North West Logistics signs ATS-E, Michelin tyre deal

UK and European transport specialist North West Logistics has signed an agreement with ATS Euromaster to implement and manage a 100 per cent Michelin policy across its fleet of 60 trucks and 50 trailers. Ainsworth & Martin acquired the company in 2010 and has recently merged to form a single operation based in Accrington, Lancashire. Neither company had a formal tyre policy in place before the merger, utilising local dealers to fit many different brands to their vehicles. Now mobile technicians from ATS-E’s Blackburn site seven miles away will carry out routine fleet inspections, as well as regrooving, twinning and turning tyres on the rim to increase their longevity.

Stephen Dunn, managing director of North West Logistics, says: “Tyres are a significant running cost, plus they can have a big impact on fuel efficiency.  When we brought the two operations together it made sense to agree a single tyre policy.  In doing so we’ve combined our purchasing strength and been able to standardise on Michelins, fitted and serviced by ATS Euromaster.

“Most tyre dealers just want to sell you more rubber, but from the start ATS Euromaster adopted an honest approach and are committed to helping us extract the maximum performance from the tyres we already have in service.  As they need replacing we’re fitting new Michelins, which ATS will manage through the Michelin ‘Four Lives’ process to ensure maximum performance and value.”

Dunn say’s ATS-E’s ability to provide a 24/7 roadside rapid response service for tyre-related breakdowns across Europe, managed through its Birmingham-based customer support centre, was a key factor in his decision to sign the deal: “We’re really pleased with how our new tyre strategy is progressing.  ATS Euromaster’s attention to detail and technical expertise is helping to make our tyres work much harder, and at the same time the fleet is starting to benefit from the first new Michelin tyres entering service.”

Operating from its head office and distribution centre in Accrington, which has just undergone a £100,000 investment, North West Logistics offer a wide range of services tailored to customers’ specific requirements.  This includes transporting full and part loads, multi-drop operations and hazardous loads – an area where the company has extensive experience with nearly all drivers being ADR trained. 

North West Logistics also covers Preston, Fylde, Blackburn and Burnley for the Fortec pallet network.  Its fleet is comprised predominantly of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo units, from 26 tonne rigids to 44 tonne artics.