The new extension to the MAHA factory in Germany commenced operation following the Christmas break. The factory extension, built to accommodate the manufacture of 2 post electro hydraulic lifts, is considered by MAHA UK’s managing director, Gus Gregory, to possibly the most advanced lift production facility for the manufacture of 2 post lifts in the world.
An eight-strong team of haulage technicians from Cannock-based distribution specialists Bowmur Haulage Ltd, are the latest recruits of a Roadside Breakdown course organised by Bridgestone UK’s Training Department. The hands-on training covers areas such as pre-breakdown planning, on-site risk assessment and how to carry out and complete repairs on a busy carriageway environment.
Research by headset manufacturer Plantronics reveals that UK motorists are unprepared for the recent change to UK driving regulations. Effective from the end of February, drivers will receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence, for using a hand-held mobile phone when driving.
Ecosystem Ltd has announced its appointment as sole UK agents for the Italian Komei range of recycling equipment. Komei specialise in the manufacture of granulation equipment for wood, plastic and rubber, and their 15600kg KG-1R granulator has been designed specifically for shredding used tyres. The features of this unit include a heat exchanger to maintain low temperatures for the rotor and counter blade, and the machine is powered by an 180kw motor.
National fast fit operator, Hi-Q Fleet, has secured a major contract to supply the tyre management service to an expanding telecommunications installation company. Avonline plc, based in Ashton Vale in Bristol, is one of the UK’s leading installation contractors and has a fleet of over 600 vehicles which cover the length and breadth of the UK.
Since its introduction into the UK less than six months ago, Prestivo, Stapleton’s own brand range of tyres, has enjoyed impressive sales and has a large number of customers already committed to the brand. Steve Parker, Stapleton’s wholesale director says: “We have expanded the range to offer more choice for customers with extra sizes within the Sport range.
Bibendum, Michelin’s iconic rubber ringed logo, must have joined a slimming club after Christmas because, according to Michelin UK marketing manager, Thierry Rudloff, future images of him will depict him as a shadow of his former sell. In years gone by Bib was depicted as a roly-poly, cigarette smoking, glass eating character. But no more. When Michelin launches a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign next month Bidendum’s image will be ‘refreshed.’
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A Swansea First Stop dealership is renewing its support for a campaign raising vital funds for impoverished and neglected youngsters in South Wales. It is the third year running that Harris Brothers Tyres will be the headline sponsor of radio stations ’The Wave’ and ‘Swansea Sound’s’ Cash for Kids initiative. Last year alone the business worked with the stations to help raise more than £30,000 for good causes. That included a £10,000 donation to Childline following a glitzy ball and auction where Esther Rantzen was the special guest of honour.
As part of the strategic and operational action program Trelleborg announced at their Capital Markets Day in November 2006, the company plans to initiate consultations with their Employee Consultative Committee regarding the closure and transfer of Trelleborg’s operations from West Thurrock, in the UK.
The UK’s second largest manufacturer or remoulded truck tyres, Bandvulc, intends to unveil a new range of tyres at April’s Commercial Vehicle Show being held at the NEC in Birmingham. Bandvulc says this new range will further enhance the success of its tyre management subsidiary, Bandvulc Tyre Contracts.
Tyres feature strongly in this week’s UK news but for once it is news we could do without. More than a hundred cars in Gornal, north west of Birmingham, have had their tyres slashed by a young man – described as a ‘yob’ by local media – wielding a power drill.
Residents awoke to find their cars sitting on wheel rims after the attack, and many are now facing hundreds of pounds in repair bills. Those affected include a disabled person whose car, with mobility stickers prominently displayed, had all four tyres slashed.
A man aged around 25 was spotted at work with the drill at four o’clock in the morning, but he evaded capture in the subsequent pursuit.
As Harvie Prema enters its third year under new ownership, the company’s planned expansion continues with the employment of a new Sales Manager, Mark Prince. Mark brings with him a number of years’ experience in the tyre industry. Additionally, new area salesmen Neil Clatworthy is taking responsibility for the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire. Hampshire and Berkshire regions. Richard Stevenson will service the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Neil Bale will represent South London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey.
Metzeler Racetec has announced it will continue to be the official tyre supplier and sponsor of both the National Superstock and Superstock Cup championships for the next two years. Metzeler Racetec has been the official control tyre of these two racing championships since 2005.
Watts Tyre Group has appointed Steve Collins as Director and General Manager for Watts Tyre Services UK. He was formerly General Manager of Linde Materials Handling (UK) Ltd’s contract management unit, and has over 28 years’ experience in the materials handling industry.
Plastics and rubber consultancy Rapra Technology is heading up a UK consortium of six companies who will conduct research into the devulcanisation of scrap tyre rubber. The two-year project is being funded by the Department of Trade and Industry as part of its Design and Manufacture of Sustainable Products programme, with more than £420,000 of direct financial assistance to be provided. The project partners will contribute another £420,000 between them.
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