel, agri diesel, kerosene or AdBlue. The depot has a full range of Castrol and Gem lubricants in stock, with 23 litre drums and 208 litre barrels available. Lubricants and greases

can also be delivered.

In addition, Bates Oil has been supplying Titan oil storage tanks since its inception.

The Titan range of tanks include single skin (for domestic users) and bunded (eco-friendly tanks which have a second skin designed to keep in any spillages that may occur). Dispensing kits and pumps for fuelling vehicles from your tank are also stocked.

In the event of an emergency and you run out of home heating oil, it’s reassuring to know that Bates Oil is just a phone call or a mouse click away and will endeavour to get to you as soon as possible. The company offers a daily delivery service (8am to 5.30pm) as well as emergency and top-up services.

Rodney Bates welcomes the dramatic fall in oil prices, admitting that it has given distributors a major shot in the arm.

“The current low prices have greatly helped our business and are a big boost to the economy in general. Diesel and kerosene prices are at their lowest in seven years. Our running costs are also

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King of the road!

well down on what they were a few years ago thanks to the cheaper oil prices,” he says.

Bates Oil employs nine staff and has five Scania delivery

trucks on the road. The company recently took delivery of two new Scania P320s from local dealers KD (Garage) Service Ltd, who also service

MIDLAND MICRO SYSTEMS LTD Best Wishes & Continued Success To BATES OIL

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and maintain the Bates fleet.

The tankers were built by the Toomebridge, Co. Antrimbased Central Tanker Services Ltd, who are recognised as Ireland’s leading, dedicated manufacturer of road tankers for the fuel distribution industry.

To coincide with the arrival of the new trucks, Rodney has decided to give the entire fleet a makeover.

“We rebranded recently by adding white to our traditional blue and red colours. With the new trucks coming, we felt it was as good a time as any to freshen up,” explains Rodney, who is full of praise for his team of professional, friendly

and reliable drivers.

The affable managing director concludes by saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support and would invite others to come and experience the quality and prompt service we provide. We have built up a strong reputation for delivering highquality products at the cheapest prices.”

The Bates Oil depot is easy to find, being located on the old Gorey Road between Wexford town and Castlebridge. Why not pop in the next time you are in the area?

Lubrication Solutions For Every Market Sector

GEM OILS LTD.

Tel: (049) 4378116 Email: sales@gemoils.ie www.gemoils.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Bates Oil 86

BEST WISHES TO BATES OIL IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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A wide range of associated cleaning services is provided

Ireland’s premier mobile fleet washing company Contracted to major fleets such as An Post, Electric Ireland, Texaco, e Musgrave Group, DHL and BWG Commercial Vehicle Cleaning Services (CVCS) Ltd. is Ireland’s largest mobile truck washing solution provider. We caught up with owner / MD Stephen Conway to find out more about this high-quality operation.

W

ith 18 mobile truck-washing teams active nationwide, working in all weather conditions, seven days per week, Commercial Vehicle Cleaning Services Ltd. provides fleet operators with regular, environmentally-friendly, cost-effective truck and trailer washing solutions.

Using the experience and expertise developed from this initial service, CVCS also offers commercial customers a wide range of bolt-on services including office and building cleaning solutions; cold store, factory and warehouse cleaning; road and yard sweeping; valeting; window cleaning; and landscape maintenance.

Fully compliant with all Health & Safety requirements and holding full public liability insurance, CVCS offers commercial vehicle owners massive savings of up to 50% on a drive-through wash. Their professional on-site service minimises downtime with everything

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

provided from supervision, safety equipment and training to manpower, cleaning agents and equipment.

Offering complete peace of mind, CVCS has evolved by providing a nofuss, low-cost, on-site vehicle washing service, whether that be for one van in Donegal or 50 artics in Cork. Truckwashing services offered include rotary brush wash; hot steam wash; full / partial valets; and diesel area cleaning.

CVCS can provide a complete valeting service on the vehicle owner’s premises, be that for a transit van, company car or Scania truck. In addition to conventional valeting, they also offer a range of other specialised services to enhance the appearance of vehicles. These include chips / scratch repair; windscreen repair; wheel repair; paint restoration; odour removal; collection and delivery.

Proprietor Stephen Conway has a very interesting background, having for 20 years worked as a trouble shooter for a

company that provided supply solutions to the US military. That job took him to bases all around the world, but as time went by he found that he wanted to try his hand at something else.

“It was a very good job and I was very well compensated, but the bottom line was I wanted out,” he reflects. “A friend of mine from Ireland rang me one day after I had come back from an assignment in the Middle East and he asked me if I knew anybody that might be interested in buying a small cleaning company. I said ‘yes, I know just the man!’

“He was going to the US and the business was falling apart but it was a perfect challenge for me. I was still young and I still had the enthusiasm to go out and work hard and achieve something. I bought the business from him and worked every hour that God sent to build it up literally from scratch.”

It would be fair to say that Stephen was

Commercial Vehicle Cleaning Services Ltd., Knockraha, Kilwatermoy, Tallow, County Waterford, Tel: 087 2549489 Email: info@cvcs.ie www.cvcs.ie

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A clean vehicle helps maintain a superb corporate image.

There are 18 mobile truckwashing teams active nationwide

hands-on from the beginning… Initially, business was drummed up in a very old-school – but effective manner: “I sat in my car at the side of main roads and took down numbers from the side of dirty vans and trucks. I then rang them up and asked them if they’d like to see a demonstration. It was painstaking and time-consuming but that’s where I got most of my original business from. After that, it was word of mouth.

“At first, I was driving nationwide myself to maintain contracts and to provide the best possible service and eventually there was far too much work for one man. So I started taking on people in Dublin; I now have eleven crews in the capital, including two new ones that have only started recently.”

The business had made tremendous strides over the years, but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. “The recession was difficult because the washing company was the first to go,” says Stephen. “It did hit us hard but we managed to maintain our core customers and that got is through.”

Stephen is keen to stress that no job is considered too big or too small. “We don’t pick or choose our customers. The service is available to every vehicle owner and we never turn work away. We will wash a large or small fleet. Okay, great if there are 50 vehicles in the fleet, but we will also happily wash two.

At the end of the day, it’s all about customer service and we have a team out there to wash any vehicles, anywhere.”

In keeping with the company ethos of care, the crews are well looked after. “Some of our franchisees are part-time but our crews in major cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway are working every day of the week. In total, we have 18 crews covering various routes around the country. We set our franchisees up with a guarantee that they will net a certain amount per week and, regardless of whether companies have paid us or not, we will pay them and make sure they have a continuous cash flow. They are guaranteed their money at the end of the month regardless of what happens. We train them in and set them up with every piece of equipment that’s needed Office cleaning is an important service offered.

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CVCS is Ireland’s premier mobile fleet washing company.

CVCS’s landscaping and landscape maintenance services are becoming increasingly popular

A thoroughly professional on-site fleet washing service is guaranteed.

to do the job properly.”

CVCS make sure that every single vehicle in a customer’s fleet is in pristine condition at all times. “One of the rules we have is that if a vehicle is already clean then we won’t wash it,” Steven continues. “That’s a very practical agreement we have in place with all the companies we work for. For the likes of An Post, for whom we wash about 70% of their 2,000-strong fleet, we will generally wash once a week in the winter, unless we CVCS provides cost-effective and thorough cold room cleaning solutions

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Commercial building cleaning – another string to the bow!

come across a very dirty one which requires an additional wash. You then go once a week in the winter, while you have other customers who need their vehicles washed regularly both inside and outside.

“During the winter time, we tend to get very busy as customers are extremely conscious of their corporate image and they want their vehicles washed twice a week. We take all the hassle out of their hands, calling to their depots and wash their vehicles on site.

“We are very thorough about the service provided and every job is documented and approved. When we wash a vehicle, the registration number is recorded and printed in triplicate. A representative from the company will then inspect the vehicle inside and out and sign documentation confirming that they are satisfied with the cleanliness of that vehicle.”

The service provided is beyond doubt, but how difficult is it to run the company as a viable – and profitable – business entity? “It’s very much a numbers game and what we are up

against is that we as a company have to get everything right. This includes buying the right cleaning agent, which is expensive. We pay up to €60 for 25 litres of cleaning agent, which is EU-approved and biodegradable and complies with all Health & Safety requirements. We also use the best equipment and the best personnel and I can very confidently stand over everything we do. Of course, what you are up against is the one-man band with a power hose and cheap inputs, whose cost base is obviously lower but who isn’t doing the job properly. But vehicle owners aren’t

Best Wishes & Continued Success To CVCS, From

CONTAINER HAULAGE SPECIALISTS WASTE COLLECTION PREMIT FOR 32 COUNTIES DUBLIN, CORK AND BELFAST PORTS

stupid and quality will always win out in the end.”

Looking to the future, Stephen’s goals for Commercial Vehicle Cleaning Services Ltd. are pragmatic: “To stay in business first and foremost – I don’t think anybody saw 2008 coming so you never know what’s around the corner,” he concludes. “Secondly, to maximise the business we have now and, thirdly, to source more additional cleaning work like offices, landscaping, yard cleaning, window cleaning etc. We can offer all those service to customers and it’s costeffective for them to deal with one cleaning company.”

The chewing gum removal service can make a big difference to customers’ premises.

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS

www.irishtrucker.com

Tel:086-2559482/2521787 Email: eamonn@huttontransport.ie

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At the loading bay

Still going strong P

BR Transport in Mullingar have been leading the way in transport services all over Ireland for some time now, so we caught up with Managing Director Brendan Reilly to find out more about the company.

utting it plainly, taking over the reins of a business is no simple feat and Brendan Reilly had to learn it the hard way back in 2003 when the managership of BR Transport changed hands.

After the passing of his father Andy, who had set up his haulage company some 20 years previous, Brendan took over the day to day operations of the

CONTACT DETAILS

90

business and the early years saw a smooth transition, for the most part, with business steadily progressing upwards during boom years in this country.

However, by 2008 the Celtic Tiger had roared its last roar and there wasn’t a business in Ireland which the economic downturn didn’t affect. BR Transport was one of those on a long list of Irish companies which felt the sting of a harsh

recession and endeavoured to regroup.

Since then, Brendan and co have managed to turn things around to point where heady times look to be ahead again for their transport company, which provides its service all over Ireland and over to the UK – often on a weekly basis.

Brendan himself has strived to make sure that his company continued to stay solvent and proudly carry on the family

BR Transport,

Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 087 6527303 Email: brtransportmullingar@gmail.com

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BR Transport designed_Layout 1 13/11/2015 10:19 Page 2

BR Transport is based in Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Brendan Reilly took over the company in 2003

One of the company’s Scania fleet

On the road for McBurney Transport

Preparing for take off

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

name in its tradition in the haulage industry.

“We’re based in Cullionbeg in Mullingar,” explained Managing Director, Brendan Reilly.

“My father, Andy, was involved in this line of work all of his life and when he passed in 2003 it was left to me to look after.

He would have originally started the company in 1982 and he ran it successfully for more than 20 years.”

BR Transport’s six staff includes three drivers– two of which are currently in a part-time capacity as the company continues to get back on its feet from the downturn – and when times are busy Brendan has another member of the Reilly clan to call upon when needed.

“My brother Stephen helps out here when we need him and it’s great to have the extra help there because you never know when you’re going to need it.

“Our drivers have plenty of years of experience between them and the company itself has a good reputation for being straight and reliable with its customers.

Regular customers can be hard to come by for some companies, with prices becoming more and more competitive, but BT Transport in Mullingar have built up a reputation for its reliability and first class service.

Brendan has carried on the good work which his father first started more than 33 years ago now and it has seen some of the most well-known businesses in the country stick by him down through the last decade despite 2003’s change in management.

“I work for Montgomery Transport and DSV, with refrigerated haulage trucks all over the country and we send over trucks to the UK almost every weekend,” he stated.

“When I took over the business from my dad we had one lorry.

Now we have a fleet of Renault and Scanias here but at the moment business is very tough. I wouldn’t be telling any young

BR Transport does a lot of work for DSV

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Stephen Reilly TILING CONTRACTOR

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Contact Stephen 087-9122943 Continued Best Wishes To BR Transport

Wishing Continued Success To BR Transport From

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REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT

Ireland | UK | Europe

Gorey, Co. Wexford | M:087-7600019 Email: deanchambers@live.ie Best Wishes & Continued Success To BR Transport

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BR Transport designed_Layout 1 13/11/2015 10:19 Page 4

Andy Reilly (RIP) first founded the company in 1982

The Renault T440

On route for Caffrey International Ireland

lad to get into it - let’s put it that way.

“Hopefully, it will turn around though but the toughest thing more than anything else at the moment is the diesel and toll rates. Along with that, tax and insurance has gone up on trucks – the insurance has gone extremely high actually.”

The fact that Brendan’s fleet is based in and runs from the midlands sees the company ideally situated for its trucks to travel all over Ireland.

Last year saw a Scania

R500 join the company’s fleet, along with a top of the range Renault which has instantly become one of Brendan’s favourite trucks.

So much so that he even went to the trouble of giving it a nickname “We’re running R500s Scania and Renaults here,” he explained. “Our newest truck we would have paid €97,000 for three months ago. We also have a Renault T440 here called the Lady Ciara – it’s a great truck and I named it after my niece.”

When purchasing the new Renault T440 6x2 tractor unit from Setanta Vehicle Sales Ltd in Dublin, Brendan made sure that a special name was stickered on the new truck alongside his trading name.

‘Lady Ciara’ is named after his niece and has been on display at the annual Mondello Truck Show in Caragh, Co Kildare.

Altogether BR Transport’s fleet makes up four trucks – a considerable increase from the single truck it had when Andy Reilly first started out with – and they continue to provide a sufficient service to customers, both locally and outside the town of Mullingar.

“Conroy Recycling and Whelan Fuels are two of the local companies that we do work for in Mullingar,” explained Brendan.

“We would have a long working relationship with those two going back to my father’s days of running the

Continued Best Wishes To BR Transport From

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company and I think they continue to choose us first because of the standard of work we’ve done for them in the past.”

Gaining repeat business is always a promising sign for a family which has been in the haulage industry – both nationally and internationally – for as long as the Reillys have been.

For Brendan, the reason behind being first choice for his customers is crystal clear: “Like I said, we cover all over Ireland and go over to the UK every weekend.

“We are very reliable and we tell our customers either ‘yes or no’ and not ‘maybe’. I think that has a lot to do with why they come to us first and hopefully they’ll continue to do so for years to come.”

Given the reliable reputation that the Reillys have earned down through the years, the success of their company certainly looks set to continue.

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Arrabawn Co-Op are one of their customers

The renowned Corrib Foods have been a long standing customer

A cool job T

î “ere are many dierent aspects and sections to the haulage industry as this sector employs thousands of people across the country.

he haulage industry is vitally important to our economy as it is essential to move products and goods from one location to another. Our export industry relies heavily on the haulage industry also and without it, well the country would surely come to a halt.

For it to run smoothly as possible, there are a number of contributing factors that keep the cogs turning and with so many different types of haulage to deal with, this is not an easy task.

Refrigeration work generally involves the transportation of foodstuff and in this area time constraints are greater than any other area of haulage work.

Hauliers working in this area have to have their

CONTACT DETAILS 94

Thermo King manufacture many of the refrigeration units

FD Refrigeration

Cloorpee, Caltra, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Tel: 087 2980847 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

FD Refrigeration designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 17:55 Page 2

The company is based in Co Galway

refrigerated trailers and tankers in excellent condition as well as being well maintained. To ensure this is the case, they trailers and tankers are regularly serviced by highly trained professionals.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker we profile Galway based FD Refrigeration Ltd, a family run business that specialises in refrigeration and electrical work for the transport and industrial sector.

FD Refrigeration was established in

1998 by Francis Donnellan who brought a wealth of experience to the role as he had worked in refrigeration for many years before hand.

Francis made a decision early to ‘not get too big’ and it is a decision that has stood him in good stead over the years as he has built up a loyal customer base, many of who have been with him since he started.

For the last number of years, he has been joined in the business by his son

Finbarr who spoke to us about the services that they provide and the great lengths that they go to ensure that their customers are always satisfied.

“Business is going well at the moment and things have certainly picked up in the last couple of years,” said Finbarr. “When the recession hit, there was a lull in the work, but in fairness, the customers that we have kept us going through that time and they have been very loyal to us.”

Finbarr revealed that they are very

No job is too big or small for this experienced firm

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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much a nationwide company which sees them go to jobs in any part of the country. “The nature of the work means we could be in any county. We do all the work for the likes of Arrabawn Co-Op, Corrib Foods, Midland Fine Foods and BWG to just name a few.

“We do refrigeration and industrial work for these and other companies. I am a qualified electrician, while I also have done various courses with Thermo King who manufacture refrigeration systems.

My Best Wishes To father worked for FD Refrigeration Thermo King for years and he gained a lot of experience from there before setting out on his own.”

Not only does Finbarr and his father cover the length and breadth of the country, but they generally have to do it at unsociable hours also.

“All our customers want their vehicles working as much as is legally possible, so we tend to do a lot of our work out of hours or when they are lying idle. This is certainly not a 9am to 5pm job. We will carry out breakdowns 24/7, but in general it’s not too bad. We know that we have to look after our customers and that is something that we always strive to do, which I think they appreciate.”

Finbarr revealed that the nature of the industry means that no two jobs are the same. “It certainly never gets boring that’s for sure. You could be working on a refrigerated trailer one day and the next in some cold storage unit somewhere.

We never turn down any job no matter how big or small it is and that is something my father has done since he started the business. The fact that we stayed small as a company has stood us in good stead I think. We keep our overheads down and are able to cope with the demand for our services.”

Best wishes to FD Refrigeration

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gaffey motors designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 17:58 Page 1 A look inside the Cootehill store

Brian Dwan bought Gaffey Motor Factors in 2002

‘A team effort’ Gaffey Motor Factors is a long established supplier of quality parts, tools and accessories for the automotive industry with locations in both Cavan and Monaghan. Irish Trucker caught up with Managing Director Brian Dwan to talk about the business which has been thriving as of late.

T

hriving in tough economic times is no easy feat and Brian Dwan at Gaffey Motor Factors knows that as well as any business owner.

Since buying the company in 2002, Brian has watched it come through both the good times and the bad to where it currently stands. He is happy to report that Gaffey Motor Factors are currently experiencing the former at this moment in time.

It’s no surprise either when you consider Brian’s background in the business, having learned from some of the best in the industry.

“I started in Moffett Engineering in Clontibret and got approached by an automotive company,” he explained.

“Albert Berry Motors is where I got my education and when this company came up for sale I was encouraged to buy it. I had to cross a lot of hurdles to make it a success and a blend of youth and experience is hard to beat - I think that’s the secret with this kind of business.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Gaffey Motors Factors’ Bailieborough location

“The blend of youth and experience, along with a good atmosphere amongst your workers. People like to come in and have the craic with the lads too and feel welcome.”

To put it simply, Gaffey Motor Factors

supply the following at their stores: Car Mats, Alloy Wheels, Clutches, C.D Players, Full range of tools, Truck Parts, Trailer Parts, Lamps & Lens, Wind Deflectors, Batteries, Oils & Filters, Car Paint, Sat-Navs, Wipers, Body Panels,

Gaffey Motor Factors Lough Egish, Tullynahinera, Co. Monaghan Tel: (042) 974 5034

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Some of the company’s fleet at its premises in Lough Egish, Castleblayney

Spark Plugs, Exhausts, Clutches, Seat Covers and Number Plates.

The company’s main branch is based in Lough Egish, Castleblayney in Co Monaghan, where the doors were reopened from 2003, but since then Brian has opened two more branches in Bailieborough and Cootehill (both in Co Cavan).

“We’re going 14 years, I bought it in 2002 and we’ve 17 working here full-time now,” explained Brian.

“We started with light commercial vehicles and worked towards supplying the agricultural industry. We were getting asked more and more to provide simple things. We were being asked by truck drivers to stock parts for them and that’s how I developed into stocking materials for them.”

The 17 staff throughout the company’s three locations are all employed locally and are knowledgeable, efficient and competent when it comes to motor parts, coming from a range of sectors within the motor industry.

One member of staff whom has been salient in putting Gaffey Motor Factors on its current path is Cavan native PJ Donohoe.

Before PJ’s arrival, the business was primarily focused on the supplying car parts, tools and accessories but it has since moved in another direction, as Brian explained.

“Two years ago, PJ Donohoe joined the staff here, he has been working in the commercial parts industry for 30 years – he started off working in the automotive trade.

“He proposed for us to go into the truck end of things and PJ`s running the truck end of the business now.

“The area which we are situated in is funny, because we are actually only five minutes away from many towns. The Lakeland Dairy Plant, the Lakeland Mill, Swift’s Fine Foods and

A look at some of the stock inside the Lough Egish shop

Glanbia would all be within a 10-mile radius or so, you have a lot of food-orientated businesses around which means they’ve truck fleets.

“So it was being asked upon us to get into it and we did. PJ knew exactly what we needed to do, so we got into it and business is very good at the moment, thankfully.”

The positive reports for Gaffey Motor Factors are great to

The shelves are stocked at Gaffey Motor Factors in Bailieborough

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hear again, with the company having gone through a transition in 2002, and its Managing Director outlined that there are a few factors behind the busy times which they are currently experiencing.

Interestingly, the economic downturn has played its part in helping the business maintain older vehicles and keep them on the road for longer.

“The testing is keeping us busy,” said Brian, “believe it or not penalty points have helped us a lot because people have to maintain their cars a lot more than they used to. The average age of a car in 2007 was six years, now it’s 8.5 years.”

He added: “The recession did hit us in that so many garages closed down, which left us with many unpaid “We are finding the growth with the accounts, so we got hit like any other service we’re providing,” he said. “We business.” find that our customers give us repeat As for the company’s own fleet, they business because of the competitive currently have three fully stocked prices and warranty that we provide. delivery vans completing daily deliveries “We stay competitive through working and sales to customers. If they don’t with our suppliers and I think we’re very have what you are looking for in stock, competitive with what’s out there. You they can order and have it for you the can’t afford to have downtime and we very next day, and sometimes even the same day – depending on the item. pull out all the stops, whether it be with “We’ve three vans on the road from overnight deliveries or whatever. We Castleblayney,” explained the MD. have a courier that will collect parts in “We’ve a Ford Transit, a Volkswagen Dublin and bring it to PJ’s house for the Crafter and a Caddy van.

We have deliveries being made at all different times and we cover all over Cavan, Monaghan and neighbouring counties so we’re definitely kept busy with that.”

The reviews from customers aren’t bad either, and it explains why Gaffey Motor Factors are gaining repeat business from them.

Word of mouth has played as vital a part as any on the advertising end and Brian and his staff have put forth their best endeavours to make sure that the word about the company stays splendid to maintain its A view from behind the desk glowing reputation. at Gaffey Motor Factors IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Gaffey Motor Factos cover all over Cavan, Monaghan and their neighbouring counties

quickest possible delivery.”

Gaffey Motor Factors are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm at all three of their locations and the boss says that his staff deserve major credit for keeping the customers coming through its doors.

“We close at 6pm and not one member of staff goes home before that,” he said.

“In fairness, we have very dedicated staff here that are always willing to learn.

You have to try and make your own bond and keep the customers satisfied – that’s what you have to do. It’s a team effort.”

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A family affair H

Many haulage firms are family run businesses handed down from generation to generation.

owever, Thomas Walton has broken that trend somewhat as instead of remaining in the family business Walton Transport, he opted to start his own company three and a half years ago.

Thomas Walton may operate from the same yard in Castleinch, Co Kilkenny as its sister company Walton Transport, but Thomas was keen to point out to Irish Trucker that it is very much his own business.

“I grew up around trucks as did all the family. When I decided to go out on my own, I got great support from the family and my sister Karina looks after the administration side of the business,” said Thomas.

The company specialise in refrigerated haulage throughout Ireland, UK and Europe. The majority of their business is daily deliveries between Ireland and the UK. “We run a fleet of trucks that are usually

Walton Transport operate a fleet of 30 vehicles

CONTACT DETAILS 102

The company specialise in refrigerated transport

MAN, Scania, Renault and DAF all of which are bought brand new and kept under warranty so the dealers look after

the servicing and maintenance work.

“There are 40 people employed here, many of who are experienced drivers who do their job to the best of their capabilities and once our customers are happy, then we are too.”

There are huge time constraints when hauling chilled and frozen foodstuffs and Thomas revealed that they use the Mobili GPS fleet tracking system, which he feels has been very beneficial to them.

Often the loads that Thomas Walton Transport carry are perishable and time critical so it is extremely important to them to have a reliable system that puts the planners in complete control. Planners can also utilize the mobile applications which Mobil-i provide to manage the fleet and do their jobs properly, even when they are out of the office, using mobile devices.

“We operate a fleet of about 30 vehicles and at any one time there are 3-4 planning staff who are managing the fleet to ensure deliveries are on track.

Walton Transport Brownstown, Castleinch, Kilkenny Tel: 056 7729300 www.waltontransport.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

thomas walton designed_Layout 1 12/11/2015 17:45 Page 2

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“These staff are responsible for updating customers on arrival times for their deliveries and they find the ‘Live Locations’ on the system invaluable for being able to see where each vehicle is. With this information they can give accurate updates to their customers, and also ensure that drivers are sticking to the correct schedule.”

Of course, there are many overheads to contend with in the haulage industry and Thomas admitted to us that every decision has to be given great consideration beforehand.

“The overheads are huge in this game, especially when travelling to the U.K and mainland Europe, so everything has to be monitored. The fuel rebate has helped a little and it is a challenging industry to be involved in.”

Thomas revealed that despite having no real plans to expand the business, if a customer wants more done, then he will provide that extra work.

“We’re happy with the direction that the business is going and the workload we have, but if our customers expand, we will have to do so as well.”

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No removal job is too big or too small

e UK-Ireland removal experts Britannia Ryans Move International is a professional, family-owned removals and storage company which was established in London 33 years ago to provide families, individuals and corporate clients with high-quality, secure removal and storage solutions, including a weekly service between Ireland and the UK. We caught up with founder / MD Chris Ryan – a second-generation Irishman of Tipperary descent - to find out more.

W

hether moving within the UK, between Ireland and the UK, to Europe or internationally, Britannia Ryans Move International offers removal, packing and storage services that are second to none. As leading members of Britannia Movers International Plc consortium - the largest and most successful independent moving company in the UK (with over 40 branches nationwide) – Britannia Ryans provide award-winning, professional international shipping services that have been honed and perfected through decades of experience.

Many years as both a near and long distance moving company dealing with all kinds of moves has given the meticulous

CONTACT DETAILS 106

team at Ryans unrivalled industry experience, leaving them fully prepared to safely transport goods wherever and however required.

The range of services available includes quality, efficient and cost-effective removals and storage worldwide; the supply of removals boxes and packing materials; document storage and shredding. Storage facilities are safe and secure and containers can be accessed at any time. A team of professional packers and movers boasts the expertise, knowledge and capacity to help every house move or business relocation run as smoothly as possible.

Britannia Ryans offer a weekly shuttle service to and from Ireland. With mover

staff and storage units based in Ireland, they can provide a complete home or business removal solution. Anything can be collected and delivered, from a single item to the contents of an entire household, including car shipping, using a modern fleet of vehicles of various sizes, all fitted with air suspension to prevent items being damaged in transit.

With over 30 years’ experience of moving household effects and antiques between the two neighbouring islands, uniformed, professional and highly-trained movers and packers can – if required provide a full packing and unpacking service.

Reflecting on the genesis and early days of his operation, Chris told Irish Trucker: “I

Britannia Ryans Move International, 1 Orbital Business Park, Argon Road, London, N18 3BW. Tel: 0044 208 803 5151 / 062 76181 Email: britannia@ryansmove.co.uk Web: ryansmove.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ryan move designed_Layout 1 13/11/2015 12:24 Page 2

set the business up in 1982. I started off as a van driver and bought my own Transit before investing in my first truck. During the 1980s, there was a lot of emigration out of Ireland and also a lot of people moving from the UK to Ireland to retire. The younger generation were leaving Ireland and the older generation were moving back home, so there was a boom in the transport industry between the two countries and that’s the market I decided to tap into.

“I built the business on that boom, providing a secure removal service from the UK to all parts of Ireland and also backloaded antiques and furniture from Ireland to Sotheby’s and Christie’s etc. I built the business up from there and then started to go to Europe. Eighteen years ago, I joined Britannia Movers International, which allowed us to effectively have a branch in every city in the UK. There are 42 branches in that consortium – all individuallyowned family businesses which work together with licensed vehicles, increased buying power and greater access to the market. There are two branches in London and I cover an area north of the Thames and inside the M25, offering removals worldwide. Ten years ago, we restructured again to provide international shipping to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc.”

For cross-channel work, Britannia Ryans Move International can ship home contents or business effects from anywhere in the UK to any location in Ireland. “There is a pick-up in removals to Ireland again due to the Sterling being so strong, while property prices in London never decreased,” Chris notes. “People in London are realising that they can get big money for their houses and, with the benefit of a very favourable exchange rate, can move back to Ireland and buy a fabulous property and still have plenty left over. A lot of people who work from home anyway are finding that with the internet era, they can do the exact same work based in Ireland and can have a fabulous home. Houses in Ireland are already half price and the strong British Pound makes then look even more appealing.”

Chris has even taken the plunge himself: his parents hail from Cappawhite in County Tipperary and he has purchased their former home place, which he retreats to a number of times a year.

He operates a fleet of twelve vehicles, from 3.5 tonners for local

A weekly removal service is provided between Ireland and the UK

work up to 38tonne with wagon-and-drag drawbar trailers. All the vehicles are Mercedes-Benz to ensure Low Emission Zone (LEZ) compliance within London.

Ferry bookings are done through Victor Treacy International and the routes used are Liverpool – Dublin and Birkenhead – Belfast to allow drivers to get a good sleep on board the ferry before hitting the road the following day.

Chris estimates that around 10% of his work is between Ireland and the UK, noting that it is largely seasonal: “It tends to be seasonal. We have lorries going every week during the summer as people with children are more likely to move during those months so as to not disrupt their school too much. From mid-July until early September is the peak period. We provide a complete service, with trained packers who will pack and unpack everything and we will also take the family cars over as well if required. We also do corporate moves … say for example if a company is sending a manager to Ireland for a particular period of time, we can help set them up.”

Gainful employment is provided to a team of between 25 and 30 – not bad considering that Chris started out as a one-man band some 33 years ago!

“We are very competitively priced and all our staff are trained and fully-insured, as are the vehicles, which are all on air-ride suspension,” he concludes. “We can get our wagon-and-drags into any area by removing the trailers and have swap bodies which allows us access into even the smallest spaces.”

Every base is covered. Literally.

Britannia Ryans Move International uses professional, highly-trained movers and packers

Best Wishes To Britannia Ryans Move International

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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