Hofmann Granted ATL Approval
Hofmann has received full GEA Automated Test Lane approval. Richard Dixon from VOSA and Dave Garratt, chief executive of the GEA, over saw the testing which was completed at UK Equipment’s headquarters in Reading.
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Tradesman Refurbishment
Product NewsHofmann Megaplan has introduced a new addition to its wheel service range with the launch of the ‘Tradesman’ machine for alloy wheel refurbishment and repair.
The megamount ‘Tradesman’ is the result of a joint development project with wheel refurbishment specialist Wheel Clinic. Based on a conventional tyre changer chassis, the unit enables rims up to 24 inch diameter to be clamped and rotated at the necessary speed for grinding and polishing. A full starter kit of grinding and polishing wheels is supplied with the unit and ongoing consumables are available directly from Wheel Clinic.
Hofmann Megaplan Appoints Specialist
Product NewsHofmann Megaplan, has appointed Andy Ringrose as its new equipment specialist.
Involved in all aspects of sales Mr Ringrose will provide field-based support for both new and existing customers.
The Monolift Revival
Product NewsThe Hofmann 2.0 Monolift, the company’s original single post lift, first manufactured 30 years ago, has felt a resurgence in sales, according to Maywood’s director Gavin Masterton.
“When I was MD of Hofmann we sold regularly at least one each week for many years but in more recent times sales had fallen to just a handful. Now under Maywood’s sole distribution of the Hofmann range of lifts, sales are rocketing to unprecedented levels.
“The great thing about the Monolift is that where you can park a car you can fit a Monolift and it can handle virtually every car available from a mini to a Rolls Royce!”
Hofmann Wins Contract to Supply Fast Fit Ireland
Product NewsHofmann, has won the contract to supply Fast Fit Ireland with all of their wheel service equipment requirements. Fast Fit Ireland, who look over the Kwik-Fit depots in the Republic of Ireland last year, are now one of the largest fast-fit chains in Ireland with over 22 depots. All depots have been equipped with “top of the range Hofmann products,” the company reports.
UK Equipment Ltd New Area Sales Manager
Product NewsUK Equipment Ltd has appointed David Speirs as area sales manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In this role Mr Speirs will be responsible for strengthening the company’s existing distributor base, whilst growing the brand through its OEM business and corporate dealers throughout the region.
Airgo-Lift Prevents Manual Handling
Product NewsHofmann Megaplan has introduced the new ‘Airgo-Lift’ a wheel lifter for assisting tyre technicians with heavy wheel assemblies.
Operated by air the machine fits under the shaft of a balancer and can raise wheels up to 70kg in weight. It can also move the wheel horizontally over the shaft to allow easy location of studs when flange plate mounting.
Win with UK Equipment
Product NewsJohn Bean is offering visitors to the ATS/CV show the chance to win a GPS satellite navigation system. In association with UK Equipment Group John Bean will be running a ‘3D Alignment Time Trial’ where, the person who aligns the car in the shortest time wins the system.
Competitors will be using the Visualiner 3D Arago, which the company says is one of the fastest alignment systems on the market. The system uses 3D digital imaging technology, and does not require run-out compensation or levelling of the measuring targets. It’s Windows XP software guides the operator through the measuring procedure and provides full alignment readings within four minutes says UK Equipment Group.
Win The 15,000th Hofmann Wheel Balancer
Product NewsQuality comes at a price, or so they say. However, Hofmann is offering visitors to the Brityrex show a once in a lifetime opportunity to win quality for free! Visitors to the Hofmann stand (M7) can enter a free competition to win a Geodyna 4801 computerised wheel balancer worth over £3,000.
Megamount 801 Caters for Run-Flats
Product NewsHofmann Megaplan, has introduced the megamount 801 Super Automatic.
The tyre changer is aimed at the specialist tyre fitting sector, with companies including Elite.Com, Rochford Tyres and Jeff Fowkes Wheels all having invested in the technology.
UK Equipment Appoints North-West Sales Manager
Product NewsUK Equipment Ltd has appointed Warren McKay as its area sales manager for the North-West. He has over twenty years experience in the automotive industry, primarily in the wheel service and parts industry.
New Balancing Concept
Product NewsHofmann Megaplan’s new Ride Management System has been installed at Jeff Fowkes Wheels, Leicestershire. The RMS package consists of the Megaspin 800 wheel balancer and Haweka Premier adaptor system, with the added feature of run-out measurement built into the balancer.
Maywood Recruits ‘Leader in His Field’
Product NewsPat Henson, UK sales manager for Rotary Lifts for the past eight years, has joined Maywood Equipment Group, leading suppliers of garage lifting equipment. Maywood acquired the Hofmann brand in January, and Mr Henson, 56, will initially be area sales manager for Maywood in the West Midlands and North Wales.
Hofmann Opts For Zinc
Product NewsFollowing the proposed phasing out of lead for use in wheel balancing weights, a number of alternative materials have been suggested, such as tin or steel. Dionys Hofmann, Europe’s largest weight manufacturer, has opted for a zinc alloy, saying that this is cheaper than tin and, unlike tin, melts at a far higher temperature than lead, enabling lead and zinc to be more easily separated in metallurgical plants.
Hofmann And Balco Join Forces
Product NewsHofmann and Balco are to merge their administration and IT functions as part of a rationalisation within the Snap-on group, with a new name; European Equipment Group (EEG). The Hofmann and Balco brands will continue, as will the different channels of distribution. Chris Grimm, MD of Balco, will become MD of EEG, while Gavin Masterton, MD of Hofmann, is to retire. Our article looks at the reasons behind the new move.
