Michelin Distributor Signs Fleet-wide Tyre Supply Contract

A logistics firm which has distributed Michelin tyres to retail outlets nationwide for seven years has decided to fit the company’s tyres to vehicles across its fleet. Great Bear Distribution, a 16-year-old Chester-based firm operates from 25 depots across the UK. It has signed a three-year contract with Michelin which will see tyres professionally fitted and serviced by a combination of ATS Euromaster and independent Michelin Business Advantage dealers. Existing fitments across its 65 rigids, 77 tractor units and 250 trailers will gradually be replaced with Michelin rubber over the coming months.

Great Bear’s Transport Operations manager Colin Keegan said he chose to change the company’s tyre policy as the existing tyre mix was proving to be a false economy: “Operating in such a competitive marketplace, we are constantly looking at ways to improve our operation and service offering. The improvements as a result of moving to 100 per cent utilisation of the Michelin product range were immediately apparent and we are looking forward to delivering enhanced reliability, cost performance and sustainability as we make the switch.”

The fitments chosen by Great Bear include Michelin’s XDN2 Grip drive axle tyres, which use Michelin Durable Technologies to increase longevity and enhance grip in wet and slippery conditions. The entire fleet will also benefit from Michelin’s Four Lives policy, which more than doubles the life of a Michelin tyre casing through a combination of re-grooving and re-moulding.

Great Bear’s three Terberg terminal tractors, which are used for inter-factory shunting at Michelin’s headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, will be fitted with Encore tyres. Manufactured at the Stoke plant, these tyres are created by remoulding worn tyre casings from various approved manufacturers, as well as generating a fifth life from worn Michelin Remix tyres. Great Bear’s other customers include Mars, Sainsbury’s, Cadburys, Unilever, Nestlé, Cott Beverages and Bacardi.