Irish Trucker magazine December 2014/January 2015

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IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 Vol. 17 No. 11

EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50

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SPECIALISTS IN HAULAGE & COMMERCIAL INSURANCES

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

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

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

Contents

www.keaneyinsurance.ie

www.irishtrucker.com

2

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

62

Armagh Logistics Leading the way as shipping agents at Warrenpoint Port

24

Lougheran Bulk Transport Top class bulk tipper service

66

28

O’Dwyer Transport We talk to Logistics’ Manager Brendan O’Dwyer

Fane Valley Group One of Ireland’s most progressive agri-food businesses

70

Zellwood Ltd. Chilled goods distribution specialists

32

M&T Plant Hire Ltd. Providing a wide range of services to a large customer base

74

Paramount Conversions One of Ireland’s leading vehicle conversion manufacturers

35

North Road Commercials One of Dublin’s leading CVRT centres

79

38

Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd. Providing an outstanding service to its customers

Gardiner Accident Repair Invaluable experience in the accident repair industry

82

40

Linwoods Pascal Manley - Transport Manager of the Year

CCTC Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland Kevin Traynor - National Director

84

46

FH Commercials Ltd. Ulster’s premier commercial vehicle repair and servicing centre

Gleeson Steel & Engineering Ltd. Premier truck body & trailer manufacturing company

88

McLean (Oil) Fuels Providers of a wide range of fuel products

50

Cork City Ford Centre A vibrant urban motor dealership

92

S Connolly & Sons Experts in liquid transport haulage

53

Cafco Vehicle Solutions Specialists in commercial body building and van fitting

96

Fleetminder Developed & distributed by ASC Software Ltd.

56

Kelly European Freight Services Ltd. Has earned itself an excellent reputation

98

Clarke Transport Ltd. Synonmous with the haulage industry

60

Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre Ltd. Catering for all at their CVRT centre

93

Classifields

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

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First DAF Euro 6 models prove successful choice for growth of Prohire’s short term commercial vehicle rental business

Having had the confidence to be one of the first to invest in Euro 6 technology for its growing short-term hire business, Prohire PLC (www.prohire.plc.uk), the commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet management specialist, is extremely satisfied with its choice of new DAF LF and CF Euro 6 trucks, which have been well received after their first six months in operation.

When procuring its new commercial vehicles last year, Prohire made a conscious decision to choose the improved efficiency and environmental credentials of Euro 6 compliant vehicles, as Dave Barlow, Commercial Director, Prohire PLC explained:

“At the time, we could easily have chosen well proven Euro 5 models, but that seemed like a backward step, and DAF gave us the confidence to invest in its new LF and CF Euro 6 models as we wanted to offer our customers the latest technology and best fuel economy, and we haven’t regretted it.

“After six months on our busy short term rental fleet, used by a wide variety of commercial operators, any worries about the new Euro 6 technology has been completely unfounded in our experience as we haven’t had any issues or negative comments, which is a really positive sign,” he continued.

DAF is a key supplier to Prohire’s contract hire and fleet management business, and represents around 50 per cent of the vehicles on its total HGV (>3.5t) fleet.

The new DAF LF250 18t trucks have the latest six cylinder, 6.7-litre, PACCAR PX-7, Euro 6 engine, while the CF290 FAR 6x2 trucks are 26t with a six cylinder. 10.8-litre, PACCAR MX-11 Euro 6 engine. Both engines are designed to maximise performance, yet be lighter, more fuel efficient and lower running costs with service intervals up to 60,000 km. They also has new, enhanced interiors to improve the daily work-life of the driver.

These vehicles are used exclusively for Prohire’s short term rental division and are based across the UK, sometimes driven by a different driver every day, and expected to cover around 500,000 km during their five year lifecycle. They were supplied via Lancashire DAF in Preston, and as the majority of Prohire’s customers operate in the haulage and distribution sectors, it chose rigid bodies fitted with curtainsides by approved specialist commercial vehicle bodybuilder, Martin Williams (Hull) Limited.

Phil Moon, Marketing Manager, DAF Trucks UK added: “With strong durability, positive driver feedback and low running costs, DAF trucks are a particularly popular choice for rental fleets for operators and end users alike, especially for distribution and multi-drop work.

“The new, enhanced interiors and lower running costs of our Euro 6 models will make them even more popular, with the same high standards of customer service from the DAF dealer network that our customers rely on,” he continued

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

PARTS FOR:

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

UNRIVALLED STOCKISTS FOR:

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

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

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New DAF XF with drawbar trailer makes Airedalel Chemical delivery fleet more responsive, efficient and manoeuverable For improved manoeuvrability, greater responsiveness and more efficient logistics, one of the UK’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors, Airedale Chemical (www.airdalechemical.com), chose drawbar trailers for the three new DAF XF Euro 6 trucks which recently joined its fleet.

One of the new DAF XF Euro 6 trucks has a bespoke tanker body for bulk chemical solution distribution developed by Crosslands Tankers in Accrington, while the other two have curtainsider bodies and trailers for carrying packaged chemical products.

This relatively unusual vehicle combination was chosen to make it easier to access some sites and to improve efficiency and responsiveness of customer deliveries thanks to the flexibility of being able to dismount the drawbar trailer unit for separate filling or unloading, while the other part can travel to another location or return to the Airedale Chemical site in West Yorkshire.

On duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and travelling 100,000 miles a year carrying 44 tonnes of specialist

chemicals to customers all over the UK and abroad means a safe, reliable and efficient fleet is essential for Airedale Chemical to maintain its high customer service standards and often short lead times, with 11 of the 17 vehicles it owns and manages itself now DAF. Each vehicle is fitted with a ‘driver performance’ system which monitors and evaluates each driver on how well they perform on MPG and efficiency.

The new DAF XF trucks were the first Euro 6 models to join the Airedale Chemical fleet and have received such good fuel economy and driver feedback scores that it has already ordered two more.

Graham Bird, Transport Manager, Airedale Chemical commented: “We have a long and healthy commercial relationship with DAF that has provided a good foundation for the expansion of our fleet.

“We continue to choose DAF trucks as they are well designed with a nice appearance and have competitive ongoing costs with reasonably priced parts plus a good MPG fuel return,” Graham added.

The specialist nature of the hazardous chemical substances delivered by

Airedale Chemical mean that every vehicle has a bespoke design manufactured to comply with strict ADR (European Agreement for the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulations. In addition, its drivers also have to be ADR trained. The vehicles were supplied by Lancashire DAF in Preston.

Phil Moon, Marketing Manager, DAF Trucks UK commented: “The DAF XF is well known for its strong long haul abilities and driver comfort, but this also proves its talents for bespoke bodies with trailers and for carrying hazardous loads.

“It’s also great to hear from another customer having a great experience with our new Euro 6 models, especially the feedback of strong fuel economy and happy drivers,” Phil added.

Like the DAF LF and CF models, the new XF Euro 6 range offers the latest state-of-the-art, quieter PACCAR turbocharged diesel engines with better fuel economy and lower Euro 6compliant emissions, plus lower maintenance costs with service intervals up to 60,000 km. It also has a new, enhanced interior to improve the daily work-life of the driver.

14% growth forecast for the West European Trailer Market with more to come

CLEAR International has issued a new report forecasting the demand for heavy goods trailers in Western Europe to 2018.

At the IAA trade fair in Hannover in September there was pessimism in the air. The trailer industry and its suppliers had had a good first half in 2014 but there was less confidence in the outlook for the last quarter and the beginning of 2015.

On top of this there has been a raft of bad economic news as the euro zone returned to low growth and even Germany just avoided a recession by growing 0.1% in 2014 Q3. The international business media love to foretell disaster.

CLEAR has a different perspective. It is entirely normal when recovering from a recession for there to be a year of little or zero growth in the trailer market and 2015 will be such a year. Indeed it has been part of the CLEAR forecast since 2011.

Look back at the recessions of 1993, 2003 and now 2009 and the same pattern is clearly discernible.

What is more, the GDP levels in Germany, France, the UK, Belgium and many smaller economies within Europe are at an all time record high in real terms, not to mention the USA, China etc.

And what about the trailer market in 2014 ? CLEAR forecast 15% growth for 2014 and in the latest report the forecast is now 14.4%.

The CLEAR thesis is that the gloom and doom of recent months has been overdone and that confidence in the economy will return in 2015, leading to substantial growth in the trailer market in 2016.

Gary Beecroft, Managing Director of CLEAR added, “Trailer production, having fallen by 9.8% from the 2011 level, will also have a double digit increase in 2014. However, 10,000 trailers have been wiped from the forecast, much of it as a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine.”

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IMPORTANT NOTICE

NEW PENALTY POINT OFFENCES From 8 December a number of new offences incurring penalty points and fixed charges will be introduced and there will be amendments to some existing offences.

Be informed and review the amendments detailed below:

NEW OFFENCES AND FIXED CHARGE NOTICES AT 8 DECEMBER 2014

Offences

incurring Penalty Points and Fixed Charges

Penalty points on payment

Penalty points on conviction

Amount paid in 28 days

Amount paid in next 28 days

Fixed Charge €

Fixed Charge €

Using vehicle in a public place without an authorisation plate

3

5

60

90

Using vehicle in a public place that has been modified or altered such that authorisation plate is inaccurate

3

5

60

90

Using vehicle not equipped with a speed limitation device or using a vehicle equipped with a speed limitation device not complying with requirements specified in Regulations

3

5

60

90

Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle length sign where length exceeds maximum displayed

1

3

60

90

Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle width sign where width exceeds maximum displayed

1

3

60

90

Proceeding beyond maximum design gross vehicle weight (safety) sign where design gross vehicle weight exceeds maximum displayed

1

3

60

90

Proceeding beyond maximum vehicle axle loading weight sign where vehicle axle loading weight exceeds maximum specified

1

3

60

90

Learner permit holder driving unaccompanied by qualified person

2

4

80

120

Failure to display N-Plate or tabard

2

4

60

90

Failure to display L-Plate or tabard

2

4

60

90

Contravention of ban on U-turns

2

4

60

90

Contravention of rules for use of mini roundabouts

1

3

60

90

Proceeding beyond no entry to vehicles sign

1

3

60

90

Proceeding beyond a traffic lane control sign other than in accordance with such sign or without yielding

1

3

60

90

CHANGES TO EXISTING OFFENCES AND FIXED CHARGE NOTICES AT 8 DECEMBER 2014

Offences

incurring Penalty Points and Fixed Charges

Penalty points on payment

Penalty points on conviction

Amount paid in 28 days

Amount paid in next 28 days

Fixed Charge €

Fixed Charge €

Using vehicle (car) without valid test certificate (NCT)

3

5

60

90

Parking a vehicle in a dangerous position

3

5

80

120

Failure to drive on the left hand side of the road

2

4

60

90

Dangerous overtaking

3

5

80

120

Contravention of prohibition of driving vehicle along or across median strip

2

4

60

90

Failure to stop a vehicle before stop sign/stop line

3

5

80

120

Failure to yield right of way at a yield sign/yield line

3

5

80

120

Failure to comply with mandatory traffic signs at junctions

2

4

80

120

Crossing continuous white line

3

5

80

120

Failure by vehicle to obey traffic lights

3

5

80

120

Failure to leave appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front

3

5

80

120

12 Penalty Points = six months disqualification Where the person was first issued with a learner permit on or after 1 August 2014, during the period the person drives under a learner permit and during the first two years while the person drives under a first full driving licence, then 7 Penalty Points = six months disqualification.

To see a full list of offences incurring penalty points, visit rsa.ie.

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H. Parkinson Haulage puts 35 new SDC Curtainsiders on the Road

National distribution company H. Parkinson Haulage continue along their line of re-investment, with the addition of 35 new SDC Curtainsider Trailers to their modern fleet of trailer and tractor units. The new delivery consists of a range of extended length 15.6m trailers and standard 13.6m Curtainsider trailers built by UK manufacturer SDC. Chris Parkinson, Managing Director of H. Parkinson Haulage Ltd. said: “I am delighted to add 35 new SDC trailers to our fleet. By continuously re-investing in our diverse fleet of trailers, we hope HPH can provide a solution for every haulage scenario and deliver a service that’s tailor-made for each customer’s individual requirement and continue to ensure an excellent level of service. SDC Trailers have always served us well providing exceptional quality and durability, the new 13.6m and 15.6m curtainsiders will be used for our growing UK client base, including Kimberly-Clark and IKO PLC.” H. Parkinson Haulage’s trailers have been a familiar sight on Britain’s roads over the last 60 years. Traditionally the company transported goods for the paper industry however they have since expanded into a range of commercial sectors having invested over £2 million in infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and technology over the last three years. Headquartered in Preston, the company also has an additional five branches for warehouse, storage, servicing, repairs and distribution.

Paul Bratton, Director at SDC Trailers said “I am very pleased to continue our working relationship with H. Parkinson Haulage.

SDC were the first manufacturer to introduce the 15.6m extended length curtainsider to the market back in 2011, providing operators with the ability to transport a higher volume of goods with one vehicle. As well as product quality and innovation, SDC strive to offer an exceptional level of customer service, ensuring customers get the best return on their investment.”

Manufacturing across four sites in the UK, SDC Trailers are set to increase their production levels to 200 trailers per week, in response to a high level of market demand. Continuing to focus on innovation and added value, SDC launched a new 15.6m extended length skeletal trailer earlier this year, which was also built under the UK’s longer length semi-trailer trial.

For more information contact: aodheendougan@sdctrailers.com

High Tech will bring big cost benefit Komatsu distributor says

The benefits that technology will bring to current and future generations of plant buyers will be reflected in extra productivity, greater economy and higher levels of operational safety sufficient to deliver increased profit and offset the higher purchase costs involved, Komatsu distributor Michael McHale, managing director of McHale Plant Sales, has predicted.

Citing Komatsu’s factory-fitted ‘i in the sky’ intelligent control and guidance technology as one example of the high-spec goodies now becoming standard features on modern machines, McHale said ‘the pay-off that owners can expect from these new systems will more than reward them for the higher purchase price they may have to pay.’

‘Typical of these will be the ability to allow less qualified drivers fill in when skilled operatives are ill or unavailable, without sacrificing quality or productivity’ he said. ‘Stroke-sensing hydraulics that control bucket positioning and remove the worry of digging too deep or damaging a target surface are already a reality as are inertial measuring devices that deliver precise machine orientation and angle monitoring.’

Other benefits that technology will deliver include consistent accuracy when rough digging and automatic single pass grading while staking, surveying and final inspection can be reduced or eliminated.

Predicting a future when it could be a ‘condition’ that equipment coming on site is fitted with machine control systems, McHale observed that ‘the day is not far away when touch screen skills will be the first qualification on an operator’s can do list.’

As if to underline his belief, Michael McHale also pointed to the fact that, currently, Komatsu is devoting some 3.5% of turnover to R&D spending with some 3.500 engineers employed in the development of new technologies.

Moreover, he said, proof of the value that this has in global terms is seen in Komatsu’s selection on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indices for the second year running.

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Tomato Plant purchases first Citywhale Micro

Leading logistics company Tomato Plant has purchased the first CityWhale Micro, one of a new range of highly versatile vehicles from Whale Tankers offering both jetting and suction capability in a package ideal for urban operation.

The CityWhale range was launched at this year’s CV Show and Tomato Plant purchased the exhibition model from the Whale stand. Now liveried up in the company’s distinctive colours and design, Tomato Plant is using its new CityWhale Micro for underground car park applications, including those at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Keith Williams, founder and owner of Tomato Plant, said: “We wanted a small and versatile vehicle that could provide the reliability, performance and flexibility we needed for use in locations where space is restricted, such as underground car parks where there is often low height access. This new CityWhale Micro, which in this case is built on a 3.2 tonne GVW Euro 5 Ford Ranger chassis, meets our needs perfectly; we liked the look of it and had no hesitation in buying the vehicle off the stand and adding it to our fleet.”

Chris Anderson, Commercial Director for Whale Tankers, said: “Our new CityWhale Micro has been extremely well received at this summer’s round of trade fairs and exhibitions and we’ve pleased that Tomato Plant has taken delivery of the first model.

“With the added capability of four wheel drive, it can be operated in even the hardest to reach areas without the need for an HGV licence which further demonstrates CityWhale’s flexibility and we’re confident Tomato Plant will benefit from the many features the vehicle has to offer.

The CityWhale range has been designed and developed by Whale in conjunction with French partners Baroclean, and is based on a popular European concept of deploying a lightweight combination tanker in areas such as congested town and city centres and car parks. Built to an exacting specification to meet the demands of urban operation, it features aluminium tanks right across the model line-up.

Also available on a 3.5 tonne GVW Euro 5 Ford Ranger chassis, the high quality aluminium tank has a 1,200 litre capacity – divided into 400 litres for water and 800 litres for sludge. It features, as standard, a Jurop PN33 suction pump and a Pratissoli KT22 high pressure triplex piston pump, giving a water flow of 50 litres/min at 250 bar with a ½ inch steel braided jetting hose. The Tomato Plant vehicle has been specified at 320bar with a 43 litres/min flow and a 3/8 inch hose. Both pumps are hydraulically driven by the vehicle engine through an OMSI 210MKG transfer box.

An eight channel radio remote control unit, a hydraulically-driven 100m high pressure hose reel and integral lockable aluminium storage cabinets are included in the comprehensive specification, with the launch vehicle purchased by Tomato Plant also being fitted with an optional swivel hose and up-rated rear leaf spring suspension.

Available this autumn, the CityWhale Major (7.5t) will be based on the Mitsubishi Fuso chassis and will feature a 3,800 litre tank (800 litres water, 3,000 litre waste) with a jetting pump performance of 80 litres/min at 200bar.

Chris Anderson added: “The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 created the onus on clearing drain blockages in situ, rather than simply just jetting the blockage further down the drainage system. This highly flexible combination unit gives both suction and jetting capability, mounted on a popular chassis, which will allow operators to work in situations which might be inaccessible to larger machines.”

Established in 2010, Tomato Plant specialises in the hire and operation of a range of specialist vehicles and plant moving equipment from low loaders to lorry loaders with cranes to a range of tankers and 4X4 vehicles

Tweel Michelin’s ‘Runswithout-air’ radial tyre wheels into productions

Tweel - a radial tyre for agricultural and commercial applications that runs without air - is going into production at a new Michelin plant in the United States.

Combining the words ‘tyre’ and ‘wheel’, Tweel was conceived by Michelin research engineers during their search to find an alternative to the pneumatic tyre.

First introduced as a concept at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Tweel consists of a non-pneumatic tyre and wheel assembly made in one solid unit with an outer moulded tread connected to an inner rim structure by a series of energy-absorbing polyurethane ‘spokes’.

Restricted to agricultural and commercial applications initially, it is designed to solve what Michelin describes as the ‘unavoidable challenge’ of chronic flat tyres. Experts believe the Tweel could become a common fitment on family cars.

It is being produced at Michelin’s newest plant at Piedmont, South Carolina – their 10th manufacturing facility in South Carolina and their 16th in the United States.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Motorway gets go ahead Work on the construction of new motorway between Gort and Tuam in Co Galway is to begin before the end of the year, after funding was approved for the project. The Department of Public Expenditure has approved the allocation of money to cover the Exchequer element of the scheme. The National Roads Authority says it will now re-engage with the preferred private contractor to complete the new N17/ N18 route. The construction of a 57-km motorway - part of the so-called Atlantic Corridor on the west coast - will take thousands of vehicles out of Clarinbridge, Claregalway and Tuam each day. It will be constructed as a Public Private Partnership project. There will be no tolls on the route. Instead the State will pay the private contractors an annuity over 25 years. The NRA says hundreds Construction on new motorway of jobs will be created during the construction process. It is between Gort and Tuam set to begin expected the motorway will take up to three years to complete at a cost of €550 million. An environmental assessment of the proposed route has already been done, along with an archaeological review. In addition, compulsory purchase orders required to develop the road have been completed. The project stalled in 2010 when the bidders first selected as the private contractor were unable to secure funding to carry out the work, due to the economic downturn. The contract was subsequently awarded to Direct Route- a group made up of several contractors including Lagan, Roadbridge and Sisk.

Port of Cork sees increase in trade traffic in 2012 End of Year Statement from Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company The Port of Cork Company today announced end of year trade traffic results for 2012, showing a total of 9.05 million tonnes. This is an increase of 2% compared to 2011 figures and it is the first time traffic figures in the Port have surpassed 9 million tonnes since 2008.

2012 was a very challenging year across many sectors including the Irish port sector with the import of goods through Irish ports reported to have fallen by up to 11%. However, the Port of Cork container volumes has shown an increase of 6% with over 165,000 TEU handled during 2012 and imports, excluding oil, are up by 12%. Imports of animal feed stuffs increased by 58% compared to 2011 while fertiliser, cereals and other trades have shown a marginal decrease in 2012.

Oil traffic remained steady despite the lower levels of domestic economic activity; however exports of refined product from Phillips 66 Whitegate Oil Refinery were strong and continue to be a significant part of the Port of Cork business. Exports are a key driver in the successful recovery of the Irish Economy and the Port of Cork is committed to continuous support in the growth of international trade for the country’s economic prospects and job creation.

Remarking on the end of year trade traffic results, Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said: “The Port of Cork is pleased to announce that our total trade traffic in 2012 remained strong and overall we are starting to see some stabilisation in trade levels in and out of the Port. With 98% of volume of all goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is of vital strategic importance. We will continue to look to the sectors that are performing strongly, such as food exports and will seek to capitalise on the demand for such goods from Europe and emerging markets.”

He continued: “The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region. The challenge now facing us in 2013 is to continue to develop the Port in order to meet the needs of the Country as it emerges from this current recession. We will continue to be extremely active in the emerging trends and logistic supply changes to reinforce our existing strength as the primary deepwater port in the south of Ireland and build on our progress to date”.

Port officials are pro-actively engaged with tourism interests, County and City Councils and destination attractions to enhance the product on offer to the visiting cruise lines with a view to growing the business further through its dedicated cruise terminal. 57 cruise vessels visited the Port of Cork during 2012 bringing almost 100,000 passengers and crew to the region and the Port is scheduled to accommodate 64 vessels in 2013. The Port of Cork was awarded two Cruise Insight Awards for ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’ which were announced at the global shipping conference, Seatrade Miami in April 2012. This achievement highlighted the outstanding team effort and commitment by the Port of Cork to deliver an excellent service to the visiting cruise lines and their passengers when in Cork. The Port is delighted to be supporting The Gathering for 2013 and is actively ensuring that all visitors who transit through our facilities receive a warm welcome to Irish shores. Brittany Ferries remained steady on its weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff and the Port remains fully committed to establishing new routes and services from Cork.

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

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Motor racing personality Tiff Needell challenges a Koenigsegg One:1 in a Volvo truck

In Volvo Trucks' new film ‘Volvo Trucks vs Koenigsegg’, motor racing personality Tiff Needell drives a Volvo FH against one of the world's fastest sports cars – a Koenigsegg One:1. The aim is to put the new I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox, based on a technique used in sports cars, to the ultimate test.

Beside a Volvo FH – designed for long heavy transport assignments, stands a Koenigsegg One:1 – one of the world's fastest cars that is capable of 0–400 km/h in less than 20 seconds. Behind the wheel of the truck sits the experienced motor racing personality Tiff Needell, who normally presents the British motoring programme Fifth Gear. In a few seconds, the two vehicles will come up against each other on the Knutstorp race circuit in southern Sweden, a track known for its hills and sharp curves.

To stand a fair chance, the Volvo FH received a minor handicap - the truck will drive one lap while the Koenigsegg drives two. Despite this, the conclusion is still unpredictable.

“Being a racing driver, you're never afraid. You are always confident in your machinery. I was a bit apprehensive about driving a truck on a racetrack, since I'd never done it before. However, after I had driven it for a while I began to have full confidence in the Volvo,” says Tiff Needell.

The decision to challenge a racing car with a truck is no coincidence. The newly launched transmission in the Volvo FH – the IShift Dual Clutch – is based on a technique used in sports cars.

“Matching a Volvo FH against Koenigsegg One:1 was a great challenge, to see if our new gearbox delivers what it promises in terms of driveability,” says Per Nilsson, PR Director at Volvo Trucks.

Without revealing the results, Tiff Needell admits he was impressed by the performance of the truck.

“I-Shift Dual Clutch is absolutely incredible. It is particularly noticeable on slopes, the truck does not hold back – it just flows smoothly, without the gear changes being felt. When you brake, it switches down very softly and comfortably. The truck definitely has the heart of a sports car,” says Tiff Needell.

At Koenigsegg, they had no hesitations in taking up the challenge from Volvo Trucks.

“We are always open to an exciting challenge. At the same time, it was particularly fun to race against a Volvo truck, because we have much more in common than just having sports car technology in our vehicles. We are two Swedish premium brands that are both at the forefront of our different segments,” says Christian von Koenigsegg, founder and CEO of Koenigsegg.

24-hour trailer delivery solves predicament for UK haulier

Iver-based haulage company European UK Road Operations has taken delivery of a brand-new built-to-order curtainside trailer from Schmitz Cargobull – just hours after signing on the dotted line.

Managing Director Paul Bedwell faced a dilemma of needing a new tri-axle curtainsider at a moment’s notice, and telephoned Schmitz Cargobull’s local Area Sales Manager, Craig Kedda, to enquire about lead times.

“When Craig said he could build me a trailer within 24 hours I was blown away,” says Bedwell. “He solved my predicament in an instant. What’s more, the price was competitive, so I didn’t even bother ringing anyone else.”

Bedwell placed the order and completed the paperwork with Schmitz Cargobull on a Friday, before despatching a two-man crew on the Sunday night to collect the trailer. They arrived at the factory in Altenberge, Germany, on Monday morning, and then headed straight to Amsterdam to pick-up an important load.

He adds: “You know what you’re getting with a Schmitz Cargobull trailer. They’ve got a great reputation for being robust and reliable, plus you’ve got the reassurance of access to a whole network of service locations across Europe.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s Altenberge facility has the capacity to build up to 200 curtainsider trailers per day – giving the company significant scope for speedy deliveries and the ability to react to even large orders quickly. Altenberge is one of nine manufacturing sites in Europe alone.

Kedda explains: “We don’t build trailers for stock, but if a customer wants a standard specification trailer, we can normally build these in a matter of days, sometimes even hours.

“This puts us in a very strong position, particularly when so many UK trailer manufacturers are quoting several months to fulfil new orders.”

The new curtainsider is being used by European UK Road Operations primarily on exhibitions, television and film set work. It typically operates at gross train weights of between 24 and 38 tonnes, and is expected to remain on the fleet for up to 10 years.

It has been specified with plain grey curtains, adding a level of discretion which Bedwell says is preferred by many of his customers. Its sliding-roof also affords the flexibility of being able to load through the roof – a useful feature for a trailer which will spend a lot of its time on the Continent.

For further information about European UK Road Operations please contact Paul Bedwell on +44 (0) 7802 917 801 or by email to paul@euro-haulage.co.uk

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

truck news designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:46 Page 10

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Srah, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon Tel: +353 94 9640942 / 9640943 Fax: +353 94 9640987 Email: info@transzonefreight.com 11

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SDC roll out 69 new trailers for The Canute Group as trailer production is accelerated

SDC’s latest trailer order was secured with UK based logistics provider Canute for the delivery of 50 new curtainsider trailers, 11 step frame double deck curtainsiders, 6 brick flats and 2 new urban trailers. As the Canute order went into production SDC’s Director Paul Bratton put the wheels in motion to further increase the manufacturer’s production output levels to more than 200 trailers weekly. The development is in response to a high level of market demand for the company’s range of heavy duty trailers for the road transport and logistics industry.

The Canute Group is one of the fastest growing global supply chain logistics service providers in the UK, employing over 1300 personnel across twelve regional distribution and warehousing facilities. The privately owned company have a diverse customer base within the Retail, construction, engineering and healthcare sectors. The new fleet of trailers will add to the Canute Group’s range of step-frame double deck curtainsiders, box vans, brick flats and skeletal trailers already received from SDC in 2014.

Wayne Marshall from the Canute Group said “I am pleased to receive our latest batch of new trailers from SDC. We have worked hard over the years to build a strong customer base globally, and it is important that we can deliver the goods irrespective of market, product or geography. SDC Trailers have enabled us to match the growth of our business and to reflect the diverse requirements of our customers. High quality reliable equipment is vital if we are to match the sophistication and innovation of the solutions we are developing within the logistics market place”.

Already the UK’s largest trailer manufacturer, SDC have further increased their production output by 30% in this fiscal year, in response to a steady increase in customer orders. With over 500,000 square feet of production space, SDC Trailers four manufacturing plants are amongst the most modern and efficient facilities in Europe. The trailer manufacturer works alongside sister company MDF Engineering to retain complete control over the design and manufacturing process, while ensuring quality standards and lead times are maintained.

SDC anticipates trailer demand will continue to surge in 2015, Sales Director Paul Bratton commented “We are seeing positive signs in the UK market as more operators are investing in new trailers rather than second hand units. It is great to see long-standing customers like Canute coming back to SDC when they are ready to make a new purchase. As the demand increases we recognise that service levels and lead times as well as product quality will play an important role in the decision making process.

With the appointment of over 200 new employees and an increase in production facilities, SDC is well placed to meet the growing market demand without compromising on quality or customer service. We have also increased our distribution network of truck and trailer parts with the addition of new branches, delivery vehicles and a dedicated export department, ensuring customer downtime is kept to a minimum.”

Headquartered in Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, SDC have production facilities in Toomebridge, Antrim and Mansfield, where they manufacture for the industry’s leading logistics providers, supermarket chains and trailer hire companies. They provide customers with a bespoke engineering service, to design a product that meets specific transport requirements. The SDC Trailer portfolio features a range of bespoke and innovative curtainsiders, box vans, skeletals, platforms and urban trailers.

Mercedes-Benz appoints new Donegal light commercials dealer

A newly-formed motor dealership, Uni-Star Motors Limited, has been established in Letterkenny to represent the Mercedes-Benz range of vans and light commercial vehicles.

Uni-Star Motors has its headquarters at Joe Bonner Road, Off Port Road in Letterkenny. There it will provide sales and after-sales services for the popular Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter ranges of panel vans, pick-ups, chassis cab and crew carriers.

General Manager of Uni-Star Motors is Alan Stoddart, a stalwart of motor retailing in Donegal, who will head up the sales operation. Alan will be assisted by a fully trained team who will provide essential back-up service The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, one of the models for which newly-formed Donegal motor dealership, Uni-Star for new and existing customers.

Motors Limited will provide sales and after-sales services Commenting, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady said ‘we are delighted to be joining forces with Uni-Star Motors, a dealership with deep roots in Donegal. Mercedes-Benz light commercials have a strong customer base in the county. Through this appointment, we look forward to seeing their future needs being serviced by such a professional and highly-regarded team.

Responding, Alan Stoddart said ‘representing Mercedes-Benz is the fulfilment of an ambition which gives us the very top-end of vans and light commercials. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be hard at work introducing our new dealership to existing Mercedes-Benz owners whilst welcoming prospective customers to our new premises in Letterkenny.’

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Ingersoll Rand to acquire FRIGOBLOCK

Ingersoll-Rand plc (NYSE:IR), a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire FRIGOBLOCK for €100 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2015, subject to regulatory approval.

FRIGOBLOCK manufactures and designs transport refrigeration units for trucks and trailers in Europe, primarily sold in Northern Europe. FRIGOBLOCK operates in Essen, Germany and is home to about 150 employees. The company’s annual revenue is approximately €41 million. We expect the business to be accretive to EPS, EBITDA margins and ROIC in its first full year of operation.

Upon closing of the transaction, Ingersoll Rand will welcome the FRIGOBLOCK brand into the Ingersoll Rand family of brands and will become part of the Transport Solutions business, which goes to market as Thermo King and is consolidated within the company’s Climate Segment. The FRIGOBLOCK facility will become a global competence center for electrical and environmentally sustainable systems for transport refrigeration at Ingersoll Rand. The acquisition will add to Thermo King’s strength in delivering safe, reliable and efficient transport temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications.

“FRIGOBLOCK utilizes innovative technology to deliver products with low fuel consumption and reduced noise which decreases environmental impact and creates differentiation in the market. FRIGOBLOCK products are known for reliability and built with high quality,” said Ray Pittard, president, Transport Solutions, Ingersoll Rand.

“This opportunity will allow us to offer customers in Europe and globally through our strong channels FRIGOBLOCK hybrid and non-diesel technologies.”

“We are proud that FRIGOBLOCK will soon become a member of the Ingersoll Rand family of brands,” said Peter Großkopf, founder and owner of FRIGOBLOCK. “We believe FRIGOBLOCK will be joining a company that shares our values, such as innovation, integrity and customer focus. As part of Ingersoll Rand, FRIGOBLOCK will be able to have a greater impact on the industry and add even more value to our customers.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Enterprise Rents-A-Car wins Overall Supplier of the Year at LeasePlan Suppler Recognition Awards 2014

Enterprise Rent-A-Car was recently named ‘Overall Supplier of the Year’ at the inaugural LeasePlan Suppler Recognition Awards 2014. The Awards recognise and reward suppliers for the important contribution they make to the continued success of LeasePlan Ireland.

Enterprise took home the top prize on the night beating off stiff competition in the category, including J Donohoe, Van Conversions, Highland Motors, Ace Autobody, The AA, Kenilworth Motors and Hyundai.

LeasePlan welcomed representatives from all sections of the Industry from Manufacturers, Dealers, Independents, Body shops and Support Services. Over 220 people attended the dinner and awards ceremony with Pat Kenny officiating as MC for the evening in the Leopardstown Pavilion.

Pictured From Left to Right: Addi Wood, National Sales Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Pat Kenny, Mc; Sharon O’Buchalla, Managing Director, LeasePlan; George O’Connor, Managing Director, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland; Madeline McGovern; Operations Director, LeasePlan and Derek Gallahue, Strategic Account Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Compact Mariotti truck overcomes space limitations at Open University

European Handling Equipment (EHE) has supplied a 1000kg capacity compact Mariotti fork truck to enable the Open University to transport high tech engineered specimens for cutting, measuring and analysis.

Established in 1969, the Open University is a distance learning and research university based in Milton Keynes with regional centres in each of its 13 regions throughout the UK. With more than 250,000 students enrolled, including around 32,000 aged under 25 and more than 50,000 overseas students, it is one of the largest academic institutions in the world.

Within the University’s Materials Engineering Department, a Mariotti compact truck, type ME 10C, is used to load materials into electric discharge machines which then produce machined test samples to extremely high tolerances. These samples are produced on behalf of companies operating within many different worldwide industries including nuclear, automotive, aerospace and railways. The truck is then used to transport the samples, which weigh up to 600kg, from the machining area to an adjacent workshop before loading them onto a computer-controlled coordinate measuring machine.

During this process of transporting and machine loading, the electrically-powered Mariotti truck is required to operate within very restricted space especially when turning through 90° and negotiating doorways. However, the compact truck, which features a short wheelbase, cushion tyres and low overhead guard, is ideal for the task. Its combination of unrivalled versatility, excellent stability, smooth movement and fatigue-free driver comfort ensures safe and precise operation at all times.

Other internal duties for the Mariotti ME 10C truck include general storage and handling of samples and palletised loads.

Additionally, the truck is used to undertake regular outdoor goods in/goods out operations including lorry loading and unloading “The Mariotti truck has been invaluable in supporting our work,” says Charlie Snelling, MCT Labs Manager at the Open University. “The work we do is becoming increasingly complex and this is reflected in the size, shape and weight of the test samples that we produce. Almost by definition, our machining and measuring equipment is bulky which leaves little room for actually moving samples around. That’s where the Mariotti truck really proves its worth. It’s compact, highly manoeuvrable and versatile enough to meet all our demands.”

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Positive picture of Commercial Vehicle tyre market

Figures for new truck vehicle registrations have revealed 2014 has been a “predictably slow year” as the market continues to feel the effects of the introduction of Euro 6 legislation, according to UK managing director for Continental, David Smith.

Speaking at Continental’s media briefing, Smith described the results for 2014 as unsurprising, due in part to the rush to register Euro 5 models before the legislative cut-off dates.

Year-to-date figures released by the SMMT have shown that total registrations for trucks in 2014 are down by nine per cent, with bus and coach registrations also down this year, by three per cent.

Despite this, the month of October saw truck registrations jump by around 70 per cent, which Smith attributes largely to the introduction of the European Directive for Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA), which came into force on 1st November. Smith explains: “WVTA requires any new commercial vehicle to have an approval certificate for both the truck and body before registration.”

In contrast, Smith notes an increase in trailer production of over 20 per cent compared to 2013 figures and an increase of nearly 45 per cent from 2012. Smith cites a buoyant UK economy within the transport sector driving demand for new trailers as a reason for the rise in production, as well as a number of older existing trailers which should have been replaced during the recession and are now in desperate need of renewal.

Turning his attention to the UK tyre market, Smith went on to say that the replacement market has once again seen an increase in 2014, following on from last year’s strong results.

“We are forecasting an increase of around eight per cent on 2013 in the UK,” he says.

The Republic of Ireland paints a slightly different picture with forecasts suggesting the Irish market will finish five per cent down on 2013. A broader view of Europe IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

shows the market is up by three per cent in 2014, with the strongest growth (seven per cent) recorded in Western Europe.

Compared to previous years there has been very little change in the demand for different application areas.

Regional tyres continue to dominate both the UK and Irish market, accounting for 83 per cent of replacement new tyre sales in the UK and 86 per cent in Ireland.

Long distance tyres represent around seven per cent of the market in both countries with construction and urban making up just 10 per cent of the UK market and six per cent in Ireland.

Despite urban applications featuring as the smallest sector of the market, 2014 has seen its share increase by 20 per cent.

Smith reveals analysis has shown no significant changes in the top five most popular sizes of tyre sold here in the UK and Ireland. “In the UK the top five sizes make up 71 per cent of sales in 2014 and 81 per cent in Ireland. We do however expect to see changes to the most dominant sizes in the future. We predict 315/70 22.5 to move into the top five driven by the increase in Euro 6 vehicles on the road, which we expect will replace 295/80 22.5 primarily to cope with the extra weight.”

2014 has seen success for a number of innovative products brought to market by Continental Tyres, including new generation tyres and tyre pressure monitoring systems.

“Our generation 3 products have been very well received by the market both here in the UK and Ireland. We have also had great success with our ContiPressureCheck, tyre pressure monitoring system which we updated in late 2014 with a new feature, Automatic Trailer Learning (ATL).

ATL is able to automatically and

wirelessly detect each trailer tyre, even when the trailer is changed.

Next year our focus will be on working with telematics companies to integrate our tyre pressure information into existing systems.

“In 2014 we also launched the first hot retreaded 3rd generation tyres produced at our ContiLifeCycle plant in Hanover, just six months after the new tyre. The ContiRe EcoPlus HT3 is the retreaded version of the new trailer tyre Conti EcoPlus HT3 launched January 2014 and maintains all the same benefits.”

David Smith

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Vacu-Lug to introduce MTP budget range to their product portfolio

Grantham based tyre firm VacuLug Traction Tyres is delighted to announce that from January 2015 it will begin distributing a new budget range of off-theroad (OTR) tyres.

The new range, named MTP, is produced by Magna Tyres Group, and will act as their official budget brand, affirming the message that it is possible to offer a quality product to customers on a lower budget.

As such, within the MTP range, customers can expect to find new OTR tyres being offered at very competitive prices.

The development of the MTP range further enhances Magna Tyres’ already impressive product range, which is mainly made up of pneumatic OTR tyres for all applications, including cranes and, added to this, also cushion solids.

Vacu-Lug is the UK sole supplier for Magna Tyres’ products and is excited to begin distributing their new range of tyres.

Vacu-Lug first joined forces with Magna Tyres in 2007 and since then the business relationship has flourished, with Vacu-Lug’s portfolio now hosting the entire Magna product range, solidifying the position of their industrial and earthmover tyres within the UK market.

With the creation of the MTP range, the aim is to satisfy customer demand for low cost, but quality, tyres for use in tough applications requiring articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and front end loaders.

The range will offer a variety of competitively priced OTR tyres for different sectors of the market.

Billy Dillon, Vacu-Lug’s UK Earthmover Tyres Sales Manager, is excited about what the new range has to offer: “By Magna introducing their MTP budget range and again Vacu-Lug having sole UK distribution rights, it gives us the opportunity to deal with new accounts and customers and we are looking forward to tackling new business ventures at the budget end of the market.”

The MTP budget line offers a selection of tyres, in the most common tyre sizes (20.5R25, 23.5R25, 26.R25, 29.5R25 and 21.00R35).

The key features of the tyres are that they offer optimal durability, enhanced working comfort and excellent traction.

It looks like its set to be an exciting New Year for both Vacu-Lug and Magna Tyres Group and the new MTP range will be available from January 5th 2015

16

Record breaking transport for Collett

The world’s fastest car, Thrust SSC and its predecessor Thrust 2 took to the roads this weekend with the help of Collett. With Coventry Transport Museum currently undergoing a £8.5m redevelopment project, Collett were called upon to execute the daring relocation of the two record breaking cars. Since 2001, four years after smashing the World Land Speed Record in the Black Rock Desert, Thrust SSC has been a centrepiece in Coventry Transport Museum’s collection. Its predecessor Thrust 2, also part of the Museum’s collection, held the Land Speed Record from 4th October 1983 with a speed of 633.468mph until 15th October 1997 when Thrust SSC broke the sound barrier achieving a speed of 763mph.

The project involved the relocation of the two vehicles from the Museum’s Spirit of Speed Gallery to their new Biffa Award Land Speed Record Gallery, set to open in early 2015.

MFH Construction Projects, project managed the relocation for the principal contractors J Tomlinson. Months in the planning the relocation required specialist slinging, lifting, transport and logistical solutions, all meticulously detailed by the Collett Heavy Lift Team long before the actual move. This was planned to perfection and with specialist insurance up to a value of £14m in place to cover all aspects of the move the Collett Heavy Lift Team arrived on site bright and early at 6:30am ready to get underway. With all teams in place Thrust 2 was hoisted over the rear gates of the Museum to Collett’s awaiting low loader. A delicate process, the valuable cargo was expertly guided into place by the Collett Team and secured for its short journey.

The next Collett trailer was manoeuvred into position ready for Thrust SSC, this time a 7-axle wide trailer to support the extra wide wheel base of the vehicle. The 54ft long, 10 Tonne supersonic car followed in the footsteps of Thrust 2, and was lifted over the gates of the Museum and delicately secured into position.

A new experience for the two fastest cars in the world, they were then driven at walking pace around the outskirts of the building and reversed into position ready to be unloaded and carefully lifted into their new location. One at a time, the vehicles we’re once again hoisted into the air and delicately delivered to their new location for Museum staff to manoeuvre into position. Collett’s Heavy Lift Team proved their expertise and precision throughout the project gaining praise from MFH Construction Projects, the company responsible for appointing Collett to undertake the move, “we would like to thank Dave and his team for an outstanding job. We have undertaken various types of lifts as a company for over 40 years, and this one has to be high up in the list of our top 10, if not the best.”

The expert planning by the Collett Heavy Lift Team resulted in a seamless execution of the project and positive feedback from all involved.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Kerr’s Tyres Announces 14 New Jobs & A New Tyre Centre in Newtownards

As part of an ongoing growth and expansion plan, Kerr’s Tyres has today announced 14 new jobs across their Antrim, Belfast, Coleraine and soon to open Newtownards tyre centres.

Following an investment of more than £1,000,000 in the business, the jobs will range from tyre fitters, breakdown fitters, mechanics, mobile mechanics, apprentices, IT personnel and assistant managers.

Announcing the new jobs, Norman Kerr, Managing Director of Kerr’s Tyres, said: “We have experienced sustained growth in the business in recent years and following a review of our business plan we have decided that the time is right to invest in further growth and expansions for the business. We are particularly pleased to announce the opening of a new Tyre Centre in Newtownards to serve the Ards & North Down areas in the New Year.”

Kerr’s Tyres is committed to providing a wide range of tyre options for all customers, whether they are large fleet operators, small businesses or private individuals looking for the right tyres for their car. The additional jobs and expansion will also allow the company to invest further in the first-rate customer service which customers of Kerr’s Tyres have come to expect.

As a local, family run business Kerr’s Tyres is focused firmly on delivering the right service, at the right price and in the right way.

An exciting development for the company is the opening of a new Tyre Centre in Newtownards in the New Year. The new tyre centre, the 4th for Kerr’s Tyres in Northern Ireland and 7th for the company across all of UK, will stock a wide range of tyres, batteries & exhausts, MOT checks, wheel balancing & alignment, along with a number of after market supplies, such as Alloy Wheels.

Recent months have seen Kerr’s Tyres announce large fleet contracts with the likes of Hannon Transport, Montgomery Transport and the Henderson Group, implement customer services training for all employees in the company and this recent investment of more than £1,000,000 will see Kerr’s Tyres establish themselves further as one of Northern Ireland’s leading tyre distributors.

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

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TIP and OSS Group develops long term collaborative fleet relationship

Hydrodec (UK) Limited, trading as OSS Group, has just completed a Sale & Lease Back contract on a number of its collection and road tanker fleet with TIP Tanker Services. The agreement covers a number of existing assets, which collect and distribute oil nationwide, with more planned for 2015. The tankers are based at the company’s various locations across the UK. TIP Tanker Services has provided funding for the Sale & Lease Back of the tankers through a long-term operating lease agreement. The agreement also provides TIP management support to implement and co-ordinate future funding on new assets, tank refurbishment and existing barrel remount programs aimed at taking advantage of changing business requirements and keeping a modern, efficient tanker fleet.

“When a company participates in a Sale and Leaseback Programme with TIP Tanker Services, they can re-energise their business, enabling them to grow at the rate they need and reduce their operational costs. A company no longer needs to worry about upgrading their fleet or maintaining it. With our Sales and Leaseback programme, TIP Tanker Services does it for them, so they can concentrate on their business.” explains

Gavin Parker, Sales Manager at TIP Tanker Services.

OSS Group is the largest service provider and market leader in the collection and processing of waste oil, workshop and associated waste. From the waste oil, they produce a recycled fuel oil - Gen3™, an environmentally acceptable alternative to virgin fuel oils.

Mark Pawsey, Hydrodec (UK) Limited’s Director of Service Operations highlights the business drivers behind the deal by saying: “Working with TIP provides a partner that understands our operational requirements, whilst delivering a reliable and flexible funding solution to meet our business needs today, and for the future.

The initial program will be to refurbish various road tankers and barrels, which updates our fleet immediately. This will be closely followed by a structured

replacement programme managed by TIP. This meets our Transport Fleet strategy, which is to provide a robust and reliable fleet fit for purpose with a high level of fixed cost, also maximising collection and delivery capacity, with minimal fleet down-time, thus meeting our business objectives in both the short and long-term.”

Commenting on the contract deal, TIP’s Gavin Parker enthuses about the benefits saying, “TIP is proud to be able to combine both the funding and technical expertise on customer tanker fleets. We are excited to work with Hydrodec (UK) Limited on this immediate transaction and look forward to introducing new fleet additions, tank remounts and refurbishments, backed up with fixed cost maintenance solutions.”

All-New Ford Transit Voted 2015 Continental Irish Van of the Year

The latest version of the Ford Transit, Ireland’s all-time best-selling van, has been voted Continental Irish Van of the Year by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA).

The expert IMWA jurors assessed all new commercial vehicles on the Irish market this year on key criteria such as valuefor-money, reliability, versatility and lasting residual value Collecting the award from Tom Dennigan of sponsors Continental Tyres, Ciaran McMahon, Managing Director Designate of Ford Ireland said. “In this year’s resurgent commercial vehicle market, the competition in the segment is as tough as ever, so each new Transit has to raise the bar to maintain its position as the country’s most popular commercial vehicle. It’s a huge boost to the new Transit model that the Irish Motoring Writers expert van jurors believe it has done just that.”

Transit is the largest member of the Transit family with a gross payload of up to 2,281kg. It is the vehicle of choice when the need is for a vast carrying capacity. The all-new Transit provides businesses with best-in-class cost-of-ownership and load carrying capability.

“Ford’s flagship Transit model is once again setting the standard in its class: cutting running costs, shifting bigger loads and pioneering valuable new technologies,” said Ciaran McMahon, Managing Director Designate, Ford Ireland. “All this together with a vast choice of model options, and of course – that legendary Transit toughness.”

Powered by a uniquely calibrated 2.2-litre 125 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel equipped with Auto-Start-Stop and Ford’s innovative Acceleration Control feature. Compared to the already highly fuel efficient ECOnetic version of the outgoing Transit, fuel consumption has been reduced by a further six per cent.

Available in both Base and Trend series, Transit is priced from €25,300* including VAT. Transit is currently available with one year free road tax**. 4 years free warranty and with a very low 3.9% APR finance offer.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mileage ‘clocking’ is costing European consumers between €5.6 and €9.6 billion annually - Clune

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South and member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Deirdre Clune, has called for pan European action on mileage ‘clocking’. Artificially lowering the mileage of a car is a technically simple, cheap manipulation, which can inflate a vehicle’s value by several thousand euros. It affects a considerable number of used cars in Europe - estimates go as high as 30% and costs European consumers approximately €5.6 to €9.6 billion per year in a conservative scenario.

"Experts in the industry in Ireland claim that car clocking could be as high as 10% of all second hand cars. According to SIMI, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, almost 13% of vehicles imported from the UK had a serious anomaly from the last recorded mileage in the UK. Modern cars have digital displays which require a few minutes with a computer to alter the mileage.

"We need a new focus on mileage clocking to protect consumers in the second hand car market. What we are trying to establish with the Commission is an EU based statutory mileage database that will be shared across Member States. This would share mileage readings collected from official sources such as NCT centres and Revenue. I will be calling on the new Transport Commissioner to prioritise proposals to tackle the problem, whilst not imposing disproportionate costs or red tape on businesses that are involved in the industry.

"The difficulty in guaranteeing a used car’s mileage makes it impossible to assess the true value of second-hand cars, leading to a consistently high level of consumer mistrust. Mileage fraud thereby severely distorts the second-hand car market, tarnishes the reputation of car dealers, may negatively impact the environment and road safety and also lead to tax fraud.

"The new car market is strong. There has been an increase of 34.4% in new car sales registered in Ireland in September 2014 compared to September 2013. We must now ensure that we have full confidence in the second hand car market.”

20

Mandatory tyre pressure monitoring system enhances safety

Changing tyres at home will become more complicated and, for this reason, should be left to a professional tyre service centre, advises tyre specialist Nokian Tyres. The tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS warns drivers when a tyre is too low on the pressure. Correct tyre pressure reduces fuel consumption, ensures a pleasant drive and precise steering responses.

The mandatory tyre pressure monitoring system significantly enhances safety, but makes changing tyres at home more complicated. For this reason, a professional tyre service centre should change the tyres, advises tyre specialist Nokian Tyres. The tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS warns the driver when a tyre is too low on pressure. The correct tyre pressure reduces fuel consumption, ensures maximum driving comfort in addition to precise steering responses and prolongs the life of the tyres. According to an EU directive, all new cars must be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS from 1 November on.

The introduction of the tyre pressure monitoring system offers various advantages for motorists, argues tyre specialist Nokian from Finland. TPMS ensures the right tyre pressure for the prevailing conditions. "Tyre pressure plays a notable role in the car's driving properties and the service life of tyres,” says Ville Nikkola, Product Manager Passenger Car Tyres from Vianor tyre and car-service chain of Nokian Tyres. “Grooved road surfaces, unexpected side wind, sudden evasive movements and quickly changing conditions pose challenges on traffic safety. Safety can be improved by adjusting the vehicle's tyre pressure according to its load and the driving conditions.“ 20 per cent of Finnish motorists risk driving dangerously with at least 0.5 bar under-inflated tyres, according to the Finnish tyre dealer association Autonrengasliitto ry. Only a third of motorists in Finland have checked their tyre pressure within the last month.

TPMS also helps reduce fuel consumption. Optimal tyre pressure translates into maximal driving comfort, precise steering response and tyres rolling easily, which saves fuel. The Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi) has estimated that fuel savings as high as 2.5 per cent could be achieved if all passenger cars driving in Finland were equipped with the tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS. Similarly large fuel savings can be achieved throughout Europe, predicts Vianor tyre and car service chain of Nokian Tyres.

Direct or indirect tyre pressure monitoring systems warn the driver Car manufacturers can choose between a direct or indirect TPMS. With the direct system, each wheel is fitted with a battery-powered sensor that transmits data about tyre pressure, temperature and other such factors to the car's instrument cluster.

"TPMS whether it is a direct or an indirect system warns the driver if the pressure of any one tyre decreases by more than 20 per cent from the pre-set value, and always if it falls below 150 kPa," Nikkola explains. “Depending on the car model, the system usually also indicates, which tyre is under-inflated.”

The choice of system is always made by the car manufacturer.

More complicated tyre change Sensors fitted directly in wheels will be the clearly most commonly used system deployment methods. For car owners, this may add some technical complication to tyre change, because certain cars' instrument clusters require that the sensors must be 'retaught' through an OBD port if the change of tyres also involves a change of sensors. "Vianor will obtain all required tools to all of its outlets and train its staff. This is a major change that can feel difficult both to our customers and our employees," Ville Nikkola states.

New passenger car registrations in the EU are pursuing an upward trend according to the European Automobile Manufacturer Association ACEA. They totalled 9,572,259 units between January and September 2014 which is an increase of 6.1 per cent compared to 2013.

Nokian tyres are also available from retailers as complete wheels on rims for tyre changes.

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truck news designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:46 Page 20

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Iveco VISION: a technology concept for future mobility

Iveco continues to place the search for cutting-edge new technological solutions and the interpretation and anticipation of future scenarios at the core of its business strategy. Iveco Vision, a concept centred on low environmental impact mobility, is embodied in a commercial vehicle featuring a range of innovative solutions. The concept emerged in the wake of Iveco’s Dual Energy technology, the chassis unveiled at the 2012 edition of the Hanover trade show, bringing together potential technologies for use in the light commercial vehicle of the future.

The innovation which characterises Iveco Vision starts with the Dual Energy system, a technology which allows for the Iveco Vision Dual Energy technology use of two different types of traction – one is exclusively electric, ensuring zero local emissions and low noise levels, and the other is hybrid (thermoelectric) and suitable for longer journeys and for extra-urban missions, reducing consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 25%.

In this architecture, a specific transfer unit couples the electric motor with the transmission shafts enabling to have an hybrid that is also an adaptive traction system with real-time energy management. Based on mission-related elements, the vehicle self-adapts to the most suitable traction: the hybrid mode improves commercial speed and autonomy range on intercity routes; while the electric mode allows unrestricted, no-emission mobility in metropolitan areas.

As a natural evolution of the “Dual Energy” project, Iveco has redesigned the frame, body, interior and user interface: the result is Iveco Vision, a commercial vehicle concept ideal for door-to-door delivery missions.

The project focused on the development of three new areas to be trialled: a new adaptive Human/Machine Interface; a design characterised by total visibility and a new fully automatic system for load management. With regard to the first of these areas, the vehicle is equipped with a high- integration tablet, which communicates with the on-board electronics.

Ample glazed surfaces and the “see-through” front pillars guarantee unrestricted outside visibility from the cabin – while rear camera sight is displayed on a panoramic screen on top of the windshield.

Finally, with regard to the specific mission, Iveco Vision is equipped with a load management system based on a series of sensors which identify the goods and then indicate the correct positioning of these within the vehicle interior, triggering containment devices which prevent the movement of larger packages. Beside protecting valuable goods from damage, improved space management also makes loading and unloading faster – with an obvious efficiency gain.

In summary, Iveco Vision is a laboratory for the study and development of new technological solutions and future modes of transport, which represent the natural evolution of Iveco’s light commercial vehicle range. To achieve this goal, Iveco continues to expand and improve the company’s open and collaborative innovation model, which sees the brand working alongside important partners for the sharing of ideas, expertise and professionalism. In addition to the partners who worked with Iveco on the construction of the Dual Energy chassis (Bosch, Dainese, Brembo, Streparava, Arcelor Mittal, CRF, Denso, FPT, Sole, Trucklite, Xperion, ZF), Comftech, Essence and ST Microelectronics have also contributed.

Managers getting better at “listening” to fleet data, says Chevin

Managers are getting better at “listening” to what fleet data is telling them and making more effective policy decisions as a result, says Chevin Fleet Solutions.

In the past, explained David Gladding, sales director, there was a tendency to sometimes use operational data to underline existing policy decisions but improved data interrogation is leading to more radical change.

“A good example is the question of flexible vehicle replacement cycles, which we have started to see on a few commercial vehicle fleets in recent years,” he said.

“In the past, some fleets would tend to set fixed cycles of perhaps four years in an almost arbitrary fashion. It was simply believed to be the optimum cycle based on reliability and general wear. All of the day-to-day data that the fleet then generated from its fleet software and other sources would then be viewed within this framework.

“However, better data interrogation can provide a much better way forward. By ‘listening’ to the full range of information available, you might find that some of those vans are best replaced after three years while some will still be economic to operate after five. A one-size-fits-all approach was a blunt instrument.

“Certainly, we have fleets that have saved 23% on overall running costs over three years by adopting this kind of policy.”

David added that similarly innovative approaches were being used by fleets in other areas of operation.

“A key area where this is happening is driver management. In a very real sense, drivers in some fleets are the last uncontrolled fleet variable, and looking at the data available about them and the way in which their behaviour affects everything from accident rates to residuals values can be very beneficial.

“We are also seeing more flexible and cost-effective approaches being adopted when it comes to service and maintenance, for example.”

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Minister Coveney opens new 10 million Euro state of the art Greenstar facility in Cork

Consumers urged to be mindful of where their waste goes The importance of controlled and efficient waste disposal was top of the agenda at the opening by Minister Simon Coveney of Greenstar’s re-furbished waste facility at Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, Co. Cork today.

Following a 10 million euro investment (including a €1 million odour abatement system) in the EPA-licensed (Environmental Protection Agency) plant, one of two Greenstar plants in Glanmire, the waste management company opened its doors to its customers, local community groups and environmentalists to demonstrate its commitment to efficient waste disposal in the region.

Greenstar’s investment in refurbishing its Cork facilities follows the company being acquired from receivership by Cerberus Capital Management in March 2014, saving 700 jobs, and the appointment of Mr. Mark E. Keough as CEO. Speaking at the opening, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Marine & Defence Simon Coveney TD said: ‘As citizens of this country it is incumbent on all of us to insist that our waste is treated and disposed of in a responsible way and where it ends up is a matter of great importance.

While Government will legislate, monitor and implement the law, when it comes to waste disposal each of us has a duty to ensure best practice prevails.

I am here today to endorse the efforts that Greenstar have made in this regard leading the way with this refurbished facility which is undoubtedly one of the finest in the country. I am also here to underpin our Government’s commitment and responsibility towards ensuring we have a clean environment in which to live, now and most importantly, for the future.

The government will encourage companies, such as Greenstar, who put resources behind safe waste disposal; to comply with regulations; and look after communities in a meaningful way and to continue to lead the way when it comes to safe, clean and responsible waste disposal. I congratulate Greenstar on its efforts in this regard’.

Mark E. Keough, CEO of Greenstar said: ‘Many people never think of where waste ends up, all the while

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

assuming that it’s burned, buried or dumped, hopefully in a place well away from their homes. The reality is that waste is rapidly developing into a reusable resource that can be converted into fuel, natural gas, fertilizer, and raw materials for other industries. Our new facility at Sarsfield Court represents the first phase of a multi-phase project to convert waste in the Cork region into alternative products in a safe and efficient manner. Ireland has the opportunity to become self-sufficient in energy through careful management of waste streams, which could save millions of Euro now spent on imported fossil fuels.

Greenstar is prepared to play a leading role in the journey to a world-class waste infrastructure in Ireland. As this facility demonstrates, we are willing to put our money on the line to achieve these goals, and to do so in an environmentally sound way in full compliance with the strict requirements of local and national regulators.

Greenstar is working hard to maintain its reputation as setting the standard for our industry’.

The company has recently introduced a Brown Bin service which enables organic waste such as food waste and light garden waste to be collected and composted. This system has a considerable impact on the environment, in that it negates issues of landfill, such as liquid leachate emissions and methane gas. Ireland must meet its biodegradable municipal waste diversion targets by 2016 under the National Strategy for Biodegradable Waste, an EU directive; therefore Brown Bins are compulsory for domestic use in highly populated areas and food producing business customers immediately. ‘Responsible waste disposal is a way of life for many concerned citizens nowadays, and the Brown Bin is just another step in the quest for a cleaner environment for present and future generations’ said Mr. Keough.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine & Defence, Simon Coveney TD, with Mark E Keough CEO Greenstar and Louise Demir, Operations Manager, Greenstar, Glanmire pictured at the recent reopening of Greenstar’s waste management facility at Sarsfield Court Industrial Estate in Glanmire, Cork

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Pat Loughran designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:44 Page 1

An exceptional bulk service Operating out of Cookstown in County Tyrone, Loughran Bulk Transport Ltd. serves the island of Ireland with a top-class bulk tipper service. We met up with the company founder / proprietor Pat Loughran to take a closer look at this outstanding operation.

CONTACT DETAILS 24

Loughran Bulk Transport Ltd. 18 Dunamore Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9NR. Tel: 028 86751606 Fax: 028 86751695 Mobile: 0770 728096 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Pat Loughran designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:44 Page 2

R

Pat Loughran started the business 33-years ago IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

eflecting on the genesis of his long-running bulk haulage company in Cookstown some 33 years ago, Pat Loughran notes: “My father would have worked at shoeing horses and I thought I’d take into the horses with wheels! I started out with one Bedford flat working for Braeside Farm and we are still with them today.”

Northstone was another one of Pat’s early customers and times were different back then. “You would have been delivering a lot of 100-weight bags and they went across the shoulder. There were no lifts back then. We did fertiliser as well.

“We got into the bulk tippers about 20 years ago, returning loads from Fermoy and Cork for Westland in Dungannon. It was an easier lifestyle with the tippers, you were no longer humping weights around on your back…”

ICB Contracts in Portadown - a sister company of RMS in Galway - is another long-established customer. “We’ve drawn a lot of special stone for road surfaces for them. Drawing sand from Tyrone to Fermanagh was our first job for Treacy Concrete. That got us into the tipper work and we’re still at that today as well,” Pat points out.

Customer retention rates have been extremely high over the years and this is one of the main reasons why Loughran Bulk Transport has survived and thrived. “So far, so good,” says Pat. “All of those old customers are still with us so we must be doing something right. We’ve managed to hold onto those customers and have been fit to stay on.”

The business is in a suitably healthy state at present. The fleet today comprises five artics, all Scania V8s, which are preserved in tip-top condition. “I’ve stopped buying new trucks,” Pat reveals. “We bring in good quality second-hand lorries, around two or three years old and we find that these offer us better value and allow us to pass on some savings to our customers. When you buy a new lorry, somebody has to pay for it…”

Pat was never tempted to take his service across to the UK. While others chased the dream, he concentrated on providing a strong local service. This has become one of the strengths of Loughran Bulk Transport: “We’ve stayed in Ireland all the time. We keep the work local and this means that our drivers are always close to home.

They’re not getting onto ferries and they get to sleep at home every night, which makes the job more attractive.

“We never went to England looking for work. All the artic men in Tyrone went out to England but we stayed at home and built up a good customer base and that has served us well.”

It’s very much a family business and the next generation are becoming increasingly involved. “I’d be known as Patrick Joseph and my son Patrick Michael has started up his own garage business. As part of that, he maintains our fleet and looks after the six-weekly checks.” Another son, Rory, is one of the drivers, while a third son, Sean, does some fitting and mechanic work in the evenings and at weekends.

The key to success in haulage lies in developing a good reputation and Pat Loughran has done this painstakingly down through the years. No job has ever been considered too big or too small, no town too far, no hill too steep. Since the inception of the business, each and every job has been treated as a priority: “There’s been a lot of word of mouth. We have no signed contracts and yet most of our customers have stayed with us for the last 25 years and more. It’s all about delivering a good, dependable service when people need it. You have to be good to your word. We are always punctual and reliable. We work very hard to get things right and to give our customers what they want.”

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Pat Loughran designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:44 Page 4

Around 80% of the work carried out is bulk tippers, along with some curtainsider, flat work and general haulage. “We do a lot of work for Fane Valley Foods in Omagh, drawing grain and maize etc. in from Dublin, Dundalk and Ardee.

“We have joined forces with Stockdale Transport and we help each other out as best we can. By working together, we can take on larger volumes of work. Raymond Stockdale has five artics as well, so between the two of us we have a fleet of ten. We

can take on anything. It’s good back-up to be fit to work with other people. That relationship has been going for over 20 years and I suppose it would be unique in haulage for people to work together like that. I’m a Catholic and Raymond is a Protestant but it doesn’t make a blind bit of difference to us and we get on the best.”

Other key local clients include RJ Mitten & Sons in Lisnaskea and Prunty Pitches in Enniskillen. “For Mittens, we draw 6mm and 10mm stone to all Councils all over the North, while we draw a lot of stone and sand into football pitches for Pruntys.”

Looking to the future, Pat says there are no drastic departures on the cards: We’ll keep things fairly small,” he concludes. “We don’t want

to get any bigger. If you got too big, you wouldn’t know what to do with yourself. We have enough to keep us going.

“Our garage / workshop business is open to the public. Patrick looks after that. It’s under our company banner at the moment but we will probably set it up as a separate business eventually.

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He also looks after our own fleet, providing servicing, checks and repairs. Patrick drove for us for ten years but was a mechanic prior to that.

When the opportunity came up, he decided to get back into the garage work.

“At the end of the day, we are here to provide a service and we never turn down work. We don’t just work for

Jamie washing a van

big customers. We would have a lot of smaller ones, too. I’d say we currently work for around 70 customers in total. We will look after them all and treat them all equally – big or small. It makes no difference whether it’s a number of loads every day or just the one load – we will look after them all once they ring on time.”

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O'Dwyer Transport designed 2_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:15 Page 1

The impressive new livery on the O’Dwyer Transport fleet

Maximising efficiencies W

O’Dwyer Transport are clearly not about to let the grass grow under their feet. A massive 2014 investment of funds in new trucks and trailers represents a strong statement of intent from the County Tipperary based operator. We dropped into their Littleton depot and got an update from logistics manager Brendan O’Dwyer.

ith the purchase this year from DAF Truck Services in Cork of six new DAF FXF 105.406 Euro 5 Ate 6x2 tractor units (complete with Super Space Cabs plated for 46 tonnes GVW) as well as 14 new refurbished trailers from Schmitz Cargobull, UK, O’Dwyer Transport is taking its fleet to the next level. As logistics manager Brendan O’Dwyer points out, it’s all about maximising efficiencies – an area in which the proud Tipperary firm (the entire fleet is beautifully decked out in the Premier County colours) has

CONTACT DETAILS 28

Brendan O’Dwyer Transport is a family run business fronted

by Brendan alongside his parents Benny and Mary

never been found wanting: “It’s part of the drive to become more efficient,” confirms Brendan. “In addition to the six trucks and 14 trailers, we’ve also bought four new refurbished Moffett Mounties which now brings our fleet to 17. Our customer base is expanding and we are seeking increased efficiencies with our business contracts. From fleet management to the vehicles themselves, to driver habit and management, it’s all down to efficiencies.

“To this end, we are also in the process of converting the whole fleet from 4x2 to 6x2,

O’Dwyer Transport Ballymoreen, Littleton, County Tipperary.

Tel: 0504 44544 Fax: 0504 44745 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

O'Dwyer Transport designed 2_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:15 Page 2

which will again increase the efficiency of our service. We now operate 25 units and more than two-thirds of them are 6x2, which allows us to maximise the weight we can carry on each delivery for our customers.”

While 2014 has witnessed a massive investment in the O’Dwyer Transport fleet, Brendan is confident that this is the only way to go and sees it as a necessary step in ensuring complete customer satisfaction: “There was an ongoing Case Study conducted for the last two quarters of 2013 and in accordance with this we decided to go for the Super Space Cabs – which come complete with microwaves etc. installed in the cab – for driver comfort.

The Case Study covered costs like diesel and warranty and in the end we decided to go with DAF again, having bought four new DAF’s in 2007 and two

“DAF trucks offer us ease of purchase, ease of maintenance and ease of diagnostics. John O’Mahony in Cork is the man we have dealt with in the past and present, and hopefully going forward into the future too…”

A family-run business – fronted by Brendan alongside his parents Benny and Mary - which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, O’Dwyer Transport benefits from a list of prestigious long-term customers, currently counting the likes of Bord Na Mona, Coca Cola The depot at Littleton and Annaveigh Plants amongst its wide range of clients nationwide. more in 2008. DAF’s reliability, service, The vast majority of O’Dwyer value and fuel efficiency tick all the Transport’s trailer fleet are fitted with boxes.”

Moffett Mounties, providing maximum Ultimately, the long-term goal now is to operational flexibility on or off road. With convert the entire fleet to DAF. “The aim a significant range of Moffett Mounties to would be to make it a uniform garage hand, of varying sizes and lift capabilities, they offer the highest level and to introduce even more efficiencies of flexibility. into the business,” Brendan confirms.

O’Dwyer Transport always makes the right impression IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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O'Dwyer Transport designed 2_Layout 1 07/01/2015 13:15 Page 4

The Tipperary colours are proudly displayed on the fleet

“We have 17 Moffett Mounties at present to accommodate customers’ access requirements and these play a key part in the success of the business,” says Brendan. “They are invaluable to us in retaining our existing business and also in seeking out new customers. A lot of our contracts – including all of our work with Annaveigh Plants, for example – is centred around the Moffett business.”

Why are the Moffett Mounties so important? “They offer convenient access, speed of deliveries and ease of unloading.

There’s no need to hire forklifts or teleporters and it’s all part of the service we provide.

“This year, we have also rebranded the business with new branding on the trucks and trailers and this is also a big investment. It has given us a more domineering presence on the road and this rebranding is also ongoing. It will be pushed out over a three-year period.

“We have changed the colour scheme and have brought in metallic paint, which will catch the light differently at different times of the year. We’ve retained the family crest and ribbon but the overall look of the fleet has been transformed. First Impression Graphics (FIG) have been doing our graphics for the past three years and this new design is a complete departure from the original imagery.”

The choice of the Tipperary colours on the fleet reflects the O’Dwyer family’s love of the Premier County. Brendan’s grandfather Mut Ryan won an All-Ireland senior hurling championship medal with Tipp in 1945 and the family are extremely proud of their roots.

Brendan is pleased to report that the business in general in moving in the right direction: “We’ve experienced substantial growth over the last couple of years and this has been down to us being flexible towards our customers; we constantly work towards our logo : SERVICE WE GIVE IT SATASFACTION YOU GET IT . We have moved from conventional daytime transport to providing a 24/7 service and we are available within IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

any timeframe, which obviously makes us more appealing to customers.”

The introduction of new efficiencies to the business will inevitably add further to this appeal: “From the point of view of diesel and maintenance, we needed to introduce more efficiencies through newer vehicles and to reduce ongoing running costs,” says Brendan. “Those improvements will justify the investment in the new trucks and hopefully 2015 will be the same again. We intend to continue moving forward.

“We are getting better miles to the gallon now and maintenance costs are down on six vehicles straight away, which gives us more scope in the garage to focus on ensuring that we are conforming to all RSA legislation.”

Another major strength of O’Dwyer Transport is its central location at the heart of Ireland. Close to the Horse & Jockey at junction 6, just off the M7 and M8 motorways, between Thurles and Cashel, the business HQ is ideally situated. “We can get to any customer, anywhere in Ireland, in a very short timeframe and we will then provide a solution that is tailored precisely to their needs,” Brendan concludes. “We have storage facilities here as well and have upgraded our storage and distribution facilities in January to include driver wash facilities and a kitchen area. In the garage, we have a two-bay workshop and we also operate a 24-hour breakdown recovery service.”

The ODT staff, including drivers, warehouse personnel, garage mechanics and the office administrators are key and valued as each and every one of these people is critical to our success within the Transport & Warehousing sector in Ireland, without these great people we cannot grow and get stronger.

All the bases are covered and will remain covered into the future .....

O’Dwyer Transport

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

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Churchview, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny Email: john@kavanaghcoaches.com 31

M&T Plant designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:27 Page 1

Pat and his sons Ryan, Luke and Harry

Cleaning up î “e specialised service of Septic Tank Emptying, Drain Cleaning, Civil Engineering, CCTV Surveying and Sludge Disposal is carried out by a select few companies in Ireland.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

M&T Plant designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:28 Page 2

T

o be involved in this industry, companies must have the correct accreditation as well as the necessary top of the range plant to carry out their daily duties.

Environmental issues are also paramount with businesses operating in this sector and it takes plenty of experience to be a success in this field of expertise.

One such company that has all these attributes is Enniscorthy-based M&T Plant Hire Ltd, which is celebrating 34 years in business this year.

For any company to reach such a milestone is a remarkable achievement, especially given the fact that they have come through two recessions and are still going as strong as ever.

Operations Manager Pa Redmond believes that the company’s ability to provide a wide range of services to a large customer base stands them in good stead.

Not only do M&T Plant Hire Ltd provide the services mentioned, but they also have their own composting recycling facility and their domestic and commercial customer base extends throughout the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow.

“Our customer base includes private and public clients. We would do a lot of work for councils in the surrounding counties and Wexford, while we would also do work for engineers, contractors, government departments and home owners. So we cover a wide range of customer,” said Pa. With 25 highly trained employees on their books, M&T Plant Hire Ltd offers the expertise needed to carry out their work to the highest standard possible.

“We would be the leading company of our kind in the SouthEast. We offer expertise advice and help the customer understand each stage of the service that we provide, while doing all this at an affordable price.

“Over the years, the customer base has continued to

CONTACT DETAILS

M&T Plant Hire Ltd. Ballyeden, Davidstown, Co. Wexford.

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M&T Plant Hire Ltd have a fleet of trucks IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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expand, while we would have a lot of repeat custom and that is a sign of the service that we provide.”

For any emergency jobs, there is a 24hr call-out service available from the company which is there for any of the services that are on offer from M&T Plant Hire Ltd. The company's mission statement reads: 'Our Mission is to continually provide an unparalleled level of service with steadfast commitment to quality, cost, health, safety and the environment. To always understand our client's requirements and strive to exceed their expectations.'

This shows that the Wexfordbased firm are determined to provide the best service possible to ensure that the customers are happy.

Drain cleaning is an integral part of the business and they can clean any size of drain using their wide range of HiTech equipment.

In 2012, M&T built and commissioned a 2,430sqm state-of-the-art organic composting facility, which is home to an innovative sludge (sewage) treatment process where domestic and commercial waste products are

A loading shovel operated by Pat

converted into compost by pasteurisation.

This part of the business has grown considerably in the two years since its genesis. M&T remove sludge and transport it to their facility where it is disposed of and converted to compost.

“The sludge is treated in accordance with EU best practice, pasteurising the material to produce quality compost that is environmentally safe.”

At a time when the country is up in arms over the proposed water charges, M&T can help save money in this area through its water leak detection service.

“Pipeline damage can include holes, cracks or splits, complete pipeline rupture, leaking joints or leaking valves.

We carry out a full audit of water consumption on a premises and this will help narrow down the field of investigation. Using the most up to date technology, such as electronic ground microphones, we can then pinpoint the problem areas and quickly work towards a solution to fix the problem. The savings that can be achieved through effective water management

violations and result in a are immense.” healthier and safer working Civil Engineering and CCTV environment for our analysis are other key areas of employees, as well as being the business. The latter more fuel efficient and focuses on sewer surveys environmentally friendly.” done through a specialist A progressive company like computer package called M&T Plant Hire Ltd is always Wincam. This produces DVD’s looking at areas of expansion. providing standard “There are a few things in the classification, coding, analysis pipeline, but we need to be and photos. guaranteed the work before we Traffic management solutions can go investing in those are also provided by M&T with areas.” detailed plans put in place before a job begins. “No matter what area of the Best Wishes To M&T Plant Hire Ltd, From business we are working in, great care is always taken before, during and after a job.

“We have health and safety management systems in place which helps protect our employees, contractors and most importantly the customers.

“As a demonstration of our commitment to Health and safety we have installed fleetmatic systems on our vehicles helping us to be alerted immediately if our drivers break the speed limit. This can decrease our drivers’ speeding

Continued Success To M&T Plant Hire Ltd., from

Bailey & Associates Accountants & Statutory Auditors ‘Avila’, Enniscorthy Road, Ferns, Co. Wexford

T: 053-9366866 F: 053-9366803 E: info@baileyassociates.ie

The fleet on display at the yard in Davidstown

34

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

north road commercials designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:21 Page 1

T

North Road Commercials: e test specialists

e standard of vehicles on Irish road has certainly improved over the years and that is mainly due to mandatory testing on vehicles over a certain age. his applies not only to cars and

vans, but HGVs, LGVs and buses also and there are

Light and heavy commercials can be tested

specialised centres around the country

commercial vehicles, buses with more than

eight

passenger

seats

and

ambulances, all over one year old. The purpose of the test is to ensure that these

that test the vehicles to see if they are

vehicles are in good condition throughout

roadworthy.

its entire life. All commercial vehicles

The testing of light and heavy goods

must be tested when they are over one

vehicles goes back to the early eighties,

year old and annually after that.

but it is only in the last fifteen years or so

There are two types of commercial

that the tests have become a lot more

vehicle tests, one for Light Commercial

stringent.

Vehicles (LCVs) and one for Heavy

The actual test for light and heavy

Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).

commercials is now called a Commercial

The CVRT test includes: brakes, lights

Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) but

and markings, wheels and tyres, steering

(Department of Environment) Test.

tachograph,

is still commonly referred to as a DoE

and suspension, chassis and underbody,

The reason for this is that the

speed

limiter,

exhaust

emissions, electrical systems, glass and

Department of Environment originally

mirrors.

introduced commercial vehicle testing.

One of Dublin’s leading CVRT centres

They have not been involved in its

is North Road Commercials which has

The network of commercial vehicle

vehicles since 1987, having initially

regulation for a number of years.

been testing light and heavy goods

testing centres where you have your

opened its doors a year earlier, before

commercial vehicle tested are called

moving to its current premises in

Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness

Test Operators previously known as

Vehicle Testing Network (VTN). The CVRT is a roadworthiness test for all

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Rosemount Business Park in 2001.

Northroad Commercials is one of Dublin’s leading CVRT centres

Established by John McKittrick and

originally providing sales and service to their

customers,

North

Road

North Road Commercials Unit 20E, Rosemount Business Park, Dublin 11 Telephone: 01 882 9300

35

north road commercials designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:21 Page 2

Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials, From Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials, From

Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials, From

Kinane Insurances Ltd For All Your Insurance Requirements Business Insurance Specialists

Mt Prospect House,Clontarf Road,Dublin 3 T: +353 1 853 0555 F: +353 1 853 0548 E: info@kinane.ie | www.kinane.ie Kinane Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials, From

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

SALES • SERVICE

Glanmire, Co. Cork e: info@lifteq.ie | www.lifteq.ie

Patrick O’Leary - 087-9928963 Jim Murphy - 087- 6572067 Continued success to Northroad Commercials, from

P.D. Flaherty Transport

Storage & Logistics Ltd.

“Peachville” Kilshane, Dublin 11.

Tel: (01) 8041512 Fax: (01) 8041500

E:pdflaherty@msn.com

Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials

Best Wishes To Northroad Commercials, From

BEARINGS | COVERS | DISCS | FLYWHEEL | RELEASERS SWITZER DISTRIBUTION LTD. EUROCENTER 132 BALDOYLE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BALDOYLE, DUBLIN 13 Phone : 01 806 3731 Email : info@clutches-online.com

www.clutches-online.com

36

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

north road commercials designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:21 Page 3

Commercials soon entered

Over the years, North Road

the world of vehicle testing

Commercials have built up an

since.

many of who continue to

and haven’t looked back

extensive customer base,

For this month’s edition of

bring their business back to

Irish Trucker we profile the company manager about

the

and

Frank

speak

the

to

“There would be a lot of

they

repeat custom. The likes of

provide and how the industry

of vehicle testing has evolved

North Road Commercials has been at its current location since 2001

over the years.

Frank has been with the

company for the past 26 years which means he’s been

years.

over

customer vehicles and this

entails a quick check over the

The premises is located in Rosemount Business Park

computerised and there is being

vehicle and offering to repair minor problems.

“Checking the truck every

introduced all the time,” said

few weeks means that the

Frank.

owner can keep down costs

“You have to be able to

and repair minor problems

adapt all the time and we

ahead of the actual CVRT

have a very modern set up

test and this has proven to be

here where we have two

very popular now.”

bays, one for testing light

Frank revealed that they are

commercials and the other for

legislation could be deemed

more hassle than its worth,

Frank disagrees with that sentiment.

“Certainly, there is a lot of

legislation to be adhered too,

but it makes our job more efficient and the same could

be said for the testing and

that can be only beneficial for

“We understand the need

offer 13-week checks on their

a test, but now everything is

the introduction of so much

customers of ours.

North Road Commercials

you practically needed to do

While some might feel that

Peanuts are long standing

quickly and efficiently.”

days, your toolbox was all

heavy commercials.”

Manhattan

to get through the tests

since we first started. Those

legislation

and

possible and we endeavour

the

“Testing has changed a lot

new

Dublin

vehicles back as soon as

and he admits to have seen changes

the Health Board here in

for customers to have their

there almost since the start many

Business

Park premises.

Mooney

services

Rosemount

very busy at the moment, but

also stressed that they were

The company was established in 1987

everyone.”

CVRT

testers

must

be

on the lookout for new

year.

“We have four testers here

highly trained and even when

and

carry out testing, they must

once a year. It is standard

they receive authorisation to follow the initial authorisation

by completing Continuing Professional

Development

(CPD) training at least once a

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

they

would

go

on

refresher courses at least procedure and it allows the

tester to keep up with any new

changes

implemented.”

being

business all the time. North

Road Commercials continues to provide sales and service

even though the main core of

the business is testing. The ten employees are highly

trained in their own fields of

expertise and are there to

deal with any customer query that might arise.

37

sutton plant designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:25 Page 1

Sutton Plant Hire was formed in 1956

S

Sutton to believe in

Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd. is an inspirational family business that has provided an outstanding service to its customers for almost six decades. We dropped into their well-appointed base in Fethard On Sea to take a look at the company history as well as the impressive range of services provided.

utton Plant Hire was established in 1956 by James (Jim) Sutton as a plant hire and civil engineering business. As the saying goes: from small acorns do mighty oaks grow: Jim’s very first piece of equipment was a Fordson Major tractor with a front loader; today, the company boasts an extensive fleet including a generous selection dozers, hydraulic excavators and trucks.

The longstanding company, which operates from spacious premises in Broomhill, Fethard On Sea, was incorporated in 1988. Following Jim’s untimely death in 2002, the second generation of the Sutton family assumed the reins – namely his sons Garrett, Timothy and Kevin. Tragically, Garrett passed away in April, 2013, leaving Timothy and Kevin to oversee the operation alongside Timothy’s wife, Mary.

Sutton Plant Hire specialises in plant hire, civil engineering, groundworks, demolition and haulage. They hold a waste permit licence and a road haulage licence, operate a licenced tip and are C2-registered as well as fully insured. For their comprehensive hire

CONTACT DETAILS

38

fleet, they purchase only the best equipment from leading manufacturers, continually investing to ensure that projects are completed to the maximum levels of customer satisfaction. The fleet is upgraded every year and the Suttons have never been afraid to reinvest money back into the business.

The fleet of approximately 25 units includes six- and eight-wheel tipper trucks, excavators from three to 35 ton, long-reach excavators, JCBs, bulldozers, dump trucks, lowloaders and road sweepers. All machines are well looked after as a matter of course.

Over the years, Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd. has undertaken a vast number of civil engineering projects throughout Ireland, utilising its extensive fleet of owned plant and equipment, with all projects supervised by a professional team of long-serving staff members.

The highly-skilled workforce comprises plant operators, truck drivers, site personnel and administration support, with all operatives holding Safepass, Quarry Pass, Manual Handling, Construction Skills Cards in the relevant categories and CPCs in addition to

being First Aid, Confined Spaces, and Sign, Lighting and Guarding trained – all to ensure safe, well-managed and properly-coordinated sites.

As a family-run business, where the ethos is firmly on customer satisfaction, Sutton Plant Hire takes pride in the standards achieved in all projects, culminating in a large number of repeat business. An extensive client base ranges from local authorities to major private developers and associated construction companies.

Technicians manning a modern on-site workshop look after equipment maintenance and repairs and the company HQ also encompasses fuel storage, stores and office facilities. While most of the maintenance and servicing work is conducted in-house, local MAN dealer MS Commercials Ltd. in New Ross look after the five MAN trucks in the fleet (which draw four tippers and a low loader).

Sutton Plant Hire has always been a byword for quality. To this end, they have never had to advertise. Instead, the quality of their work has become renowned far and wide, resulting in steady, strong demand for their services.

Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd. Broomhill, Fethard On Sea, Co. Wexford.

Tel: 051 397143 Email: info@suttonplant.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

sutton plant designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:25 Page 2

Michael O’Leary & Company Best Wishes To Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd. From

Do you need advice on financial or tax matters?

Wexford & Enniscorthy

Positive word of mouth has served them well over the decades. “We have benefited from customer longevity and we enjoy very good relationships with all of our customers,” notes Mary.

Spirit is another defining characteristic of this superb family business.

The Suttons have endured more than their fair share of setbacks and adversity over the years but, through all of this, their spirit and determination shines through. An example of this: director Timmy Sutton is confined to a wheelchair but he continues to contribute massively to the ongoing success of the company, even operating and driving a low loader and 360 excavator.

Timmy’s wife continues: “The majority of the work at present would be general plant hire, civil engineering, coastal protection and demolition. We employ a staff of 15 and all machines and vehicles come with a fully-trained, qualified and experienced operative. We cover mostly counties Wexford and Waterford as well as parts of Kilkenny and Carlow.”

Recently, Sutton Plant Hire completed a two-year contract working on the Great Island power project - one of the largest infrastructural projects undertaken on the island of Ireland in recent times. “We had a staff of 40 while working on that contract, under John Sisk & Sons,” Mary notes.

Major clients at the moment include Wexford County Council, Niall Barry & Company Ltd. and Roadstone. “There are no contracts in force, as such. We tender for each project separately under LAQuotes,” Mary reveals.

From the smallest job to the largest, experience and professionalism lies at the heart of everything Sutton Plant Hire does. “Timmy and Kevin were born into this and they have a real flair for it,” says Mary.

“We are fortunate in that a lot of our staff would be here for over 20 years. They are all vastly experienced and competent and they all know what they are doing.”

Almost 60 years on from the genesis of this quality family business, the future seems suitably bright: “We have weathered the storm during the recession and we have come out the other end in good shape,” Mary concludes. “We have some great customers, an excellent staff, a fantastic fleet of equipment and – crucially – we don’t owe any money. So we are in a strong position going forward.”

Some families really are extraordinary.

Oaklands Quarries Limited

We offer the following services and the first consultation is free Tax Returns | Vat Returns | PAYE/PRSI/Payroll Profit Projections | Cash Flow | Restructuring of Business Invoicing and Credit Control | Management Accounts on a regular basis RCT Returns (Relevant Contracts Tax) | RCT Tax & Reverse Charge |Preparation of Financial Plans

BOLANDS CONTACT US AT 053-9124611 AND 053-9235061

Continued Success To SUTTON PLANT HIRE (WEXFORD) LTD From

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BEST BUY FOR YOUR NEW FORD LARGE SELECTION OF QUALITY USED CARS IN STOCK

Light & Heavy Commercial Testing, Camper Van Testing, Tachograph Installation & Calibration, ADI Testing, Safe Loading Checks, Car Servicing & Repairs, Pre NCT, Commercial Servicing & Repairs, Crash Repairs & Estimates, Spray Painting, Genuine Ford Spare Parts & Tyres, Parking Sensors.

CUSTOMERS GET A BETTER DEAL AT BOLAND MOTORS NEW ROSS The Ford Centre Of The Southeast 051-421403

www.bolandmotors.com Find us on facebook

Best Wishes To Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) ltd, From

Best Wishes To Sutton Plant Hire (Wexford) Ltd, From

Suppliers of Crushed 4inch, 2inch, 1inch Stone 10-14mm Chipping, 20-25mm Chipping Clause 804 & Dust SMALL LOAD DELIVERY

LOOKING FOR A QUOTE?

Ballykelly, New Ross, Co. Wexford Tel:051-421634,421330 Fax:051-422318 Email: helenbradleyoaklands@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Motor Fleet Insurance Commercial Vehicle Insurance Motor Trade Insurance | Health Insurance

CALL NOW 051-860620 31 The Mall, Waterford.

Email: info@hooperdolan.ie

Hooper Dolan Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

39

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 1

Cream of the crop Celebrating 50 years in business, Linwoods are a well-known family-run company that manufactures a range of premium bakery, dairy and healthy super foods in Co. Armagh. Linwoods also runs its own transport fleet which is managed by the award winning Pascal Manley.

CONTACT DETAILS 40

Linwoods

190 Monaghan Road, Armagh, Co. Armagh, BT60 4EZ Telephone: +44 (0) 28 3756 8477 Fax: +44 (0) 28 3756 8865 Email: info@linwoods.co.uk Website: www.linwoodshealthfoods.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 2 The fleet comprised around 100 vehicles

Pascal Manley IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

P

ascal brought great honour to his company last September when he was named Transport Manager of the Year at the Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. The Roslea, Co. Fermanagh native saw off competition from Northern Ireland’s best transport managers to land the prestigious award, which was sponsored

by Volvo and Dennison Commercials.

The judges commented: “Pascal has not been afraid to encourage change within his employer’s fleet, introducing fuel-saving alternatives and improving drivers’ performance.

“He has not only gained academic qualifications, but also a high level of vehicle engineering and mechanical skills which he has been able to put to good use – it’s called ‘leading from the front.’”

Pascal, who has been Linwoods’ transport manager for the past 10 years, is responsible for a fleet of around 100 vehicles and the same number of drivers. He manages a team of nine people which includes six mechanics, an assistant transport manager (Chris McNally) and a transport operations assistant (Laura Woods). He is a member of both the Freight Transport Association and the Northern Ireland Freight Council.

“I don’t know who nominated me, but whoever it was I’d like to thank them,” he smiles. I was delighted and for the company that we received this award, it shows we are doing something right!

“There was originally 24 transport managers nominated, it was whittled down to 12 and then to the final four. The winner was announced on the night and I was obviously delighted to get the nod from the judges. The other three finalists (Ian Hobson of Westland Horticulture, Bryan O’Hare of O’Reilly’s Wholesale and Conall Quinn of Fane Valley Feeds) were of a very high calibre, so it was gratifying to be chosen.”

A mechanic by trade, Pascal graduated from the University of Ulster with a Bsc (Hons) in Transportation in the 1990s.

This, together with his previous employment positions, has enabled him to fulfil his role with Linwoods both effectively and professionally.

Linwoods run a mixed fleet of small trucks, tractor units, rigids and tankers which make direct deliveries of bakery and fresh dairy products to over 1,500 stores daily throughout Ireland. About 75% of the trucks range from 7.5 to 15 tonne and have been specifically built by Lifford Coachworks to include chilled and

41

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 3

Best Wishes & Continued Success To LINWOODS

Continued Best Wishes To Linwoods

MONAGHAN (ROI): 047- 70622

ARMAGH (NI): 028- 3751 8188 Email sales@esforklifts.com

www.esforklifts.com

Sales | Servicing | Hire | Parts

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Linwoods, From

Armagh 028-3752 5427 | Newry 028-3083 4884 | Lurgan 028-3832 8837 | Campsie 028-7181 0100

www.cmpireland.com

Mob-Align Tyres Best Wishes & Continued Success To Linwoods, From

Unit 2 10/12 Cathedral Road, Armagh BT61 7QX

Telephone: 079-12515993 Email: mob-align@live.co.uk

42

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 4

Part of the impressive Linwoods fleet

ambient compartments.

These are mainly Mercedes Benz, which have proven to be a great vehicle for the task, whilst their Units are mainly Scania. Linwoods currently employs six mechanics with all servicing and repairs being carried out at the company’s state-of-theart workshop.

As transport manager, Pascal places a big emphasis on health and safety and driver training. ‘I have to say that I have a lot of respect for our drivers as they face all sorts of weather and road

conditions, often out on the roads before the gritters are out. They have seen a lot of change in their job in recent years, including the introduction of Tachographs, speed limiters, Working Time EU Regulations, walk-around checks, CPC, and other inhouse training. A few years ago as our retail sales grew, so did our payload, which in return meant ugrading our manly C1 class fleet to full C class vehicles. This also meant putting through most of our drivers through the HGV test.

He has successfully reduced fuel costs and his company’s carbon footprint by having some of the larger units converted to LPG/Derv mix.

“We are always looking at ways to keep our running costs down and to do our bit for the environment,” he says.

Having our own fleet maintenance department on– site is a great asset. It gives us more control of the operation and helps to reduce the fleet running costs and downtime.

We can carry out our

preventive maintenance plans, PSV’s and servicing plus source our parts from various suppliers. This year we have also introduced a workshop and parts package, it also lets the drivers carry out their walk-around check electronically before they set off.

Running a fleet on both sides of the border means that Pascal and his team work tirelessly to keep up to speed with legislation and regulations in both the Republic and the North. He has also led his team to some

Pascal Manley accepts his Transport Manager of the Year IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

43

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 5

Best Wishes To Linwoods From

Ballinode, Co. Monaghan Email: transport@maguireint.ie Telephone: 047-89311

www.maguireinternational.eu

We are pleased to be a tyre supplier to Linwoods and wish them continued success for the future

Best Wishes To Linwoods

DEPOT LOCATIONS Armagh • Dungannon • Saintfield Belfast • L/derry Castleblayney • Dublin

Tel: +44 (0)28-37510666

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Linwoods, From

Gareth McKenna Refrigeration Ltd

TRANSPORT, INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

Sales & Service | 24 Hour Service Refrigerated Monaghan Tel:(+353) 047-88872 | Mobile: (+353) 086-3821855 Email: gmkrefrigeration@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Linwoods

ESSO SILVERSTEAM 24 HOUR DELIVERY SERVICE Tamlat, Silverstream, Co. Monaghan Tel: 047-85550. Mobile: 086-6003380

44

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

linwoods designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 13:11 Page 6

excellent results in the area of Own Account Operators company produces a wide range of healthy super food Licensing having been shortlisted for Own Account Operator combinations which are a convenient, easy and quick way to of the Year at the Export & Freight Transport & Logistics gain a wide range of essential fatty acids, vitamins and Awards. He says ‘as a Transport Manager you have to be able minerals in your diet, and which are exported to Britain, Europe, to think on your feet a lot and have a plan B or even a C in the US and China. place. Be ready to improvise and adapt.

Based on the Armagh-Monaghan border, Linwoods was established by John Woods in 1965 and has grown to employ in the region of 300 staff. Linwoods’ bakery, dairy and healthy Best Wishes To Linwoods super foods products are sourced in their raw form from around We manufacture all our own panels the world and are selected from the best suppliers and growers and fabricate the stainless steel to ensure the highest quality and standards. using the most technologically The company’s philosophy has always been about delivering advanced procedures. fresh, great tasting, quality products and this belief is core to everything it does. In its bakery, Linwoods combine the best quality and blend of ingredients to bake superior products that Refrigerated Bodies | GRP Box Bodies meet both its customers’ and consumers’ quality standards.

Curtain Side Bodies | Tail Lifts In addition to bakery products, Linwoods also supplies a Refurbishment & Repair | Specialised Bodywork range of fresh milk and cream products to its customers in Ballylast, Lifford, Donegal Ireland. The dairy, which is the most modern dairy in Ireland T: 074-9141592 M:087-2564460 F: 074-9141368 having been built in 2004, has the capacity to pasteurise, E: mmcelchar@gmail.com www.liffordcoachworks.town.ie process and pack up to 22,000 litres of milk per hour.

Down the years, Linwoods’ business had expanded to include the development of innovative, new products to meet its consumers’ changing needs. In 2003, Linwoods first initiated its interest in Flaxseed and healthy super food product. Managing director John FAS CSCS REG No: 901 794 for Woods grew up on a farm and remembered as a Track Diggers & Rubber Ducks (360 & 180 Bx) young boy how healthy the farm animals were when Tractor Dozer Site Dumper being fed on a meal of Flaxseed and how glossy the animals’ coats were.

Artic Dumpers Mini Digger Years later, while attending a Natural and Organic fair Telescopic Handlers in the United States, John once again came across DRIVERS CPC Complete your 7 hour course with us!

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MJM Training would like to wish Linwoods Continued Success In The Future Linwoods’ milled organic Flaxseed has since become Website www.mjmtraining.com a huge seller for the family-run concern, as has all of Email: its organic, healthy and nutritious products. The info@mjmtraining.com

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

45

FH Commercials designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 11:52 Page 1

On the forecourt

No.1 in Northern Ireland for commercial vehicle repairs Over the last 28 years, County Armagh based FH Commercials Ltd. has developed into the province’s premier commercial vehicle repair and servicing centre. We dropped into the busy workshop in Lurgan and spoke to founder / proprietor Francie O’Hagan about the history of the business and the comprehensive range of exceptional services provided.

F

or commercial vehicle repairs, FH Commercials ticks all the boxes: no job too big or too small; excellent value for money; exceptional levels of service and workmanship; the latest diagnostic / repair equipment; ideal location; a comprehensive range of

CONTACT DETAILS 46

services provided including fleet repairs and servicing.

Little wonder they are attracting the custom of an increasing number of commercial vehicle operators from both sides of the border!

Francie O’Hagan set up FH

Commercials in February, 1987, having already worked extensively in the commercial vehicle repair and servicing sector. “I started off by working on my own in the evenings and built it up from there,” he reflects.

Growth was organic and steady. As

FH Commercials Ltd., Charlestown Road, Derrytrasna, Lurgan, County Armagh.

Tel: 028 38340035 Fax: 0077 10800636 Email: info@fhcommercials.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

FH Commercials designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 10:53 Page 1

On the forecourt

No.1 in Northern Ireland for commercial vehicle repairs Over the last 28 years, County Armagh based FH Commercials Ltd. has developed into the province’s premier commercial vehicle repair and servicing centre. We dropped into the busy workshop in Lurgan and spoke to founder / proprietor Francie O’Hagan about the history of the business and the comprehensive range of exceptional services provided.

F

or commercial vehicle repairs, FH Commercials ticks all the boxes: no job too big or too small; excellent value for money; exceptional levels of service and workmanship; the latest diagnostic / repair equipment; ideal location; a comprehensive range of

CONTACT DETAILS 46

services provided including fleet repairs and servicing.

Little wonder they are attracting the custom of an increasing number of commercial vehicle operators from both sides of the border!

Francie O’Hagan set up FH

Commercials in February, 1987, having already worked extensively in the commercial vehicle repair and servicing sector. “I started off by working on my own in the evenings and built it up from there,” he reflects.

Growth was organic and steady. As

FH Commercials Ltd., Charlestown Road, Derrytrasna, Lurgan, County Armagh.

Tel: 028 38340035 Fax: 0077 10800636 Email: info@fhcommercials.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

FH Commercials designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 10:53 Page 2

demand increased, Francie was able to expand the business gradually, bit by bit. “We have our own yard here with plenty of space and, as I live in the country, we were able to build our own premises here, which I have added to over the years as the business has grown.”

Francie started out as a one-man band. Today, he provides full-time employment to a team of five mechanics plus Debbie in the office. The business has grown on the back of providing an exceptional, professional service, using the most modern and efficient equipment on the market operated by fullyqualified and experienced personnel.

FH Commericals have the knowhow and wherewithal to provide a solution to any commercial vehicle problem and have been entrusted to look after the fleets of many high-profile, prestigious operators both sides of the border.

Providing a full range of commercial vehicle repairs and servicing services from a modern three-bay, 85x100 foot workshop, FH Commercials caters for all types of commercial vehicles and coaches. “We do everything from tractor units and trailers to coaches, buses and vans,” Francie explains. “We have the latest brake testing facilities here and also carry out digital safety checks.

“We have lifts go accommodate all commercial vehicles and have invested consistently in the latest technology down through the years because things have obviously changed a lot since we set up in 1987 – and continue to change. We have the latest diagnostic equipment here and are constantly investing in both equipment and personnel to ensure that we can provide the best-possible service to our growing range of customers.”

Some of the companies whose fleets FH Commercials provide service, repair and MOT-preparation solutions to include ICB Contracts / Emulsions Ltd., Glanbia, McGrane Nurseries, Apple Blossom Coach Hire, Derryadd Pallets McDowell Contracts, Crash Services, McCusker Group and M J M Training in addition to many smaller fleets and individual owner-drivers. The workshop is open from 8am until 6pm from Monday through Friday and for half days on Saturdays.

Francie has loyal customers from all over the island, north and south, from Munster upwards and all across Northern Ireland. One of the real strengths of the business is its ideal location in the heart of mid-Ulster. “The location is excellent,” admits Francie. “We’re in Derrytrasna, close to the shores of Lough Neagh. We’re only seven minutes away from the Lurgan and Portadown exits off the motorway and Craigavon is only seven miles away. It’s also just seven minutes from here to the local test centre, so that works in our favour as well.”

Francie’s vision of the industry has seen him move not with

Francie O’Hagan at work

Odhran and Daire

the times but invariably before the times. For example, his was the first commercial garage in the area to have brake testing facilities and he had these in place even before the local dealers. Of course, there’s no room for resting on one’s laurels in any business and, to this end, the driving force behind FH Commercials continues to invest funds and man hours into ensuring that he remains a step ahead of the opposition. The facilities and equipment at the disposal of the technicians at

Best Wishes & Continued Success To FH Commercials Ltd From

78 Crowill Road, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT66 7AT Tel: 02838 343446 Mobile: 07849 856 817 Email: info@derryaddpalletsltd.co.uk

www.derryaddpalletsltd.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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FH Commercials designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 10:53 Page 3

Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd

Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd From

Professional approach to coach hire across Northern Ireland 4 Coleman Drive,Lurgan Craigavon BT66 6RR Tel:028-3834 0064 Mobile: 07711 177 032

www.appleblossomcoachhire.co.uk

Best Wishes To All At FH Commercials Ltd, 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: cspportadown@btconnect.com www.cspni.co.uk

Wishing All At FH Commercials Ltd Continued Success Over The Next 25 Years

&

Company

Chartered Certified Accountants 67A Edward Street, Lurgan, Co.Armagh BT66 6DD Telephone: 028-3834 7888 | Fax:028-3834 7891

Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd, from

For further information Contact us : 028 3884 0341 Call from ROI: 048 38840341 Email: info@mcgranenurseries.co.uk www.mcgranenurseries.co.uk 48

Brownlow Radiators

Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd, From

www.brownlowradiators.com

All radiators | Aircon | Condensors | Intercoolers Oilcooler | Fuel Tank RENU | Heat Transfer Services

T: 028 3832 4382 M: 077 6457 3574 F: 028 3832 3626

Meadows Equestrian Centre The Meadows Equestrian Centre is developing into Northern Ireland’s centre of excellence for equestrianism

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH FH COMMERCIALS LTD - KEEPING OUR FLEET ON THE ROAD FOR THE LAST NUMBER OF YEARS Enbankment Rd, Lurgan,Co Armagh BT66 6FD Tel: +44 (0)28 3832 2417 Mob: +44 (0)77 9627 7227 Email: info@themec.co.uk | www.themec.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

FH Commercials designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 10:53 Page 4

FH Commercials are second to none and money has also been spent on renovating the garage and concreting the yard in recent times.

Whatever it takes to guarantee a smooth service and complete satisfaction!

Looking to the future, Francie admits that there is no room for complacency: “We will keep doing what we are doing and try to do it even better – and maybe even on a slightly bigger scale,” he notes.

Customer loyalty lies at the very heart of the operation and Francie believes that the value for money offered – without compromising on quality – plays a huge role in the popularity of his services: “We are more competitive than most garages and we certainly work for a better rate than anybody else in the area,” he confirms. “But we never provide a service that is less than 100%. We are fully focused on providing a highquality service first and foremost. After that, we keep the rates as reasonable as possible.

“We have a 24/7 call-out service within a 100-mile radius as well and provide full breakdown and recovery services. For this, we have five breakdown vans plus one lorry. You could be called out any time, day or night, and this is another extra service that commercial vehicle operators appreciate.

“As far as we are concerned, no job is too big

Some of the team at FH Commercials, l/r: Gregorz Wlodarcyzk, Francie O’Hagan (Proprietor), Mickey Doyle, Daire McGinty, Odhran O’Hara, Jeff Hearst

little fact sums up what FH better than the one-thousandor too small and no man is too big or too small.

Commercials is all about or-so words that preceded it!

Everybody counts … the small man and the big man … it makes no difference to us. We look after everybody who drives into our yard or FAS CSCS REG No: 901 794 for picks up the phone Track Diggers & Rubber Ducks (360 & 180 Bx) and gives is a call. If Tractor Dozer Site Dumper you go out of your way to look after Artic Dumpers Mini Digger Telescopic Handlers customers, they will DRIVERS CPC tend to stick with you.

Complete your 7 hour course with us!

“For example, Tel/Fax Gerald McCluskey & Locations: Monaghan Dundalk Sligo S: (048) 855 67183 NI: (028) 855 67183 Donegal Ballygawley Sons, tarmacadam Address Courses can be completed on customer sites in NI contractor, was my 2-6 Bockets Rd, Ballygawley first ever customer in MJM Training would like to wish FH Commercials Ltd Continued Success In The Future 1987 and he’s still Website www.mjmtraining.com with me today.”

Email: In many ways, that info@mjmtraining.com

MJM Training

Gerald McCluskey & Sons Continued Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd From

Specialising in Isuzu and Mitsubishi 4x4 Parts, Van Parts and suppliers to the Motor Trade 4 Carn Road Business Centre, Portadown, BT63 5WG.

Telephone: 028 3839 9881 FAX: 028 3839 9881 E-mail:mark@vansparesltd.com

www.vansparesltd.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tarmac & Paving Specialists

Best Wishes To FH Commercials Ltd

11 The Palms, Portadown, County Armagh BT63 5RU M: 07710 085 648 T: 028 3834 0461 E: info@geraldmccluskeyandsons.co.uk www.geraldmccluskeyandsons.co.uk 49

cork city designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:26 Page 1 Cork City Ford Centre stocks a great range of new and used Ford commercials

Continuing the Ford tradition in Cork When Cork City Ford Centre opened for business in 2006, it was the latest chapter in the Nolan family’s long association with the Ford brand. î “e dealership has gone from strength to strength since then with 2015 promising to be its busiest year yet.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cork city designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:26 Page 2

A

vibrant urban motor dealership strategically located just off the Airport Road in Cork, Cork City Ford Centre offers the full range of Ford cars and commercial vehicles. Also offering servicing, parts and accessories, and tailored finance packages, it is one of just 20 Ford Commercial Centres in the country.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The Nolan name is synonymous with Ford, just as Ford is synonymous with Cork. The late Eddie Nolan joined Ford in 1958 and spent 13-and-a-half years as managing director of Ford Ireland before setting up Cork City Ford Centre in conjunction with Cormac Hughes of South Dublin Ford Centre nine years ago. In 2009, Eddie and his son John took full

control of the business and they worked together to establish it as one of Ireland’s foremost Ford dealerships before Eddie’s untimely death in 2013.

Undeterred, John is committed to growing the business further and maintaining his family’s indelible links to Ford for many years to come.

“My father worked with Ford for 42 years and was obviously a massive help to me in getting the garage off the ground in an extremely challenging environment,” recalls the affable dealer principal.

“Coming from a banking background, I had a lot to learn about the motor trade and he was a great advisor and confidant to me. The fact that he was so well-known in the trade and that Cork people are extremely loyal to the Ford brand has also stood to us.”

Cork City Ford Centre prides itself on its commitment to quality, excellence and value-for-money. Visitors to the state-of-the-art showroom will be impressed by the high level of customer service and tempted by great offers on a huge range of new and used vehicles. Whether it is a car or commercial vehicle you are looking for, John and his team have the vehicle to suit you.

“The requirements of a car owner and a van owner are completely different,” John explains.

“Commercial sales are much more complex. There is a big focus on specification. We sell commercials to everyone from a tradesman out on his own to major corporate fleets. They all have different needs and as a commercial vehicle specialist, we can advise them on the right vehicle for them. We stock a wide range of commercial models to ensure we have the right stock for customers.”

Cork City Ford Centre stocks the complete range of Ford commercials to complement their equally impressive range of passenger cars, which includes the all new Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta, Ka, Kuga, B-Max, C-Max and Galaxy. The Ford Transit has long been the market leader and Ford’s flagship commercial. The other Ford commercials are the Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Tourneo Connect, Transit Custom, Tourneo Connect and Ford Ranger. Completing the line-up are the Fiesta and Focus vans.

“We have something for everyone,” notes John, who goes on to explain how Cork

Cork City Ford Centre Forge Hill, Airport Road, Cork Tel: 021 4315650 Fax: 021 4966399 Email: reception@corkcityford.ie Website: www.corkcityford.ie

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cork city designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:26 Page 3

City Ford Centre has placed a major emphasis on its commercial division from day one.

“Ford launched a new Transit and Transit Connect in 2014 and they have both been a huge seller for us. 2014 has good growth in commercial vehicle sales. Our commercial sales were up 250 per cent on the previous year which is not only a reflection of how well the economy is recovering, but of the quality of vehicle and service we offer customers.

“We also offer some fantastic deals. For example, customers who buy a new commercial in the first quarter of 2015 will have a year’s free road tax. In addition, we can arrange great low rate finance deals through Bank of Ireland. Our lowest rate at the moment is 3.9 per cent.

“Ford has a 24 per cent share of the commercial market and we want to grow that in the same way as we want to grow our own business here in Cork.

We have worked hard to develop relationships with A selection of new Ford models on display in the showroom

companies in the city and that is now beginning to pay off.”

John continues: “As the economy continues to recover, the SIMI is predicting a further 20 per cent growth in new vehicle sales in 2015. If this materialises, which I think it will, the industry will start to get closer to a level of sales that will mean garages will be profitable and allow them to re

invest further in their business.

While the growth is most welcome, the industry isn’t out of the woods just yet…”

Cork City Ford Centre employs 18 staff, including eight technicians in its workshop. The eye-catching premises on Forge Hill spans 12,500 square feet.

The range of services offered

by Cork City Ford Centre

The state-of-the-art premises on Forge Hill, Cork

extends to contract hire, leasing and hire purchase & vehicle valet . The thriving garage provides the complete Ford experience, so make sure to call in the next time you are passing by.

As the business nears its 10th anniversary, John and his staff look forward to servicing the needs of the Cork motoring public for many decades to come.

Best Wishes To Cork City Ford Centre From

Dennis Henderson Motor Services RECONDITIONED GEARBOXES TOWBARS • BULLBARS • TYRES SERVICING • REPAIRS • EXHAUSTS PRE-NCT CHECKS

Unit J1A, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork

www.exhaustshop.ie

Tel: 021 4314242 Fax: 021 4317835

Best wishes and continued success from all at Carzone.ie

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cafco designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:58 Page 1

S

For all your vehicle solution needs e standard vehicle may not suit everyone’s needs as owner drivers may need specific requirements to carry out their daily duties.

ome may feel that it is impossible to get the specifications required, but that is certainly not the case as there are specialised firms in Ireland that focus on giving the customer the vehicle that they need.

One of the leading companies in this field of expertise is Dublin based Cafco Vehicle Solutions, which specialises in commercial body building and van fitting along with an array of other services.

Located in the Northwest Business Park, Blanchardstown and operating from a large purpose built facility, Cafco Vehicle Solutions has been supplying a top quality service to a large customer base for the past 25 years.

Managing Director Gerry Healy spoke to Irish Trucker about the history of the business and he gave an insight into the many services that they provide.

“We have a two acre, 30,000sq ft facility which is just located just off the M50, which allows our customers easy

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

access to us and us to them,” said Gerry who runs the business along with his wife Martina and son Craig.

“The premises are equipped with all the state of the art technology needed to perform our duties at the highest level and we are continuously investing in the business to ensure that the standards expected of us by our customers are met.

“There are 12 bays in the workshop

which means multiple jobs can be carried out at any time and this cuts down on the turnaround time for the customers to get their vehicles back. There is also a trade counter where we stock and sell a wide range of parts.”

Cafco Vehicle Solutions specialise in coach building, Design & Consultation, Bespoke Van & Truck Fit Outs, Distributors For Sortimo, Storage Systems, Box Body Builders, Crew Cab Conversions, Ramps & Tail Lifts, Ply Lining & Panel Protection, Spray Painting & Body Repairs, Roof Racks & Ladders, Lights & Beacons, Auto Alarms & Locks, Window Tinting, Refrigerated Units and Automobility Conversion.

“We would carry out conversion work on any type of vehicles whether it be an artic truck right down to a small car, every job is treated the same.”

With so many services provided, Cafco need a team of highly trained staff to ensure that every job is done to the

Cafco Vehicle Solutions

Unit 802 Northwest Business Park, Kilshane Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Email: sales@cafco.ie Telephone: 01 861 2345 Fax: 01 861 2972

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Congratulations To Gerry & Martina On 25 Years In Business From All At Bardahl Distributors

Units B9-B11, South City Business Centre, Whitestown Way, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Tel:+ 353 (0)1 4624631 Fax:+ 353 (0)1 4624668 E:sales@stronglines.com www.stronglines.com Best Wishes To Quality Brands From Cafco Vehicle Solutions CAFCO VEHICLE SOLUTIONS

Best Wishes To Cafco Vehicle Solutions From

Continued Best Wishes To Cafco Vehicle Solutions From

SERVICE METALS (IRELAND) LTD SUPPLIERS OF ALUMINIUM/ STEEL & TIMBER PRODUCTS TO THE ROAD TRANSPORT & GENERAL ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES

Unit 1A, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24

T: 01-420 3011 F: 01-420 3013 Email: irelandsales@servicemetals.ie www.servicemetals.co.uk

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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www.irishtrucker.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

cafco designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:59 Page 3

highest specification.

“There are 23 people employed here and all are highly trained in their field of expertise. No job is too big or small for us and we will work closely with the customer to ensure that we manufacture what they need.

“With our experience we can devise a solution that will best fit the customers’ requirements. Many of the staff have been with us for years and they have gained a lot of experience during that time, which is invaluable when met with so many different challenges.

“Parts are sourced from all over the world and even if we can’t find what’s needed, we can make it. Everything manufactured here has to pass stringent

Cafco Vehicles Solutions purpose built facility in Northwest Business Park, Blanchardstown

tests before it leaves the premises.”

Cafco’s ability to diversify over the years has been one of the main reasons for their success as they continue to explore new avenues within the business.

“When the company was first established, the main focus was on supplying parts to body builders and then we were asked to develop bodies and it took off from there.

“Our customer base would range far and wide, but there would be a lot of repeat custom many who have been with us for years.

Every job is different, which makes it interesting work.”

Cafco Vehicle Solutions are agents for Autoadapt Mobility Solutions (UK), and can provide and install products for getting in and out of the car as well as ramps and hoists and various aids for disabled drivers and children.

Cafco offer a full rnage of refrigerated vehicles through In this section of the their www.refrigeratedvehicles.ie website business, they specialise and cater for such areas as In and Out of the Car, Ramps and Hoists, Driver Environment, Children, Various Aids, Consumer Lifts and Community Lifts.

Cafco is Ireland’s leading total supply chain solutions provider for temperature controlled vehicles, supporting the (FMCG) supply chain network.

Offering the latest technology and commitment

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

to providing the highest quality, service and aftercare, enabling Cafco to support and meet a wide range of customer needs. Whether it’s chilled, frozen, or containerized large or small distribution RefrigeratedVehicles.ie is part of Cafco Vehicle Solutions and specialises in the sale, leasing and rental of new and used refrigerated vans.

The site offers a full service, whether you’re a business running a fleet of refrigerated vehicles or a small company setting up, RefrigeratedVehicles.ie have the knowledge and experience to assist their customer with every element of the purchase.

The professional and friendly staff assist in every aspect of after sales with the service and maintenance of all their refrigerated vehicles.

Gerry admits that business is going well and that the future is bright for Cafco Vehicle Solutions. “We are happy with the direction that the business is going.

We have noticed that a few customers have come back to us. This is a very competitive industry, but once the customer knows that they are guaranteed a top quality service from our experienced team, it is up to us to maintain those standards and keep them happy.”

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A continental leader Kelly European Freight Services Ltd has earned itself an excellent reputation since its inception 18 years ago and business looks set to continue to bloom for the Lisburn-based company. Irish Trucker caught up with co-owner Adrian Kelly to find out more.

CONTACT DETAILS 56

Kelly European Freight Services Ltd, 25 Ferguson Drive, Knockmore Hill Industrial Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 2EX. Tel. (028) 9262 6294 www.kellyflowers.co.uk IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The fleet and

kelly european designed_Layout 1 06/01/2015 12:33 Page 2

I

The fleet comprises 25 units, 30 trailers and 12 rigid lorries and vans IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

t’s hard to beat a reliable service. For the best part of 20 years now Kelly European Freight Services Ltd in Lisburn, Co Antrim have been providing exactly that.

Started in 1997 by brothers Adrian and Patrick Kelly, the idea of a haulage company sprouted from a lack of reliable and local shipping methods by which to move their fresh flowers from Holland to Ireland. One unit, one trailer and three members of staff were all that was there to see the budding transport company start to operate, but it wasn’t long before other businesses started to notice them.

The Kellys’ thriving flower business was in need of a reliable method of transportation from their depot in Holland to their warehouse in Ireland. Having been frustrated by the unreliability of local transport companies they decided that the only way to get it right was to do it themselves.

In striving to provide that reliable service that they required, they found that other businesses also wanted their goods transported using a company with a fine attention to detail and the ability to get it there when they needed it. From this they have grown steadily and now have a fleet of 25 units, 30 trailers, 12 rigid lorries and vans and 35 staff.

The fleet is made up of a mixture of fully maintained Scania, DAF and Volvo tractor units with 29 fridge trailers and one curtain-side trailer with plans to extend this fleet in the coming years. In 2011, 10 new lorries (seven of them Volvos) and six new fridges were added to the fleet.

“We offer customers a total seamless transport package from short term storage to distribution,” the company’s website explains.

“Our niche is transporting goods to and from Europe, however we also have extensive experience within the UK and Irish arenas. We recognise that the transport marketplace is a complex, challenging and competitive one which is why we offer exceptional service combined with tailor made transport and logistic solutions to meet the specific requirements of our customers’ needs.”

Like most, Kelly European Freight Services was a company which came from humble beginnings. It was started from the ground by Adrian and Patrick back in 1997 and has steadily grown into a leading haulage company through three different decades.

With an ever increasing demand the company decided that along with its sister company they would move to a purpose built 50,000 square foot premises at Knockmore Hill Industrial Park in Lisburn.

The facilities there give them up to the minute loading and unloading with short term storage facilities. The company specialises in refrigerated transport with dual temperature control trailers allowing a combination of chilled, frozen or ambient goods to be transported on the same trailer.

“We are seven years in this facility now,” explained Adrian. “It’s busy at the moment but like everywhere it’s tough.

Exports are on the up though and things are steady.”

Indeed recent success was acknowledged when Kelly European Freight Services nominated for International Hauler of the Year and European Hauler of the Year in 2014.

“There are 35 people employed here and we’ve 25 truck units and 30 fridges,”

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Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight Services Ltd, From

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Belfast Office

Head Office

Monktown, Navan, Co. Meath

25 Talbot Street Cathedral Quarter Belfast BT1 2LD

E: info@robinmulligan.ie

E: info@robinmulligan.co.uk

P: 041 9821112

P: 028 9560 0908

TBF Thompson Mallusk: 028- 9034 2001 Garvagh: 028- 2955 8353 Portadown: 028- 3839 3300

DAF DISTRIBUTORS- Northern Ireland Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight Services Ltd

Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight Services, From

TRUCK BUS & TRAILER COMPONENTS LTD

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCK, BUS & TRAILER PARTS 7C Altona Road, Blaris Ind Est, Lisburn BT27 5QB

Tel: 028 92601112

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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said Adrian. “Our lorries would be Eveco, Scania and DAF. The newer lorries we have here aren’t as hard on fuel.

“In 2011, we bought 10 new lorries and seven new Volvos.

We bought six new fridges too.”

Kelly’s management team is renowned for having a very ‘hands on’ approach; whether it’s logistical planning, talking to customers, brushing out a trailer or helping to change a tyre.

Ensuring that the wheels are always turning is part of everyone’s job. To keep their vehicles on the road twenty four hours a day seven days a week, Kelly European Freight has also established an on-site workshop to keep the backbone of their business in first class condition.

Operating 25 temperature control articulated lorries across Holland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Italy, Kelly European Freight collect and deliver to a variety of European destinations with up to 45 runs per week with a major emphasis on groupage

departures to and from Holland on a daily basis.

While operating a specialist service for the European market, Kelly European Freight also offers full loads to Ireland and mainland UK seven days a week for chilled, frozen and ambient goods. The company also offers a groupage service from Ireland to Holland and Belgium on a daily basis and other European countries twice a week with delivery and collection aided by their extensive fleet.

They operate from a 50,000 square foot purpose built temperature controlled building and can also offer short term storage facilities for a range of perishable goods. Having four custom built loading bays at their disposal enables a quick and easy loading and unloading of goods for dispatch across Ireland, mainland UK and Europe.

Of course, one of the main problems affecting all operators at present is the exorbitant price of fuel. Adrian admitted that it is a strain but revealed that their customers are generally understanding

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Kelly European was founded in 1997

and don’t expect them to absorb the hikes.

“As I said, the newer lorries we have here aren’t as hard on fuel. Everybody is having the same issues with fuel costs and we are dealing with it the same as anyone else,” he said.

“It is an unfortunate situation but we like to think that we still provide an excellent service for our customers and they know that we’re not benefiting from the high fuel prices. “

There is no doubt that the company is more than holding its own at present and Adrian is positive about the future. He hopes that they will perhaps experience further growth in the medium-to-long-term.

“We’re positive about the future. Everywhere it’s tough at the minute, but like I said exports are on the up and we’re confident that they will continue to be in 2015.”

Kelly European offer reliability and escellence

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Kingswood passes the test every time Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre Ltd is one of Dublin’s foremost CVRT (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test) Centres, having made the changeover from a VTN (Vehicle Testing Network) Centre in the past two years.

B

ased at Kingswood Cross, Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 and headed up by Shay Murphy, the company has been testing trucks, vans and buses since 2005. It is a sister company of Navan Bus & Truck Services which has been in business for 11 years and specialises in bus and coach maintenance.

Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre employs 19 staff, including two dedicated testers, while a further seven staff are employed in Navan Bus & Truck Services. Kingswood started out as a VTN Centre before upgrading to a CVRT

60

Centre in 2012.

“We’ve recently invested €67,000 in specialist heavy goods testing equipment, which includes electronic headlight testing,” explains Shay, who has been running his own truck repair and servicing businesses since 1989.

“We also have a repair shop, which is something a lot of CVRT Centres don’t have. We are well-known and highlyrecommended for brake upgrades and braking systems on road trains. We use the very latest vehicle diagnostic equipment and are both an authorised tachograph and road speed limiter

centre.

We also specialise in maintenance and repairs.”

CVRT is a network of independentlyowned test centres that are completely separate from the NCT (National Car Testing Service) network, which only test cars.

The changeover from VTN to CVRT has resulted in the transfer of functions in relation to the roadworthiness testing of commercial vehicles pass from local authorities to the RSA (Road Safety Authority). This basically means that Kingswood is now granted its testing licence by the RSA. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

kingswood designed_Layout 1 08/01/2015 11:53 Page 2

The CVRT is an annual roadworthiness test for all commercial vehicles, buses with more than eight passenger seats and ambulances, all over one-year-old. The purpose of the test is to ensure that these vehicles are in good condition throughout their entire life. Kingswood is licenced to test both LVCs (Light Commercial Vehicles) and HCVs (Heavy Commercial Vehicles).

The CVRT test includes: brakes; lights and markings; wheels and tyres; steering and suspension; chassis and underbody; tachograph; speed limiter; exhaust emissions; electrical systems; glass and mirrors. The benefits of maintenance are safer, more reliable vehicles and avoidance of penalty points, fines and possible imprisonment.

The cost of the CVRT test varies according to vehicle size.

All re-tests must be completed within 21 calendar days and within 4,000kms of the initial test, or you’ll need to repeat the full test. While visual re-tests are free, a re-test that requires a test lane has a fee that is half of the normal test fee.

The Kingswood test centre has built up a large customer base, primarily in the haulage, truck rental, construction and coach sectors. It is recognised as one of the busiest CVRT centres in the capital, with its location on the Naas Road making it easily accessible to customers from Dublin and surrounding counties.

“We have made a significant investment in providing the best possible facilities for our customers, whose business we appreciate very much,” Shay says.

“The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us. Our priority is to ensure they are safe on the road. We cater for all commercial vehicles, ranging from vans and 4x4s to HGVs and trailers. Each of the testing bays are fitted with the very latest in computerised testing equipment.”

Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre boasts an impressive client list which includes Bus Eireann, STL Logistics (formerly Shannon Transport), Home & Movement Storage, Avis, Swilly Coaches, Irish School of Motoring, DID Electrical, Keenan Transport, Galway Tours and Observe, the outside broadcast provider.

As specialists in braking systems, Kingswood are agents for WABCO Vehicle Control Systems and Knorr-Bremse. New Jersey, US-headquartered WABCO is a provider of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation

Best Wishes To

Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre Ltd From

systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles.

The Knorr-Bremse Group, based in Munich, Germany, is another leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. For more than 100 years, the company has pioneered the development, production and marketing of state-of-the-art braking systems. Other lines of business include automatic door systems, rail vehicle air conditioning systems and torsional vibration dampers for internal combustion engines.

Another service provided by Kingswood is heavy vehicle recovery. Operating 24-7, the company can offer a fast, friendly and efficient service to stranded truck, bus or van drivers anywhere in Ireland. Shay has a fully-equipped Renault recovery truck dedicated to this service. He also has a fullysecured compound where vehicles can be stored.

The CVRT centre is open six days a week, from 7am ‘til late Monday to Friday, and from 7am ‘til 1pm on Saturdays.

Kingswood’s technicians will be more than happy to answer any questions which you may have before or after the test.

Vehicle owners can relax in the waiting area while the test is being completed. So for your next CVRT test, make sure to make an appointment with Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre.

Please book early to secure the most suitable appointment.

Best Wishes To Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre Ltd From WHOLESALE CATERING & DELI SUPPLIES

Fresh Ideas Your Way

Unit D7, Clonlara Road Baldonnell Business Park, Co. Dublin.

Tel: (01) 4105 900 Fax: (01) 4105 901 E: info@cremonafoods.ie www.cremonafoods.ie

Austin Long Transport

Best Wishes To Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre Ltd, From

SPECIALISE IN REFRIGERATED HAULAGE NATIONAL • INTERNATIONAL

The Island, Newmarket, Co. Cork Austin 087-2354004 Denis 086-6084069 Telephone: 029-60170

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Kingswood Commercial Vehicle Test Centre

Kingswood Cross, Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Tel: 01 4593480

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50 years at Warrenpoint Since 2002, Armagh Logistics Ltd has been leading the way as shipping agents at Warrenpoint Port, and 2014 has seen their busiest year yet. Irish Trucker spoke to John Mc Parland to see how things have been progressing for the business lately.

F

Peter Conway, CEO of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, with Noel, Anna and John McParland, marking Noel’s 50 years at Warrenpoint

ifty years is a long time to spend in any one place, but for Noel Mc Parland his time has flown by at Warrenpoint Port, especially since setting up his own shipping agency. 2014 saw Noel, a native of Annacloughmullion and co-founder of Armagh Logistics Ltd, honoured by Northern Ireland’s second largest port having entered into his 50th year of employment there.

CONTACT DETAILS

62

Noel began working at the docks way back in 1964 as a driver when he was just a teenager and has no doubt seen many changes at the seaside port since then. In 2002 Noel co-founded Armagh Logistics Ltd with then business partner Ann Toner, having previously worked at the port for various companies. It is very much a family run business with his son John, a member of the Institute of

Chartered Shipbrokers, and Granddaughter Niamh Mc Keown working alongside him.

“We are based at the docks in Warrenpoint,” explained John. “The company is moving into its thirteenth year in business. It’s a small but ambitious company. My father Noel took a brave step by setting up the company, but it was a move that has thankfully paid off

Armagh Logistics The Docks, Warrenpoint, Newry, Down, BT34 3JR Tel: +44 28 4175 2333

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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and is continuing to grow from strength to strength.

With 50 years experience in the industry, it is fair to say his knowledge is extremely valuable.”

John has been another driving force behind the company since its inception and is following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to the business.

Noel began working in Warrenpoint for Irish Sea Ferries, which operated the first container service from Warrenpoint to Garston in Liverpool, and although the company changed hands many times during the ensuing years, Noel remained the only ever-present figure throughout this raft of changes.

“The shipping industry is a very interesting business to be involved in. As shipping agents we have a duty of care to the ship owners and their vessels that visit the port. We also look after freight forwarding for the customers importing and exporting commodities through the port,” John explained.

When the company was founded, the main cargoes they were looking after would have been timber and steel products. However, in recent years they have also handled containerised cargoes for ECS and C2C lines, as well as coal, grain and RDF. 2014 saw Armagh Logistics having their most successful year to date, having seen a big turnaround from the early part of the recession which hit the industry hard, along with so many others.

“We’ve been very busy,” said John. “This past year has seen our busiest to date, and looking forward to the beginning of the New Year we seem to be continuing on the same vein, going by the work that is lined up. We are looking after a wider variety of cargoes now than we would have before, which brings its own challenges, but that’s what keeps you interested in your work.”

Although things haven’t always been quite as busy as they are now, due to a couple of tough years brought about by the economic downturn.

“It had a big affect on us,” he admitted. “Things got very quiet for a while. The recession affected every industry and shipping was no different. With the slowdown in construction, demand for timber and steel fell, which obviously impacted the tonnage being imported, and so hit us too.

D.J. McGorman IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Armagh Logistics have many transport partners, including H.M.T. Shipping

Carlinn Transport deal witih Armagh Logistics

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Best Wishes To Armagh Logistics, From

DJ McGORMAN & SON LTD. Best Wishes To Armagh Logistics

GENERAL HAULAGE Transporting All Over Ireland & England

HMT Shipping

Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone | T:0777-9729203 | E:mcgormantsp@hotmail.co.uk

CARLINN TRANSPORT LTD. ROOSKEY, CARLINGFORD, CO. LOUTH

Tel: 042-9383364 086-2558302 Best Wishes to Armagh Logistics

Providing Total Logistic Solutions To Your Needs

Unit 8, Milltown Ind Est.,Warrenpoint, Co. Down BT34 3FN Tel: 028 4175 3770 | Fax: 028 4175 3402

Continued Best Wishes To Armagh Logistics Continued success to all at Armagh Logistics, from

COMMERCIAL & VEHICLE BODY BUILDING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AMT Engineering, Williamstown, Castlebellingham, Co Louth Tel: +353 (0)42 9372348 Contact: Alan Treadwell, Tel: +353 (0)86 304 8866 Paul Matthews, Tel: +353 (0)86 043 3114

Continued Best Wishes To Armagh Logistics, from

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

37 Church Street, Warrenpoint, Co. Down BT34 3HN Tel:028-417 72024 | Fax:028-417 73116 Email: liam@mcpolinandmurdock.com

www.mcpolinandmurdock.com

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Wayne Smyth works with Armagh Logistics

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Shepherds Drive, Carnbane Ind Est., Newry, Co. Down BT35 6JQ Tel: +44 (0)28 3026 5432 Fax: +44 (0)28 3026 9898 Email: info@regenwaste.com www.regenwaste.com Continued Best Wishes To

Armagh Logistics

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Thankfully it seems to have turned around again and long may it continue.”

Such is the nature of the business that John and his father are in, there work sees them looking after crews and cargoes on an international scale.

Ships call to Warrenpoint from all over Europe and South America, whether it is from Turkey, Columbia, Netherlands or even other UK ports.

There’s no sign of Noel calling it a day either, according to his son, as he has no intention of retiring, despite his family’s protests.

Aside from his work, Noel has always been an avid supporter of the GAA and held the Secretary position of Mullaghbawn GFC when the club won a coveted Ulster Club Senior Football Championship in 1995, defeating Bailieborough Shamrocks of Cavan in the final.

He was also responsible for securing the sponsorship of Kersten Hunik – one of the companies he worked for in Warrenpoint – during his stint as Secretary with the club. He has also trained and managed successful underage teams with the club over the years, winning various trophies at a number of underage levels.

“Dad is a big Armagh man,” said John. “Mullaghbawn is his club. He was the Secretary when they won the Ulster Club SFC Final in 1995 and he was also on the 1964 team when they won (the county title).”

Noel’s wife Anna, together with their seven children and nine grandchildren, take this opportunity to congratulate Noel on reaching a significant landmark in his career and wish him health and happiness for many years to come.

“We just want to continue on the growing vein that we’re on.

Like I said, if it gets any busier we’re going to need more employees and that’s not a bad problem to have,” John concluded.

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Fane Valley Group Growing better together Fane Valley Co-operative was formed in 1903, and over 100 years later still remains 100% farmer owned by 1800 shareholders.

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T

he company has a turnover in excess of £550 million, with over 2,100 employees with sites in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Belgium. The Cooperative is now one of Ireland’s most progressive Agri-food businesses, with interests in dairy processing, red meat processing, oat milling, feed compounding, agricultural supplies, and renewable energy.

A division of The Co-Operative, Fane Valley Feeds is one of the largest animal feed manufacturers in Ireland with an annual production capacity in excess of 300,000 tonnes. Fane Valley Feeds is committed to producing the highest quality dairy, beef, sheep, pig and poultry feeds formulated to meet the needs of individual farmers. With manufacturing sites in Omagh, Co Tyrone and Newry, Co Down, and a modern and efficient fleet of delivery vehicles, the company is well positioned to service Northern Ireland and the border counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal.

Irish Trucker caught up with Fane Valley Feeds Transport Supervisor Conall Quinn to find out more about the company.

Conall Quinn has been working with the company for almost a decade now and knows the haulage industry better than

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

most. In his role as Transport Supervisor, Conall is responsible for overseeing the company’s transport department, with responsibility for HGV procurement, fuel procurement servicing and maintenance, order scheduling and distribution.

The company currently runs a fleet of 22 bulk blowers made up of 6-wheeler rigid trucks, 8-wheeler rigid trucks, as well as 38, 40 and 44 tonne articulated trucks.

The wide range of truck combinations

Conall Quinn, Transport Supervisor at Fane Valley Feeds

allows the company to deliver to many rural locations. The fleet is predominately DAF with the exception of one Volvo, one Mercedes and one Renault in the fleet.

Conall says: “DAF have given Fane Valley an excellent service over the years, and we have always been pleased with the backup from our local dealer TBF Thompson. As a result we have stuck mainly with DAF trucks, however, we continue to evaluate other suppliers on an

Fane Valley Feeds Bankmore Mill, Bankmore Way, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT79 0NW Northern Ireland T. 028 8224 3221 Fane Valley Feeds Newry Mill Clanrye Mill, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6BS Northern Ireland T. 028 3026 2305 www.fanevalleyfeeds.com

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T/F: 00353 42 93 72 393 M: 00353 86 257 5940 E: jgmtransport@eircom.net TASCC Approved

Member of the Irish Road Haulage Association

Best Wishes To Fane Valley Feeds

MJM Training

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& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

68

Best Wishes To Fane Valley Feeds, From

Delivering Throughout Ireland & The UK Daily

11 Tievenmara Road,Keady,Armagh,BT60 3JA. Tel: +44 (0)28 3753 9966 | Email: kieran@cbhaulage.com www.campbellbulkhaulage.com

W

W Tyres

& Batteries

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www.irishtrucker.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

fane valley designed_Layout 1 05/01/2015 16:42 Page 4

ongoing basis.”

Conall continues: “We operate a system of just in time manufacturing, with next day delivery for finished feed.

A high level of service is expected by our customers. All orders received by 11am are delivered by the end of the next working day.” As part of his role, Conall is responsible for all production scheduling to ensure just in time manufacturing of feed to maximise production and delivery efficiency.

The Omagh Feeds mill runs three shifts 24 hours per day, 5 days per week with weekend production during the peak times of the year. Newry mill runs a two shift pattern with production from 6am to 10pm five days a week. In a normal day Conall and his customer services team will delivery to well over 100 farms per day.

The company current operates a “Fleetmatics” GPS tracking system which was installed during 2014.

Commenting on the system, Conall states: “The addition of GPS tracking to the fleet has been very beneficial, with improved vehicle routing leading to increased efficiency through fuel savings. The system has also been

beneficial for production scheduling and as a result we have seen a reduction in the time taken to turn around trucks at bulk outloading, as we now know exactly when a truck will be back on site. Like any other haulage business, managing driving times is one of our biggest challenges and the introduction of tracking has been hugely beneficial in assisting with the management of driving hours in order to stay within legislation.”

Fane Valley Feeds operates to UFAS manufacturing standards and its delivery fleet is Quality Assured. The UFAS code of practice combines feed safety legal requirements with recognised good practice to provide confidence in the food chain. Fane Valley Feeds operates a modern laboratory where stringent quality standards are applied to all raw materials at intake and to all products during manufacture.

During 2014 Conall was shortlisted for the Transport and Logistics Manager of the Year award. Whilst Conall wasn’t a recipient of the silverware on the night, he was delighted that he had been nominated for the award

by the Freight Transport Association of Ireland. “It was

Best Wishes To Fane Valley Feeds, From

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

nice to be recognised by being nominated for this award. With ever increasing legislation the job is becoming more demanding and it is always challenging to keep ahead. Thankfully the nomination proves that we are doing something right,” said Conall.

As part of the Fane Valley Co-Operative Society, Fane Valley Feeds is focused on the development of a sustainable feed business to assist their farmer shareholders in the growth and development of their businesses into the future.

The recent investment in the new Omagh mill is testament to the company’s commitment to the Northern Ireland agricultural industry.

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I

Zellwood celebrate 20th anniversary Anyone in business will tell you that to reach their 20th anniversary is a huge milestone and proof that the right kind of service is being provided to their customers.

n Ireland, we have had to deal with a number of recessions down through the years, but the most recent one was arguably the worst of all as many companies were forced to close their doors.

The majority of those businesses that had to fold were borne out of the Celtic Tiger and they hadn’t the experience to cope with the difficulties that lay ahead.

This was particularly true of the haulage industry as many operators couldn’t deal with the exorbitant overheads, but it was no coincidence that the ones that did come through it are ones that have a number of years’ experience behind them.

One such company that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year is family run business Zellwood Ltd, which is located in North County Dublin.

Zellwood Ltd is a haulage firm that specialises in chilled goods distribution and the company has a reputation for providing a reliable and efficient service to its large customer base.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile Zellwood Ltd and speaking to

CONTACT DETAILS 70

managing director William Flanagan about the success of the business over the last 20 years.

William and his brother Mark established the business in 1995 and their ability to move with the times and the ever changing haulage industry has been one of the main reasons for them

surviving so long.

“We started off small enough, but we now have a fleet of 30 trucks on the road rising to 50 at peak.

We cover all counties in Ireland and are in the U.K with 6 trucks daily” said William.

“Our main focus is on the distribution of

Zellwood Ltd Unit 18, Turvey Business Centre, Donabate, Co Dublin Tel: 01 8900319 Fax: 01 8900329 e-mail: william.flanagan@zellwood.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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chilled goods and as you can imagine there are great time restraints involved in this industry.

Our primary customer base is made up of 3 main customers.

“Gist Ireland who are responsible for all the distribution of M&S goods throughout the island of Ireland and the UK. Natures Best who are an Irish owned food producer supplying all the major retailers in Ireland.

And Stobart Ireland who services all the Tesco retail stores in Ireland.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers past & present for their business over the past 20 years.”

To ensure all their customers are satisfied with the service provided, Zellwood Ltd operates a well serviced and maintained fleet with a High specification of vehicle on all their contracts.

“We would have a good relationship with our Fleet suppliers and have stayed loyal to them over the years.

DAF on the Naas Road, National Truck Rental and Irish Commercials in Naas are the businesses that we deal with currently and they provide very good service.

“Every couple of years, the fleet is upgraded and we have three brand new DAFs coming in February.

As I said, there are massive time constraints in our line of

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

work, so to ensure that we avoid any unnecessary downtime, all our fleet are on schedule maintenance contract with main dealers.

The company also rely on their refrigerated trailers and for this they generally opt for Krone multi temp trailers.

Zellwood Ltd employs 50 people on a full and part time basis.

All are highly trained in their area of expertise.

The drivers are very experienced with our line of work; they are customer focussed and take pride in their roles within the company. They are professional and fully committed to competent driving.

“All our trucks are fitted with satellite tracking which we make accessible to our customers.

We can monitor vehicle locations and fridge temperatures 24 hours which is invaluable to our operation.

It also helps us monitor fuel consumption which we can then use to improve our performance and reduce our carbon footprint.

“In saying that though, the drivers are professional and experienced and we can depend on them to do the job to the best of their abilities and ensure that the customer is happy.

The same can be said about all our staff that has played their part in the success of the business over the past 20 years.”

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Delighted to be associated with ZELLWOOD LTD

Insurance and risk management specialists For further information about how we could help your company please contact Aidan Brady on Tel: +353 1 858 5212 Email: aidan.brady@ie.lockton.com

Millennium House, 52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1.

Lockton Companies LLP is regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A Lloyd’s broker.

Wishing Zellwood Ltd Continued Success In The Future From

Best Wishes To Zellwood Ltd From

Mobile Pressure Wash

Unit C3 Gateway, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11.

Mobile: 087 2514894 • Fax: 01 8991074 Email: expressscreensmobile@gmail.com Continued Best Wishes to Zellwood Ltd From

44 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Unit 8, Millennium Business Park, Cappagh Road, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11 Tel: 01-8649116/01-8649118 Email: info@haughtontyres.ie www.haughtontyres.ie

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72

Specialising in truck and trailer cleaning Also cater for domestic and industrial cleaning 5 Glenhill Drive, Finglas, Dublin 11 Competitive Rates - Professional Service 24 Hr Callout Service

Contact Damien 087-2387711

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Kierans Distribution Services Best Wishes To Zellwood Ltd From

SPECIALISE IN CHILLED DISTRIBUTION

10 The Priory, West Court, Drogheda, Co. Louth Telephone: 087 2527649 Tel:041-9845684 Email: kieransdist@hotmail.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

zellwood designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:27 Page 4

William admitted that since the fall of the Celtic Tiger, decision making within the business is scrutinised a lot more than it had been in the past.

“The downturn hit everyone hard, but things seem to be picking up again. You have to be a lot more conscious about decisions within the business and even when attracting new business, you have a lot to take into consideration.”

Zellwood are members of the Irish Road Haulage Association and William is delighted with the work they have done of late.

“The IRHA pushed for the fuel rebate and that has been a huge boost to us. Our fuel bill each month is massive and as they say every little bit

helps.”

So what does the future hold for Zellwood? William stressed that they were not going to rest on their laurels.

“We will be pushing to expand the business in 2015.

We want to develop the English market and get some more work over there. We are currently looking to recruit a sales person and he or she will be on the road in early 2015 and we are also looking to improve our marketing.

“While doing all this, our aim is to maintain the standards that our customers have become used too and try to improve on them in anyway we can.”

MORTON DISTRIBUTION Best Wishes To Zellwood Ltd & Wishing Them Continued Success In The Future

Our Business Is Moving Your Business MORTON DISTRIBUTION OPERATES THROUGHOUT IRELAND AND UK

Chilled & Dry Goods Currently seeking backloads from Dublin to Belfast

Newry, Co. Down. | Mobile: 00-44-7733373919

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mercedes Benz Sprinter VIP

Mercedes Benz Touring

Quality is Paramount B

e specialised work of vehicle conversion is carried out by a few companies in Ireland.

ased in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Paramount Conversions is one of Ireland’s leading vehicle conversion manufacturers. There are many different things you can do with vans, buses, coaches and cars today,

from just a standard goods vehicle to a crew vehicle, a mobile workshop, and much, much more.

At Paramount Conversions, they believe that a vehicle is just the starting point to getting the perfect vehicle for the

With an example of Paramount Conversions work, an Accessible Mercedes Sprinter are l/r: Willie Daniels (Paramount Conversions), James McGinley (McGinley Coaches), Paula Nooney (Paramount Conversions), Kevin Traynor (CTTC), Aidan Farrell (Paramount Conversions)

CONTACT DETAILS 74

customers' needs and they hope that their team of experienced and trained fitters can give the customer the best use out of their vehicle.

The company was established in 2009

by Aidan Farrell & Willie Daniels and although many may feel that it is a business still in its fledgling state, together Aidan, Willie and their staff have many years’ experience in the vehicle conversion industry.

All vehicles are converted to the customers’ needs to help provide comfort, reliability and safety.

Paramount’s client list includes many state body organisations including the HSE and the Irish Wheelchair Association, who need specially designed vans for the safe transportation of their patients.

Paramount Conversions currently employ 10 people, all of whom have a great deal of experience in the industry and even though the company was borne out of humble beginnings it has steadily grown during the intervening years.

“Both of us worked for the same company for a number of years before it went into liquidation and we decided to

Paramount Conversions Unit 10, Cloncollig Commercial Park, Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland Willie: +353 (0) 86 603 1010 Aidan: +353 (0) 87 294 6155 Office: +353 (0) 57 932 0170 E-mail: info@paramountconversions.ie www.paramountconversions.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mercedes Benz Automatic Entry Door

start our own business. The knowledge was there and we had some contacts, but we started small and we’re happy to maintain that,” Willie told Irish Trucker.

"We are hoping to expand over the next year. The business is going very well and we have many contracts ongoing. Since we were first established, the company has grown considerably on an annual basis," he added.

Paramount specialise in complete inhouse design using the latest technology; personalised coaches built to individual customer specifications; full

Panoramic Glass Roof

touring spec midi coaches, purpose built range of wheelchair accessible vehicles based on all makes and models.

They also offer a comprehensive package that includes, a modern workshop facility; full spray painting facility and an on-site service repair agent.

“No matter what the customer wants, we are able to do it. We have a state of the art facility here in the Cloncollig Commercial Park and we have invested heavily in the equipment needed to carry out our duties to the highest standard,”

states Aidan. “The workforce are all highly trained and very efficient at their jobs and they have played a huge part in the success of the business since we started five years ago.

“A lot of work that we do would be for main dealers and we would be dealing with them directly. We carry out work nationwide and also in the UK. Paramount Conversions’ workshop is NSAI approved and their dedication to detail has helped the company evolve into what it is today.

Customer satisfaction is priority for the

Paramount Conversions Workshop IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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TULLAMORE TEST & REPAIR CENTRE Wishing Continued Success To PARAMOUNT CONVERSIONS From Management & Staff At

Cloncollig Ind Est., Tullamore, Co.Offaly.

Tel: 05793 52057 | Fax: 05793 52499

www.tullamoretest.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success To Paramount Conversions From

Kinahan Commerials Ltd.

Mercedes-Benz

Phone: 090-6481326 Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi FUSO Commercial Sales, Service & Parts Book in your annual Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Winner of the Auto Trade HCV Aftersales Dealer of the year Dublin Road, Moate, Co. Westmeath www.kinahan.ie - info@kinahan.ie

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Continued Best Wishes To Paramount Conversions, From

Quality is not expensive..........it is priceless Services Available

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Continued Best Wishes To Paramount Conversions

Best Wishes and Continued Success To Paramount Conversions From

Manufacturers of Steel Moulds For Precast Concrete General Fabrication, Stainless Steel & Aluminium Cutting & Folding Service

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Teams Auto Electrical Best Wishes To Paramount Conversions From

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Email: teamsauto@gmail.com Mobile: 087-2859545

Mobile repair service for bus & coach industry

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T: +353 579 325050 F: +353 579 325214 M: +353 86 826 2419 E: info@dngkellyduncan.com 76

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Paramount designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:43 Page 4

team at Paramount as their team of highly skilled vehicle conversion engineers in their 10,000 sq. ft. premises will do the job to the highest standard possible, while the sales team will talk the customer through every particular requirement they may have.

“We welcome the opportunity to meet the customer where we can offer independent advice offering the best vehicle conversion solution to their enquiry,” revealed Aidan.

The conversion of Mercedes Sprinter coaches is a specialised area that the team at Paramount are well accustomed too as they have worked with the vehicle for many years.

Car adaptions include swivel seats, hand controls, pedal transfer, child swivel seat, wheelchair hoist, steps and wireless keypad controls.

For commercial vehicles, ply lining and shelving is a common service provided, while they also carry out adaptions to crew cabs and utility vehicles.

“Commercial vehicle owners like to get the most out of their vans and we can design and utilise the space in their commercial vehicle in a

Paramount Conversions styled Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Luxury at its best

Unit 10 Cloncollig Commercial Park, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Telephone:057-9320170

www.paramountconversions.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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safe and affordable way.”

Paramount Conversions convert a wide variety of base vehicles to Wheelchair accessible. From vehicles for private use, welfare organisations to large PSVs, all vehicles are converted to an extremely high standard.

Aidan and Willie are pleased with the direction that the company is heading in since their genesis they have been able to increase business on an annual basis.

The standard of their work can be seen in the many conversions that they have completed to date and from the central location in Ireland, they have worked with many businesses, organisations and private owners around the country.

“We are pleased with the way things have gone so far and we are always looking ahead to see how we can further the business,” concluded Willie.

A customised fit out

Work in progress at the workshop

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Paramount Conversions From

Units 21/22, Cloncollig Ind Est Church Rd, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Ph 057 93 22224 Email autostoretullamore@gmail.com 78

Crew Cab exterior IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gardiner designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:33 Page 1

Frank and Greer Gardiner

O

Taking the stress out of accidents Being involved in a motor accident can be one of the most stressful experiences that a person endures during their lifetime.

nce everyone’s welfare is accounted for, your mind turns to the many different questions that everyone asks as how will you remove the vehicle from the scene, who will repair it, how will you manage without a car? These all contribute to making the experience a very stressful one indeed.

However, there are companies out there that will look after your every need when an accident occurs, but few have the experience that Gardiner Accident Repair in Magheralin, Craigavon

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

possesses.

For the Co Armagh based accident repair shop offers their customer the complete package to help avoid any concerns that they may have.

Frank Gardiner and his son Greer run the business that offers not only an accident repair service, but also supply a wide range of tyres, towbars, general auto repairs, 24-hr recovery, alloy wheel repairs and car sales.

This family run business is certainly your one-stop shop when it comes to all

your motoring needs and for this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile the company and speak to Greer Gardiner about what it means to be 40 years in business.

The experience that the Gardiner family has obtained over the years is invaluable in the accident repair industry and customers can take comfort in the knowledge that their vehicle will be repaired to the highest standard possible.

Situated just five miles off the M1 at Magheralin, near Lurgan, the premises

Gardiner Accident Repair 28 Acres Road, Magheralin, Lurgan, Co Armagh, BT67 0RL Telephone: 028 3832 4013 Email: frankgardinercomplex@yahoo.co.uk

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are ideally located and passing trade has made up a percentage of the sales business.

“At Gardiner Accident Repair we offer a full range of body repair services including accident repair, dent removal, car respraying, car body panel beating, refurbishment, restorations and general car repairs,” said Greer.

“We use the latest technology and top quality products for our car respraying, panel beating and body repair services, providing specialist colour matching for your vehicle. Operating a 24-hour Recovery Service we are able to deal with any car body repairs after accidents. A Renault Specialist we also fix and repair an extensive range of car makes and models for commercial companies, trade and privately owned vehicles. With our stateof-the-art equipment you can be assured that Gardiner Body Repair will deliver on professionalism and quality every time.”

Maintaining a strict adherence to excellence and a dictum of moving ahead of the times rather than with them, the Armaghbased accident repair service continues to go from strength to strength.

Boasting a thorough knowledge of the repair industry, Greer was nothing if not determined to make a go of the company, which was just as well, seeing as he had to start out literally from scratch with no outside help whatsoever.

“We have customers who are with us for many years. My father first set up the sales about 40 years ago and it’s still going strong today. He started off in a small way, but our customer base has grown considerably over the years, despite the business not getting too big.

“I set up the bodyshop in 2000 at the same premises as the car sales and we operate from a two-acre site and employ ten people.

There is no dealership in the sales, but we would have 5-6 new cars on show at any time, while in the region of 30-50 second hand vehicles.

“We carry out all types of repair work on cars, light commercials and HGVs in the body shop. Shot blasting, respraying and repair work is our main area.

“We don’t turn away any work and ensure that the job is completed to a high standard in quick time fortunately, a lot of the customers have remained loyal to us and we’re very grateful to have their business.

“Most of the work that we have secured has come about as a result of ‘word of mouth’ from one customer to another and I find that this is the best form of advertising.

If you are providing a reliable service that the customers are happy with, then that will attract new business.

“Ensuring that we provide an efficient and reliable service is our main priority. We seem to be doing that to their satisfaction and hopefully that will continue to be the case.”

The business does not rely on contracts from big firms to keep operating and they have a huge core of private customers that have remained loyal over the years.

With a large workshop at their disposal, Greer and his staff can look after a number

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gardiner designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:33 Page 3

of trucks at any given time, while their new range of tyres for sale has also kept them busy.

As today’s market is so turbulent, Greer stressed that any thought of expansion must be thought through from every angle as it could turn out to be a costly exercise.

“So, that is why we take a cautious approach in expanding too much. We provide an efficient service and aim to continue doing so.

Refurbishment, restoration and repair are just some of the services offered Once we can deliver on time and are reliable, I feel there will be no problems.”

Over the years the company has grown considerably and is one of the leading second hand car and light commercial dealers in the north with a highly trained staff that offer a friendly and efficient service.

He revealed that their reputation for providing a top quality and efficient service is the main reason why they have such a large customer base.

“Business has been going well and our intentions are to maintain what we have.

Presently, we are happy with our lot, but that’s not to say that sometime down the line, further expansion will be considered."

With advanced vehicle technology rapidly becoming standard-fit on the modern motor and commercial vehicles, workshops increasingly need technical support to be able to offer a professional and profitable service to their customers.

“Certainly times have changed and the make-up of cars and trucks are very much different; the work now is far more technical than it used to be,” said Greer.

There is no doubt that this hard working family and its reliable workforce provides a reliable and efficient service, while they possess the experience to carry on doing that for many years to come.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To Gardiner Accident Repair, From

Authorised Repairer

Junction 14, Tamnamore Roundabout Dungannon, County Tyrone BT71 6HW

Tel: 028-87 723376 www.saltmarine.com

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CTTC designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:29 Page 1

The Coa Show a

CTTC National Director Kevin Traynor

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Pascal Donohoe at the CTTC Gala Dinner

A Voice for Independent Bus and Coach Operators S

Damien Fox, winner of the Driver of the Year

e CTTC (Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland) is the representative body for Ireland’s coach touring companies and private bus operators. Promoting Ireland’s top independent coach hire operators, the CTTC currently has 63 members who operate 1,100 coaches and provide employment for 1,800 people. e members engage in all types of coach hire and transport solutions, including airport transfers, day tours, extended touring, incentive travel, golf tours, school transport and scheduled services.

cheduled services are a growing area for the CTTC membership thanks to the liberalisation of regulations surrounding Ireland’s public transport system. CTTC members have been at the cutting edge in the transformation of inter-urban and local public transport by road over the last quarter of a century. The members have always provided safe, efficient and valuefor-money services without State subvention.

CONTACT DETAILS

82

CTTC’s members provide school transport services, both under contract to Bus Éireann and under contract to schools and families. The combined fleet of the membership is equivalent to that of Dublin Bus and close to double that of Bus Éireann.

The CTTC provides representation and leadership not only for its own members, but also for the wider private coach and bus operator community. The Council welcomes new members and seeks to

become a unifying and strong voice for all family-owned private coach and bus operators in this country. Recently, the CTTC extended its representation by welcoming PAMBO (Private Association Motor Bus Owners) into its family.

PAMBO’s members are generally small or medium-sized coach and bus operators.

Among the objectives of the CTTC are: to represent members’ interests at all appropriate levels to all external bodies

Kevin Traynor National Director CTTC (Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland) 1st Floor Chamber Buildings, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin.

Telephone: 01-8902635. Mobile: 085-8588395. Email: Kevin@cttc.ie

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CTTC designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 11:29 Page 2

The Coach and Bus Show at the RDS

on matters relating to the coach tourism and public transport industries; to liaise with Fáilte Ireland to ensure a code of minimum standards for coach operators; to maintain, and where possible, increase members’ high standards of customer service; to ensure the basic viability of members and to promote their greater profitability; To speak for the industry as a single, fully representative and strong voice on all matters effecting the industry; to devise, plan and run as appropriate, relevant training courses for owners, management, staff and drivers; to keep members informed on matters pertinent to their trade and commercial business; to organise social events and field trips to keep members up-todate with advances in vehicle manufacture, and to provide an opportunity to form close working relationships among members; to foster goodwill and cooperation amongst members.

The bi-annual Coach and Bus Show which is the highlight of the year took place in the RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion on the 15th and 16th of November. This year’s show was once again generously sponsored by Campion Insurance to whom we are extremely grateful. The show attracted exhibitors from all across Europe. The show featured the Driver of the Year competition, kindly sponsored by Harris Higer. Drivers competed for the Martin Guilfoyle trophy kindly donated by Bernard Kavanagh & Sons in recognition of their employee Martin Guilfoyle who died tragically in an accident. This event afforded drivers to show case their skills against the challenging course set up and marshalled by Swilly Group and was one of the highlights of the show for the large number of spectators who viewed this outdoor event. The competition was won by Damien Fox of Slevins Coaches, 2nd place was Niall Cronin Junior of Cronins of Cork and in 3rd was Peter Byrne of Tony Doyle Coaches.

The social highlight of this year’s show weekend was the Gala Ball which was attended by in excess of 280 guests and we are thankful to our main sponsors of the event, Bridgestone and Dynamic Bus and Coach Glazing Ltd for their sponsorship of the pre drinks reception. Minister Paschal Donohoe for Transport, Tourism and Sport and Gerard Nash Minister of State for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation were the guests of honour at this function. Minister Donohoe spoke about the quality of service provided by private operators in the day to day delivery of public and private passenger services, his ongoing commitment to the introduction of 10% tendering of PSO routes and his commitment to funding the maintenance and improvement of the existing road infrastructure.

As the event manager of the 2014 show Kevin Traynor National Director, was delighted with how it went.

Kevin stated “The Show was a complete sell-out,” he IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The CTTC Gala Dinner

explains.

“There were in excess of 80 trade stands and over 2,000 people attended. The feedback from exhibitors stated it was the best show they had ever been to in Ireland which is very gratifying, and having taken this feedback on board, we’re already planning for our next Coach & Bus Show in 2016.”

Kevin was appointed to the role of National Director in July 2013 as successor to Gerry Mullins. Kevin had previous transport experience having formerly been a coach operator in the North East for 15 years and subsequently the Chairman of the Rural Transport Network and the Rural Transport Coordinator for Louth, where he set up Rural Transport providing services to isolated rural communities.

In October, the European Commission finally made its decision on a complaint which was first submitted by the CTTC in December 2005 against the State-owned Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus, who benefitted from aid measures that were put in place before the EU bus sector was liberalised.

Following an in-depth investigation, the Commission has invited Ireland to update its compensation arrangements for the School Bus Scheme. Whilst the compensation arrangements for the bus services that were the subject of this investigation ceased to be operational in December 2009, the arrangements for the transportation of schoolchildren are still in place and the Commission will now initiate a dialogue with Ireland to update those arrangements and bring them into line with EU state aid rules. The Commission also found that small grants made for training were compatible with the Single Market.

In welcoming the European Commission’s decision, the CTTC said: “It would appear that the Commission has largely upheld our complaint. We welcome the fact that the Commission will now initiate a dialogue under the “appropriate measures procedure” with the State in order to ensure compliance of the School Transport Scheme with EU State Aid rules.”

The CTTC executive committee comprises Chairman James McGinley of John McGinley Coaches, Vice-Chairman David McConn of Dualway Group, Honorary Treasurer John Halpenny of Halpenny Travel, Joe Donoghue of Donoghues of Galway, Paddy Kavanagh of Eirebus, Donal Hughes of Irish Coaches, Tony Doyle of Tony Doyle Coaches, Noel Matthews of Matthews Coach Hire Ltd, PJ Keogh of PK Travel, Martin Maybury of West Cork Coach Hire and Willie Martin of Dick Martin Coaches.

Anyone wishing to join this organisation should you the contact detaisl included.

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Gleeson Steel designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 14:16 Page 1

Men of Steel

F

Gleeson Steel & Engineering is based in Gortnhoe, Thures

or over four-and-a-half decades, Gleeson Steel & Engineering Ltd. has been providing steel engineering solutions to both the commercial and agricultural sectors, priding themselves on producing highquality products that live up to customer expectations.

As a Type approved truck body builder, Gleeson Steel & Engineering design and manufacture a full range of truck bodies to meet exact customer specifications.

Products provided include tippers, hook loader trucks, cattle truck bodies and trailers, bale trailers, flat trailers and feed wagons as well as a body conversion service.

CONTACT DETAILS 84

Gleeson Steel & Engineering Ltd. has developed into one of Ireland’s premier truck body and trailer manufacturing companies, offering a complete one-stop-shop service from design and manufacture through to spray and finish. We dropped into the long-established family business’ urles base to get an insight into the outstanding operation from PJ Gleeson, Managing Director and David O’Brien, who oversees the busy commercial body building department.

A full service is provided in-house, including design, manufacture, paint and finish.

Founded in 1968 by the Gleeson family, the company has evolved into one of the largest and most respected steel fabricating operations in the Munster region. Today, the business is managed by brothers PJ and Tomas Gleeson, alongside their mother Alice.

In recent years, Gleeson Steel & Engineering have forged a particular expertise in manufacturing truck and trailer bodies and they now count amongst the island’s premier professionals in this highly-specialised area. Reflecting on the genesis and

organic evolution of this area of the business, PJ Gleeson notes: “We have been doing truck bodies and trailers on and off down through the years but really got into it in a major way over the past decade. We offer a full range of tippers, flat bodies, small tippers, block bodies, dropside bodies etc.

“Basically, any trailer or body a customer could want. We will manufacture the exact unit the customer needs and there will be no problem whatsoever with any special requests or unique requirements. We have our own design team here in-house and they can offer an exact solution to meet any need.”

Gleeson Steel & Engineering Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel.: 056 883 4110 Fax: 056 883 4237 Mobile: 086 211 1647 E-mail: info@gleesonsteel.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Through the decades Gleeson Steel & Engineering’s products and processes have evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly-competitive marketplace. As a result, they supply quality products using the most sophisticated design and development tools.

Boasting almost five decades of manufacturing excellence, their reputation for delivering timely, competitive and value products is recognised nationwide.

With a 24,600 sq fo plant at Gortnahoe, Thurles, which contains the most modern, state-of-the-art equipment and systems, Gleeson Steel & Engineering’s staff are trained and certified in every aspect of steel fabrication, facilitating the delivery of steel products measured and cut to precision. All staff and machinery adhere to the highest safety regulations.

Equipment and facilities on-site include a saw and CNC drill line, CNC angle line, CNC plate line, spray paint workshop and powder coating plant.

Gleeson Steel & Engineering provide professional spray painting of any metallic surface, using the very latest equipment. All surfaces are pre-treated prior to finishing, ensuring a perfect finish (gloss or matt) and durability and

Gleesons can deliver a perfect match to client’s corporate colours using standard RAL specifications.

Gleeson Steel & Engineering Ltd have achieved compliance with the requirements of I.S. EN1090-1:2009+A1:2011 for CE marking of Structural Steel up to Execution Class 2 (EXC 2), which covers the fabrication of most of the structural steel used in Ireland and the UK. This certification follows a significant program of investment in a factory production control system which covers stock management, skilled personnel, fabrication equipment and consumables together with the implementation of a regime of continuous inspection and testing of welding and painting procedures.

All manufacturing is carried out to the very highest standards. “We have NSAI Type approval, and have been rigorously audited, with all our machinery fully calibrated and all our welders coded in meeting with those standards,” PJ confirms. “A couple of years down the line, Type approval will also be

The hard-working team at Gleeson Steel & Engineering IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Wishing Continued Success To Gleeson Steel & Engineering, From

Commercial Body Builders (Templemore) Ltd Main Street, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

Tel: 00353 (504) 31397 Home: 00353 (504) 31975 Fax: 00353 (504) 31966 Mob: 00353 (87) 9795055 Email: cbb@eircom.net

Noel Ely Haulage Best Wishes & Continued Success To Gleeson Steel & Engineering From

Two-Mile-Borris Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Tel:087-9151395

Killenaule Stone Quarries Best Wishes & Continued Success To Gleeson Steel & Engineering From

Tipperary Crane Hire

Derrymore House, Ballycahill, Thurles

Suppliers of Tipperary Natural Building Stone, (Limestone & Sandstone)Paving, Wall & Piercaps, Cills, Quoins, Plinths, Arches, Sligstone, Crushed Stone & 804 For Farm Roadways, Sand, Gravel, Chips, Pebbles, Topsoil etc Kilbrennal, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tippeary Tel:052-9156666, 9157858 | Fax:052-9156551 E: info@killenaulestone.ie | www.killenaulestone.ie Contact Pat Lanigan 087-2563946 Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Steel & Engineering Continued success to all at Gleeson Steel & Engineering, from

MAHER QUARRIES LTD Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Steel & Engineering, From

Link Business Park, Block 8, Unit B, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare

T: 045-482804

F: 045-484694 Mob: 087-2606164

IRISH

E: eurotrade.ie@gmail.com

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

86

Supplying All Grades Of Crushed Limestone & Readymix Concrete

Castletown, Moyne, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Tel:0504-45395 | Fax:0504-45457 Email: maherquarries@eircom.net

www.irishtrucker.com

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required for putting bodies on second-hand trucks and we already have that system in place. We are also CEcertified and we offer full traceability on all our steel and paint and every other product that goes into the manufacturing process.”

The consistent achievement of complete customer satisfaction lies at the very heart of this operation. “We are very busy and we could be even busier but instead we keep on top of what we are taking in and ensure that we give every job our utmost attention. We try to be as fair as we possibly can to all of our customers and we will never overstretch ourselves or compromise on quality. We

focus on delivering solutions on time to exact specifications and this guarantees complete customer satisfaction.”

It cannot be stressed enough that everything Gleeson Steel & Engineering do is 100% customerorientated. This quest for absolute customer satisfaction means that investment in the latest equipment and procedures is a constant. “You have to invest significantly in machinery, equipment and staff all the time and that is ongoing, every year, with machinery regularly updated and welders and equipment calibrated,” notes PJ. “The staff play a key role in the

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

success of our business, with some of them having been here over 30 years.”

With an eye on the future, PJ is confident that Gleeson Steel & Engineering can continue to move forward at an impressive rate. “We hope to expand further, all going well,” he concludes. “If the work keeps coming in, we will have to expand both the workshop facility and also our staff numbers. In order to hold onto our customers and keep them all happy, we won’t really have any choice.

“I think that anyone who has weathered the economic storm is in it for the long haul now. We will adapt to whatever our customers want. A lot of customers who

had originally come to us for structural steel or agri products are now back with their trucks and we are not afraid to work with them to provide the exact solution they require.

“They can come to us with their requests and, whatever small things or additional extras they want to include in their trailers or bodies, we will look after them. We work with our customers right through the design and manufacturing process and keep them in the loop throughout. If there are any changes or tweaks they want to make along the way, we are willing to accommodate them.”

Complete.

Customer.

Satisfaction.

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mclean oil designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 15:24 Page 1

McLean Fuels run a fleet of nine vehicles

Fuelling Mid-Ulster for 40 years B

McLean (Oil) Fuels has been providing a wide range of fuel products to homes and businesses for 40 years. e family-run business’ success is based on its renowned quality, friendly efficient service and competitive prices.

ased in Magherafelt, McLean Fuels was established in 1975 by Maurice McLean who continues to run the company along with his twin sons Peter and Ryan. McLean Fuels delivers oil, coal, gas and other products to an ever-expanding customer-base throughout Mid-Ulster, while customers can also call into the Cash & Carry off Kirk Avenue behind McLeans Showroom in Magherafelt to collect their fuel.

On the same site, there is a showroom which boasts an extensive range of multi fuel/wood burning stoves, gas fires/gas stoves, cookers/hobs/ovens, gas BBQs, gas heaters and accessories. McLean

CONTACT DETAILS 88

Fuels offers a same day delivery service for oil, coal and gas, while the Cash & Carry and showroom is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The McLean Fuels fleet has been a familiar sight on the roads of south Derry and surrounding areas for many years and one of the trucks even made the front page of the Belfast Telegraph during the cold snap of 2010. The fleet comprises six DAF oil tankers, two coal delivery vehicles (a Mitsubishi and a Ford Transit) and a VW Transporter gas fitting van.

The trucks make deliveries within a 20mile radius of Magherafelt, going as far as Cookstown in Co. Tyrone and Antrim Town.

The dramatic fall in oil prices means that home heating oil is more affordable than ever. You can now buy 900 litres of kerosene for around £370, compared to £600 at its peak a few years ago.

The McLeans offer a wide range of fuel products to the domestic and commercial market. They are specialists in home heating oil, commercial oil, agricultural oil and DERV (white diesel) for the road haulage and transport sector as well as oil tanks, oil tank locks, oil drums, oil

McLean (Oil) Fuels 19 Market Street, Magherafelt, BT45 6EE Telephone: 028 7963 2281 Fax: 028 7963 4631 Email: orders@mcleanoilfuels.com Website: www.mcleanoilfuels.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Peter, Maurice and Ryan McLean

monitors and lamp oil.

The company offers a variety of payment methods such as Standing Order, Direct Debit, Bacs, Paypoint, Cheque and Debit/Credit Card. You can also call into their office and pay into your heating oil account.

McLean Fuels sell all solid fuels, including coal, sticks and turf, and is a stockist of Fergusson premium coal, which is recognised as one of the leading brands in the UK. “Fergusson Coal, which is a Scottish company, has only been importing coal to Ireland for three years, but their brand is already a firm favourite with many of our customers,” Peter McLean explains.

“Their coal gives great heat and has a very low ash content. We also stock many other Fergusson Coal products, including Superglo and Fireglo smokeless fuels.”

Coal bunkers can be purchased. A 150kg bunker costs £75 and a 300kg bunker costs £100. A 600kg bunker is available to order upon request.

Many customers come to the Cash & Carry to pick up their cylinder of gas.

McLean Fuels has been an agent for Calor Cylinder Gas since it first opened for business. The company stocks all sizes of cylinder gas ranging from 3.85kg to 47kg and has Gas Safe registered fitters for domestic gas cookers and fires.

The Cash & Carry is the hub of the business as Peter explains: “It’s busy all year round with customers calling in for oil, gas, coal, oil tanks, oil drums, IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The VW Transporter gas fitting van

McLean Fuels sort all your gas needs

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Tel: 01924 369007 Fax: 01924 369069 Email: shaunharte@aol.com contact Shaun Harte (mobile) 07799-463636 The quality supplier of all your new road tanker requirements Parts by return Used vehicles always in stock

www.tascatankers.ltd.uk

Proud to supply McLean (Oil) Fuels Ltd Best Wishes & Continued Success To McLean (Oil) Fuels Ltd From

LIGHT & COMMERCIAL REPAIRS PSV | MOT

Lurganagoose Road, Knockloughrim, Magherafelt BT45 8QS

Contact T. Seffen on 028-7964 3941

Wishing Continued Success To McLean (Oil) Fuels Ltd Tyre Sales

Winter servicing all makes of private, Commercial & 4x4 vehicles.

MOT Checks

Servicing

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.com

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coal bunkers, charcoal, BBQ lighting fuel and lava rock.

They can fill up their own oil drums with red diesel or home heating oil. It’s a onestop shop for all your fuel needs.”

The McLean Fuels showroom carries an extensive range of multifuel/wood burning stoves, including Sperrin Stoves, Stovax, Yeoman, Kensal, Suffolk, Bohemia, HETA, Bosca, Wamsler and Dovre.

The HETA and Stovax brands are particularly strong sellers for the McLeans.

HETA are Danish woodburning stoves that sit well in Irish homes. Each range in the HETA family comes with premium features, including large ash containers that will hold weeks’ worth of waste, outside air connections for near air-tight and roomsealed operation, optional internal thermastone blocks to keep the nice sleek look, but achieve super heat storage.

An Exeter-based company, Stovax offers a wide selection of stoves with options for traditional and contemporary tastes. Whether you are looking for wood burning, gas or electric, cast iron or steel with various sizes and colours available and even boiler options, you are bound to find a Stovax stove to suit you at McLeans. Why not call into their showroom to have a look at the fuel range of fantastic stoves they have on sale?

“Multi-fuel stoves have become extremely popular in recent years and we are delighted to be able to offer the best range of stoves in our area. Our showroom complements the other parts of our business,” Peter continues.

“We are a family-run business employing 12 people from the locality. We pride ourselves on our quality products, the excellent and courteous service we provide and the value-for-money we offer our customers.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Fergusson Coal

Two of the delivery vehicles with the VW Transporter

The McLean showroom

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Connolly designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 15:11 Page 1

Eighty years and still going strong S

Based in Ballygowan, S Connolly & Sons will celebrate the magnificent milestone of eighty years in business in the summer of 2015. Irish Trucker caught up with Raymond Connolly who talked us through the secrets behind the company's longevity.

Connolly & Sons are long time experts in liquid transport haulage and, offering particular support to dairy farmers, their lorries are a familiar sight on country roads around Ards, North Down, Mid Down, South Down and South Antrim.

Established way back in 1935 by Samuel Connolly, today the business is run by Samuel's son Desmond and grandsons Raymond and Gareth and they are building on the company's proud legacy.

Always promising fast and efficient delivery, according to Raymond, a mutually beneficial arrangement with United Dairy Farmers has underpinned the sustained growth of S Connolly &

Sons in recent times.

“We've been working with United Dairy Farmers for over 20 years now,” Raymond revealed. “We enjoy a very good relationship with them and they are obviously very happy with the service we provide. It has worked out well for both of us.

“Thankfully, as a result, business is going well for us at the moment and we have a lot of steady work on. It does get a bit slack at certain times of the year.

There are other challenges, such as the price of fuel and insurance costs, but we are flat out during the peak period.

“My grandfather Samuel Connolly started off the business collecting milk from farmers and selling it around Belfast

so you could say that the wheel has come full circle now!”

The experience of the 11 drivers on S Connolly & Son's payroll is also a vital ingredient in their winning formula.

“We pride ourselves on our workmanship and we're fortunate to have drivers who share that,” added Raymond.

As a devoted user of DAF, and with ten

S Connolly & Son provide fast and efficient delivery

The next generation

CONTACT DETAILS 92

S Connolly & Sons 27 Vestry Rd Ballygowan, Newtownards, County Down BT23 6HJ Tel: 028 9752 8292 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Connolly designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 15:11 Page 2 S Connolly & Sons take great pride in the appearance of thier lorries

models already in their fleet, Connolly’s turned to TBF Thompson DAF Trucks when it was time to consider the purchase of three new lorries for the fleet.

S Connolly & Sons have over 20 years loyal custom with TBF Thompson DAF Trucks of Belfast and this has blossomed through exemplary service and parts

support backup.

“They're a friendly dealership and their service is second to none,” Raymond – who recently took delivery of three new Euro 6 CF DAFS - explained.

“They provide a 24 hour call out and, because our lorries are on the road seven days a week, 365 days of the year, it's important to have that level of

back-up.

“We find that DAF trucks are reliable which, it goes without saying, is vital in our line of work.

“Our tankers are up and down farm lanes, back roads and country lanes.

They do 100,000-120,000km on a

Samuel Desmond Connolly established the company in 1935 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Best Wishes to S Connolly & Sons, From All At

Best Wishes To S Connolly & Sons RECOVERY SERVICES LTD

Our extensive range of services includes car, 4 x 4, commercial, industrial and agricultural tyres, alloy wheels and wheel alignment.

14b Comber Road, Carryduff BT8 8AN Tel: 028 9081 4460 Fax: 028 9081 5177

Best Wishes & Continued Success To S Connolly & Sons, From

R. Savage & Company Limited MK TRANSPORT (NI) LTD Wishing S Connolly & Sons Continued Success In The Future

BULK HAULAGE UK- IRELAND

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Business Tax | Overseas Tax | Personal Tax Old Bank House, 2 Crossgar Road, Saintfield, Co Down, BT24 7BD info@rsavage.co.uk T: 028- 9751 1120 F: 028- 9751 1496 www.rsavage.co.uk

51 Ballyblack Road, Newtownards, Co Down BT22 2AZ Telephone: 07802-840 833 | Mobile: 07860-735009 E: amanda@mktransportni.com | www.mktransportni.com

Continued success to all at

S. CONNOLLY & SONS from

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www.irishtrucker.com log onto

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Connolly designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 15:12 Page 4

average a year lifting in and out of 270 farms. We can't afford to use trucks that are not reliable. DAF fits the bill for us and we run a fleet of 10 DAF trucks.”

Connolly’s new DAF FTPXF460 was on show at TruckFest Ireland 2014 where visitors were able to view the truck and specially commissioned artwork on the rear of the cab.

The mural features the founder of the company Samuel standing proudly alongside the original truck used for milk collection.

Judges at the event awarded Raymond's new DAF 2nd place in the "Best New Working Truck" category.

“It was nice to get that recognition. All our drivers take great pride in the appearance of their lorries. It can be difficult trying to keep them clean when you're driving in and out of farms but we recognise our trucks as a great shop window for the business and we always give incentives to our drivers to keep their lorries in pristine condition.”

As regards, what the future holds in store for the Ballygowan based operation, Raymond – who has grown up in the family business – wants to hand it over to the fourth generation of Connolly's in good shape.

“We want to keep going as we are and pass the business through the generations. As I said, we're lucky to enjoy a good relationship with United Dairy Farmers and hopefully, S Connolly & Sons will be around for another eighty years!”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

DAF is the truck of choice

The Ballygowan-based company specialise in liquid transport haulage

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Making life easy H

Most companies strive to achieve the maximum output and run their businesses as efficiently as possible. is is a goal that is not easily achieved.

owever, fleet management has been made all the more easier by the introduction of FleetMinder, a fleet maintenance and workshop management software solution.

ASC Software Ltd, which is an indigenous Irish company, developed and distributes FleetMinder and is part of the ASC Group. Also under the company umbrella is Automotive Services Centre Ltd and ASC Garage Equipment Ltd. The aim of FleetMinder is to help fleet managers support the maintenance, inspection and management of vehicles and workshop processes.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile the Dublin based company and speak to both General Manager Gerard Bennett and Marketing Manager Graham McCarthy.

Company Managing Director Derek Murray established the business in 2002 and these days FleetMinder is used by many fleet operators in Ireland and the UK as their workshop management software and fleet maintenance software.

At its core, FleetMinder is a workshop management system (WMS) that manages the complete workshop operation while providing full reporting functionality on labour efficiency, sales and margin analysis. This ensures that all labour and parts used are fully charged out and the job is ready to invoice as soon as the work is complete. The system employs touch-screens and bar coding for fitters to add their time and

CONTACT DETAILS

96

parts to a job card so it is very easy to use.

It is also a fleet maintenance system (FMS) for fleet owneroperators to manage the complete vehicle maintenance life cycle. It includes maintenance planning, performing electronic inspections, complete vehicle history (with costs) and storing & retrieval of all job cards and inspection records. It gives the fleet owner full live control over their fleet costs and ensures they are fully compliant with all RSA requirements.

FleetMinder has been adopted by councils, workshops, fleet operators and public bodies throughout the UK & Ireland. Prior to the RSA taking over

responsibility for commercial vehicle testing and installing their own proprietary system FleetMinder had been used by the Department of Environment in 93% of all Irelands VTN (DOE) test centres.

Situated in the Parkwest Business Park, Dublin 12, The ASC Group strives to help fleet operators achieve their goals in a cost efficient manner.

“Customers who have installed FleetMinder have had a great deal of

Head Office: 58 Le Broquay Avenue Parkwest Business Park, Dublin 12 Ireland Phone: +353 (0)1 612 0800 UK Office: 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)207 193 8007

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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success. In all cases, the FleetMinder core concepts of compliance, control, cost effectiveness and efficiency are why FleetMinder is the fleet operator software of choice for Ireland and the UK,” said Graham.

“The core philosophy of FleetMinder is to enable fleet operators to run their business in the most cost effective way possible. How we do this is by taking industry best practice and automating them. We take the paper out of the process so fleet owners spend less time on administration and more time on tasks that increase revenue and customer satisfaction.”

Gerard added: “We install a touch screen solution that records all aspects of the job from labour to parts and covers every area of the garage environment.

“All lost time is recorded and that can then be rectified which will show huge savings for the company. The feedback we have received shows that cost savings can be anywhere between 25% and 30%.”

FleetMinder has a complete fleet preventative maintenance and compliance planning system. It contains a graphical planner & scheduler which replaces the old paper based wall planners.

"It allows transport operators to plan their fleet maintenance programme and carry out electronic inspections in line with their operational requirements and ensures compliance with all RSA roadworthiness legislation."

FleetMinder integrates with most

popular transport related software and also the most widely used accounting software.

"We can link FleetMinder to your existing systems so that your entire fleet

maintenance and fleet management programme is enclosed in one integrated system. This means more timely relevant and reliable data is available to you to run your business and with less paperwork and administration."

FleetMinder’s fleet warranty management system ensures that all parts that have been replaced under warranty are claimed back from the supplier.

When a replacement part is being added to a job card, the technician can specify the location of the part on the vehicle. The system will then automatically alert the technician that the part is covered by warranty. A request for a credit note is then sent to the supplier and the system tracks the open warranty items until a credit note is received.

This applies to a part that is under the parts warranty or under the vehicles warranty.

"The warranty management system can manage parts that are used by your own internal workshop or by an external third party maintenance provider."

For an operator to have live business intelligence is very beneficial in helping run a successful business and that is why the majority of fleet operators in Ireland are opting to use this enterprise software.

“We are pleased with the direction that the company is heading in at the moment and our aim now is to push it more in Ireland and the UK before we try to impress it on the international market.”

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Automotive Services Centre/ Fleetminder, From Blyry Industrial Estate, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Phone: 090- 6486577 / 090- 6474933 or MARK on 086 3852291 Fax: 090- 64 74934 E-mail: sales@transitpartscentre.ie

www.transitpartscentre.ie

NEXT DAY DELIVERY PARTS FOR ALL FORD TRANSITS FROM 1992 TO 2014 DISCOUNT PRICES ON ALL FORD TRANSIT PARTS WE SUPPLY TO THE TRADE & PUBLIC Continued success to all at Automotive Services Centre

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Brian Clarke Snr (far right) with Paddy Cullen and Dave Daly

A unique services î “e haulage industry is ripe with family run businesses as companies have been handed down generation to generation.

Paddy Cullen and Dave Daly

CONTACT DETAILS 98

Clarke Transport Ltd 21 Castle Cove, Malahide Co Dublin Tel: 01 8452458 Mobile: 086 257 0989 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Clarke Transport designed_Layout 1 07/01/2015 15:30 Page 2

T

he experience garnered down through the years is invaluable and it is no surprise that some of the more successful businesses are family owned.

The Clarke family in Dublin is synonymous with the haulage industry as Clarke & Sons ran for many years and saw three generations of the family involved in the business.

John Clarke was the first to get involved in the haulage industry many, many years ago and these days his great grandson Brian Clarke is carrying on the family tradition with his own business Clarke Transport Ltd. Brian established his business in 1979 and the company went limited a year later in 1980. Clarke Transport Ltd provides a specialised service in machinery removal and installation.

Brian’s business is unique in that unlike many hauliers who transport products for the customer, Clarke Transport also installs the machinery it is transporting.

The company has grown substantially to become one, if not the leading machinery removal specialist in Ireland.

With the transport industry constantly evolving, Brian and his team has endeavoured to adapt their services to meet all of their customers’ requirements.

Having acquired a turnkey solution over the years, Clarke Transport Ltd’s main objective is to provide the complete distribution solution for each customer.

“The haulage industry is certainly in the blood as you can go back four generations of the family being involved with trucks. I set up this current business 35 years ago and thankfully we are still going strong today,” said Brian.

“We provide an unique service in that we remove, transport and install all types

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Brian Clarke Snr established the company in 1979

Brian Clarke Jnr

of machinery for a range of customers. It is a specialised area and not only do we work in Ireland, but all across Europe as well. We go where the work takes us.”

Clarke Transport is a private company with a skilled, experienced and distinct work force, which enables decisions to be made quickly and without delays. As a result this leads to a more efficient operation with the flexibility to meet all customer needs and expectations.

The length of experience aligned with the expertise in the industry is the reason so many of their customers gives them repetitive business. Along with this, those behind the company have the knowledge to understand their customers’ needs in what is a highly competitive and ever changing economic environment.

Clarke Transport Ltd prides itself in having the operational ability and financial resources to grow with their customers. They understand the nature of their customers businesses and work with them for mutual advantage. The company will listen to their customers and adapt operations to suit these everchanging requirements.

“No job is the same so there are different approaches needed to every job. We discuss every detail with the customer to ensure the best possible solution is sought.”

Striving to ensure that their customers are provided with a consistently high quality level of service, is Brian’s chief objective and this displayed not only by the efficient way in which a contract is handled but also the ability of the company to move with their customers’ demands and growth.

The company views it is vital for themselves as a business to develop close working relationships with

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customers. “We would have a good working relationship with all our customers and it is important to have that trust there.”

Like all businesses, Brian was forced to tighten the company’s belt when the recession hit the economy in recent years, but that didn’t hamper the quality of service that they provide.

“I had ten trucks at one point and now we’ve three trucks on the road. Things are beginning to pick up a bit now, but you still have to have a cautious approach to any decision making.

Fortunately, we have a loyal customer base and many of our customers are with us for years.”

Brian revealed that there is plenty of competition in his line of work, particularly in Europe.

However, the

experience, quality and price that he can offer have seen him win his fair share of contracts.

“We would usually come out on top for quality and price.

The experience that we have picked up over the years gives us an advantage over a lot of our rivals.”

Operating two DAF and one MAN truck, Clarke Transport Ltd have a number of curtainsider trailers which are used to move machinery.

All employees are highly skilled and they cater for machinery from one to 100 tonnes. Some of the bigger machinery takes three or four days to strip down before it is safely packed and transported to its destination where it is then installed correctly.

“It is basically engineering

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

53 Iona Crescent, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Tel: 01-8308417 • 8600208 • 8600209 • 8600210 Fax: 01-8600211 Email: info@gprandassoc.ie www.gprandassoc.ie Continued Success to Clarke Transport Ltd

100

work that we do and we are busy enough at the moment.

I’m happy with the direction that the company is heading.

We have got a lot of work through word of mouth and once we continue to provide the level of service that we have been doing, the customers are happy and

there certainly has been an increase in interest from businesses.”

The Clarke family looks set to be involved in the haulage industry for many more years and already Brian’s son Brian Jnr has become involved as they embark on the next 35 years of business!

Best Wishes To Clarke Transport Ltd, From

MANLEY LIFTING SERVICES INSPECTION | SUPPLY | REPAIR AND TESTING OF ALL TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT (TRAINING PROVIDED)

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Michael Manley

Kilnamanagh, Oulart, Gorey, Co. Wexford Email: manleylifting@gmail.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Clarke Transport Ltd From

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