Fowler Welch renews contract with Bandvulc Tyres

Fowler Welch has extended its long-running tyre fitment and management contract with Continental Tyres subsidiary and retread specialist Bandvulc. Continental and Bandvulc tyres will be specified across the entire Fowler Welch fleet of 450 Euro 6 trucks and 750 temperature-controlled trailer units for a further three years, continuing the relationship between the companies, who have worked together since 2011.

The new fully managed tyre contract is effective from May 2020 and will see Continental tyres specified on new vehicles purchased for the fleet, with a mix of Continental and Bandvulc retread tyres fitted at replacement. Full tyre management services and on-the-road breakdown support will be provided by the Conti360° Fleet Solutions Network.

For new trucks, Continental Hybrid HS3 tyres will be specified as original equipment for steer and lift axles, paired with Continental Hybrid HD3 tyres on the drive axle and Continental Hybrid HT3 on the trailer Fowler Welch replacement tyre policy will then see Continental Hybrid HS3 tyres fitted on the steer and lift axles, with Bandvulc BD08 tyres selected for replacement on drive axles, alongside Bandvulc B2K trailer tyres.

Conti subsidiary Bandvulc operates a number of businesses BV Mixing, Conti360° Fleet Solutions, BVF1rst as well as TPMS and fitting services across the UK through Conti360° Network, Tyre Maintenance Ltd. (pictured) and R&J Strang Tyre Services.

The contract renewal reflects Fowler Welch’s commitment to continuously lower carbon emissions and lessening the environmental impact of its vehicles. Provision for fitment of fuel optimised tyres, is included, following Fowler Welch’s successful trial of Continental and Bandvulc fuel optimised tyres at Millbrook Proving Ground in Autumn 2019.

Maurizio Romano, Head of Fleet Strategy at Fowler Welch, said: “We know that choosing Continental and Bandvulc tyres will allow us to continue our long and proven partnership. We receive excellent service levels and look forward to the future benefits this partnership will bring as a result of the constant drive for innovation, which sets both Continental and Bandvulc apart.

Ian Harris, National Fleet Key Account Sales Manager at Bandvulc, said: “Continental and Bandvulc are delighted to continue our partnership with Fowler Welch. The new contract sets out joint continuous improvement goals, updated initiatives and the release of new retread tyre patterns later this year will undoubtedly add further value. The latest fuel-optimised tyre trials are testament to Fowler Welch’s commitment to increasing efficiency across its fleet and will lead to real MPG improvements for their business.”

Fowler Welch is a leader in supply chain logistics for ambient and temperature-controlled products, works with a range of major retailers and manufacturers, operating its extensive fleet from eight depots across the UK, covering a total of 44 million miles each year.

Conti subsidiary Bandvulc operates a number of businesses which provide a whole life cost approach to fleet tyre management including new tyres, retreads and casing services. It supplies retreads via Bandvulc Tyres with rubber mixed in its own company, BV Mixing, a full range of bespoke management solutions via Conti360° Fleet Solutions and a new tyre offering via tyre wholesale division BVF1rst. Bandvulc also provides TPMS and fitting services across the UK through Conti360° Network, Tyre Maintenance Ltd and R&J Strang Tyre Services.