Gregory Distribution Renews ATS Euromaster Contract

ATS Euromaster will continue to fit Michelin rubber to Gregory Distribution’s 500-plus trucks and 850 trailers over the next three years after the logistics firm renewed its contract with the service network. ATS-E reports the deal is worth more than £4 million. The relationship between the two companies dates back to the early 1990s, and involves two ATS Euromaster technicians working full-time at Gregory Distribution centres at Cullompton and North Tawton.

Andy Price, engineering services manager at Devon-based Gregory Distribution, says: “ATS Euromaster has always managed our tyres to the highest of standards. Its tyre husbandry expertise and commitment to following Michelin’s Four Lives package ensures that the tyres it fits perform to their absolute maximum potential.

“ATS Euromaster’s technical team outlines specific tyres and pressures for each of our vehicle and trailer configurations, making sure that they complement each application. Now that our fleet has expanded again, this is more important than ever.”

“Furthermore, we have consistently achieved a regroove rate of over 60 per cent at our main sites for the last six years, which is approximately twice the national average. This brings direct benefits as it increases longevity when the tyre is in its most fuel-efficient state, which in turn has a positive impact on fuel economy.  It also clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our tyre policy and the attention to detail we receive from ATS Euromaster,” Price adds.

Gregory Distribution’s fleet has recently expanded after the company acquired Kay Transport – also of Devon – in July 2009, adding 80 vehicles. It also formed a joint venture company with Hayton Coulthard Transport in February 2010, increasing its trailer parc by 110 units. 

ATS-E carries out routine tyre safety inspections at each depot on a monthly basis. Using an electronic data capture (EDC2) system, the service sees ATS-E technicians record each tyre’s condition and tread depth onto a small handheld computer before uploading the report in real time to the central Euromaster Inspector database. Following this, any replacements or service work required can be coordinated directly by the local ATS-E centre.

Also included in the contract is ATS-E’s Web Reporter system, which provides online access to information regarding all new tyre purchases and service work, whether it has been carried out by the resident fitters, specialist truck centres or using one of ATS-E’s mobile service vans. Web Reporter allows Gregory Distribution to track tyre trends across its fleet and is particularly useful for highlighting any vehicles where regular tyre damage is recorded, suggesting a possible requirement to adjust a route or engage the driver in additional training.