Fowler Welch Coolchain Gives Michelin the Thumbs Up

Specialist food distribution company Fowler Welch Coolchain has reported an increase in operating hours and less tyre related breakdowns after switching to a Michelin X-Terminal T tyre policy for its fleet of Terberg tugs. The company operates tugs across its five distribution hubs to move trailers on and off loading bays. The move to a Michelin policy follows a six-month tyre trial using a Terberg RT222 tug fitted with X-Terminal T tyres. This in-house trial saw the Michelin-shod tug carefully monitored, with weekly tyre inspections to check for wear and damage.

Andy Marchant, Fowler Welch Coolchain Fleet Operations Manager, says: “It is punishing work as the tugs never stop working, so operating 24/7 in this environment needs a tough long-lasting tyre that also delivers economical operating costs.

“We were impressed with the X-Terminal T tyre early in the trial, and drivers gave us positive feedback with reports that they were benefiting from better traction when pulling fully loaded trailers on both the tarmac ramp and the concrete surface of the loading area,” he added.

Michelin’s X-Terminal T tyres are designed specifically for operation on tugs used for short-distance trailer movements. Suitable for fitment in any axle position, X-Terminal T tyres incorporate Michelin’s industrial casing design and feature a unique blend of materials intended to deliver even tread wear and low operating costs, along with excellent machine and payload protection from shock and vibration.

“Where previously we fitted industrial truck tyres, we found they offered much greater rolling resistance at low speed when operating with heavy loads, wore out very quickly and were prone to punctures,” comments Marchant. “X-Terminal T tyres offer us a range of long-term benefits that have seen a three or four-fold increase in the number of hours between tyre changes and less tyre damage, which is crucial to us with the operation we run. The design of the tyre casing means the X-Terminal T is highly repairable and easy to retread. In our customer focused environment we are continually challenging our mode of operation in all areas such as serviceability, reliability and naturally our cost base.”

With locations in Lincolnshire, Tyne & Wear, Greater Manchester and Kent, Fowler Welch Coolchain is one of the UK’s leading distributors of fresh produce and temperature controlled products to supermarkets and wholesale markets in the UK.