In the US, Michelin Earthmover is partnering with tyre repair provider Tech International and leading Michelin Earthmover dealers to launch the ‘Michelin Earthmover Repair Accreditation Program’, an initiative the tyre maker says will provide “consistent and quality earthmover tyre repairs in Michelin’s accredited repair shops.” The new programme will be rolled out this year.
Michelin is one of several north Staffordshire companies to join an initiative to give young people an insight into potential careers in industry. The scheme, entitled “Industrial Cadets”, is a response to the concerns of engineering and manufacturing companies, who say there is a skills shortage in this area, affecting the sector’s ability to expand. Initially launched in Redcar by Tata Steel and supported by the Prince of Wales, Industrial Cadets is being rolled out nationally by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).
Renown German brand Hofmann has reintroduced a number of lifts into its line-up. The products, previously known under the Europa name, have been reintroduced to complement the current range of electro-mechanical products manufactured at Hofmann’s European factory. The lift range, which includes both electro-hydraulic and the EML 3000 two-post electro-mechanical lift, is available from all Hofmann distributors.
One of the most recent graduates of Bridgestone’s “Tyre Genius” training course has been promoted to manager of Eden Tyre Sales’ (ETS) Ripley depot. The tyre manufacturer said Simon Rai, 26, demonstrates a wide range of core skills, as well as the ability to think on his feet, vindicating the decision to invest in his development.
Garage equipment manufacturer Hofmann has introduced the next generation of its Geoliner wheel aligner series. Two new models have been introduced, the Geoliner 670 Gen 4 and Geoliner 680 Gen4; both aligners feature Hofmann’s icon-based Pro 42 software, a ‘one-touch’ programme that is designed to make the most effective use of the information required by the technician carrying out the alignment procedure.
If we need technology to warn us about the obvious, then maybe it’s better to eliminate us from the equation completely – in the same week it announced plans to introduce technology that warns drivers they’re travelling the wrong way on motorways, Continental reports it has received an Autonomous Vehicle Testing License’ from the US state of Nevada. If all goes to plan, Continental technology could be present in driverless cars, which never mistake the motorway exit for the on-ramp, within as little as eight years.
The world's largest transit agency has awarded a vehicle lift contract for 570 mobile columns to Rotary Lift. The manufacturer delivered the first set of lifts and provided training this week.
The American based transit agency conducted an exhaustive trial of the Rotary Lift mobile column lift side by side with two of its toughest competitors over 90 days, with testing taking place under real-world conditions at two different transit facilities that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At the end of the gruelling test period, the Rotary column lifts came out on top and was chosen for its easy operation, superior performance, low user cost and low maintenance costs over time.
The winners of a recent Pirelli promotion run in collaboration with Volvo recently enjoyed a day with Mithril Racing School at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. The promotion, which was run from July to September, enabled all Pirelli tyre purchases from the official tyre suppliers to enter the promotion. Six league divisions were set up by Volvo: five divisions for existing members of the programme and a sixth division was set up for dealers who were new to the scheme.
Frank Harvey has been appointed Head of the RMI’s National Association of Bodyshops (NAB) with effect from January 2013. Frank Harvey has worked within the body repair sector for the majority of his working life. After starting his career as a coachbuilder he moved on to become a Staff Engineer at a number of leading motor insurers. He went on to become Group Operations Director of the Karl Vella Group where he oversaw a number of Bodyshop operations. He specialises in training and support for the body repair industry; skills that will prove extremely beneficial in his new role.
In order to further its customers’ knowledge about the battery business, Exide Technologies has launched what it calls ‘Exide Academy’. This new programme covers a broad range of commercial and technical topics, including margin optimisation and start-stop technology.
Pirelli has launched an online version of Pirelli Tyre Campus, which is aimed at helping its dealers “become better tyre consultants for their customers”. Through e-learning, Pirelli says it will provide a step-by-step educational process where users can access a series of videos, interactive sessions and engaging tests about the manufacturer and its products.
OTR tyre firm Eurotire has appointed Courtland Acosta as its business development manager in Mexico and Central America. The move reflects the company's commitment to expansion throughout Mexico and Central America, answering the region’s growing interest in Eurotire’s offerings. In his new role, Acosta will assist regional manager, Tom Sawyer, to further develop the business there and to support the future opening of a new sales office.
Paul Searle has recently moved into Bandvulc’s sales team to take on the role of account manager. Paul joined Bandvulc in 2003, firstly in Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC) and then the company’s sales operations team. According to the company he has supported the sales team for the past seven years and will continue to work on some of the current projects such as dealing with tenders, quotes and business proposals, but will also play a bigger role within the sales activities.
On 18 October, engineering company Sandvik Holdings is co-ordinating a safety day with its driver training supplier Road Skills, which aims to teach advanced driving techniques and raise awareness of the importance of correct vehicle maintenance. During the course of the day, Michelin will host a safety presentation covering the importance of correct tyre pressures and tread depths, the impact tyres have on handling, and the benefits of cold weather tyres. Amongst other things, qualified instructors will teach core staff and senior management from Sandvik Holdings’ UK operation how to improve handling, emergency reactions, manoeuvring and off-road skills.
The effectiveness of ATS Euromaster’s in-house safety programme can be witnessed in figures released today by the fast-fit group. The company says its ‘Safe by Choice’ programme is behind a 58 per cent reduction in lost time accidents over the past five years; these are down from 100 accidents in 2007 to just 42 in 2011. Furthermore, ATS Euromaster anticipates an even more substantial reduction this year, as just 12 lost time accidents occurred in the first half of 2012.
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