Kit-Kat trailers roll on Michelin X One Maxitrailer Tyres

Four years after trialling its first Montracon trailer with Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres, Nestlé Customer Logistics reports that 25 per cent of its 200-strong tri-axle ‘Cooliner’ fleet is operating on the uniquely sized 455/45 R22.5 tyres. Nestlé Customer Logistics’ fleet operates on trunking routes between its production facility in York – which makes 6 million Kit-Kats a day – and distribution hubs throughout the UK. Moving forward, engineering manager Ralph Defty specifies the Michelin tyre on all new standard length trailers joining the fleet.

Defty explains: “Previously we were getting an average of 130,000 km from new trailer tyres, but with the X One MaxiTrailer we’re projecting more than 200,000 km; the equivalent of four years in service. The worn casings can then be returned to Michelin for remoulding, with the Remix tyres expected to deliver the same performance again. An X One MaxiTrailer tyre costs us £100 more than a regular trailer tyre, but it delivers nearly double the life. It’s been an absolute game-changer for our fleet,” he says.

Nearly five years after launch, Michelin reports that it is still the only manufacturer in the world to offer a 455/45 R22.5 trailer tyre. Key to the performance of the X One MaxiTrailer is its Infinicoil architecture, one of the key innovations of Michelin Durable Technologies, consisting of a 400-metre steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown. Compared to a regular 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2 trailer tyre, the tread band is also 120mm wider and has 35 per cent more usable tread rubber, which contributes to the significantly increased tyre life.

Nestlé Customer Logistics claims to operate one of the best independently managed tyre policies in the country. This is achieved having an in-house tyre expert, Graham Skelton. According to the company, Skelton boasts 30 years experience and a passion for tyre maintenance, and personally ensures all Nestlé’s vehicle technicians are briefed to follow the complete Michelin Four Lives policy with every tyre.  Additionally, many worn Remix tyres go on to be remanufactured into Encore tyres to deliver a fifth life in service.

Key to maximising tyre efficiency is a commitment to delivering a 100 per cent regrooving rate for all Michelin new and Remix tyres; measured against an industry average of just 50 per cent.

Nestlé Customer Logistics operates a fleet of around 200 trailers, including 13 chocolate tankers, plus 17 tractor units – with the remainder of its work undertaken by third party contractors. It has a 100 per cent Michelin policy across its fleet, managed in-house by Defty and his team, and with tyres supplied by ATS Euromaster.