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IRISH AUGUST 2012 Vol. 15 No. 7 EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50 & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Page 1: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH

AUGUST 2012 Vol. 15 No. 7

EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Page 2: Trucker Agust 2012 A

With over 35 years of experience insuring single vehicles, fleets and haulage risks, we specialise in finding the right product to meet your business needs at the most competitive price

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Page 3: Trucker Agust 2012 A

www.irishtrucker.com

Irish Truckeris published byDG PressKells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

Telephone:(046) 9241923

Fax: (046) 9241926

ISDN: 046-9248197

e mail:[email protected]

ISSN 0791-993X

All rights reserved. No part of this publicationcan be published orreproduced in any waywithout the writtenpermission of the author orLynn Group Media ©Copyright Lynn GroupMedia 2012

The opinions expressed inIrish Trucker do notnecessarily reflect those ofthe editor, publishers, theiragents or Irish Trucker.While every effort hasbeen made to ensure thatthe information in thispublication is correct, thepublisher cannot acceptresponsibility for any errorsthat may appear.

PM Processing P20

Hearty Distribution P60

Cullen Transport P42

Coolrain Sawmills P30

Gleeson Group P49

CONTENTS

2 INDUSTRY NEWS16 LIBRA TRANS LTD.

Exceptional national & international pallet and parcel distribution service

20 PM PROCESSING LTDOne of Ireland’s leading timber harvesting and woodchip manufacturers

26 SJ DAVIDSON MOTORS LTDSupplying high quality new and used cars

30 COOLRAIN SAWMILLS LTDBringing a vast range of excellent timber products to the Irish and UK markets

34 KNIGHT LOGISTICS & WES CHEMIrish Trucker speaks to owner Jason Leonard

38 ROAD TANKER SPARES INTERNATIONALForemost stockist of tanker spares & accessories

42 CULLEN TRANSPORT & TRAILER SERVICES LTDCatering for all internal and external HGV/LGV maintenance

46 TULLAMORE TEST & REPAIR CENTREContinuing to go from strength to strength

49 GLEESON GROUPOperating a large fleet of trucks from 11 distribution hubs nationwide

54 BRIAN DALY TRANSPORTCelebrating its 20th anniversary

60 HEARTY DISTRIBUTIONProviding an efficient and reliable service

65 CORK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCILSOverseeing a variety of projects in 2012

70 FREIGHTEAM IRELANDSpecialists in Ireland-UK-Ireland groupage and pallet market

73 MOLONEY’S GARAGERenowned long running family business

76 MARTIN BYRNE CAR DISMANTLERSStellar reputation far and wide

79 LLOYDS MOTORINGDeveloped Lloyds/FED (fuel efficient driving)

80 MCELHINNEY METAL RECYCLINGOne of Ireland’s most successful & innovative recycling companies

84 SUMMERHILL DISTRIBUTION Family run business celebrating its 15th anniversary

88 JD RECOVERY SERVICESProviding service at national and UK level

96 HARRON TRANSPORT LTDReliable vehicle transport services

99 MID WEST TRAILER WORKSStriving ahead of its competitors

102 AS BALLANTINEImpressive operation based in Strabane

104 MCCALLISTER TRANSPORTGone from strength to strength since inception

106 MOYLES GARAGEOffering the complete package

109 CLASSIFIEDS

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2 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Relief for hauliers buying diesel in SterlingThe British government has cancelled a three pence per litre rise in fuel duty which was due in August.The Labour Party had threatened to force a Commons vote on the issue and called on all MPs to unite in scrapping therise. Fuel duty will be frozen for the rest of the year, the Chancellor told MPs, adding that the government was "doingeverything we can in very, very difficult economic circumstances" to help businesses and consumers. The move follows acampaign by road users’ groups, which argued that the rise, announced in the Budget, would damage the economy. MrOsborne’s announcement is excellent news to FairFuelUK, the FTA backed campaign, which has been lobbying thegovernment for the past year in order to stop planned fuel duty increases and fight for lower fuel prices, and working withpoliticians of all Parties over recent months to build cross-party support on this issue. James Hookham, the FTA’smanaging director – policy & communications said: “It went down to the political equivalent of penalties, but this time thepublic and businesses have got something to celebrate! “The Chancellor's decision is absolutely right for the economyand removes that extra cost for commercial vehicle operators that would have hit them hard this summer. The Chancellornow sees the merits of using fuel duty cuts to stimulate growth by keeping cash within businesses. The governmentneeds to engage in a national debate about the role of fuel taxation in the economy and we urge the Chancellor to seizethis opportunity.”

Noel Sweeney defends the Women Drivers on YouTubeLetterkenny based Driving Instructor Noel Sweeney from Swilly Drive School of Motoring has once again come up with a

song to give his take on one of the mostcontroversial and hotly debated issues in drivingtoday – women drivers Earlier this year, Noelbrought all of his years as a singer, amateurdramatist, playwright and Driving Instructor to bearwhen he wrote and recorded the popular“Roundabout Song”. Noel has again put pen topaper and composed the catchy tune “WomenDrivers”, in defence of all the lady drivers outthere. The “Roundabout Song” achievedphenomenal success with over 40,000 YouTube“views” at the time of writing. Noel has spent theintervening time trying to keep his fans sated whilethey patiently waited for the follow up. “I’ve beenlistened to men lamenting women drivers for thelast 30 odd years” said a reflective Noel. “I’ve heldmy tongue till now but what better way to respond

to the crying men than with a ‘lament’ of my own”! He continues, “The chorus of the song says it all, “Women Drivers,there’s nothing really wrong that I can see, Women Drivers, they’re every bit as good as you and me”. The song andvideo can be found on The Swilly Group’s Facebook page (Swilly Group), Twitter feed (@swillygroup), Youtube channel(swillydrive) or on their website www.swillygroup.comFor more information on The Swilly Group or the services it provides check out our website www.swillygroup.com or followus on Facebook or Twitter.

Incomes stabilisingIBEC, the group that represents Irish business, has published the first Irish Consumer Monitor, which shows thatconsumer incomes will stabilise in 2012, after two years of significant declines. IBEC estimates that the combination ofrecent ECB interest rate cuts, and a further possible 0.5% reduction over the coming months, will leave mortgagedhouseholds €700 better off per annum. The need to take decisive steps to restore domestic demand and boost spendingin the economy is a key part of the wider Driving Ireland’s Recovery campaign, which IBEC recently launched. The IrishConsumer Monitor provides unique analysis of consumer spending power by charting key consumer indicators and trends.IBEC Chief Economist Fergal O'Brien said: "The main cause of the unemployment crisis is the lack of consumerconfidence and weak domestic demand. Getting people back to work is the priority, but to do this we need a return tomore normal, sustainable consumer spending levels. There are some positive signs domestically, but eurozone worriescontinue to unnerve consumers."

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS4

SPAR Texaco Junction 14 Celebrates its First Birthdaywith Announcement of Further Jobs and Investment

· Dragon’s Den Stars attend one year anniversary eventwhere local Kildare businessmen say they will create 20more jobs and invest a further €500k on site expansionSPAR Texaco Junction 14 – the landmark motorwayservices site on the M7 – has announced that it is tocreate 20 new jobs and invest a further €500,000 inexpansion of the premises. The announcement wasmade at a special one year anniversary celebration of thelocally owned Irish business, which was attended byMinister Michael Ring T.D., and Bobby Kerr, Gavin Duffy,Norah Casey and Niall O’Farrell of Dragon’s Den fame.The site, which also includes Irish brands Supermacsand Insomnia, was opened last June by localbusinessmen and brothers Donal and Liam Fitzpatrickfollowing an initial €7 million investment. The businesshas grown from 40 to 100 employees in this time and theowners are to begin recruiting for another 20 positions to

be filled over the next six months. They are also due to begin works on site expansion, doubling capacity for Heavy GoodsVehicles - a group critical to Ireland’s import/export supply chain.Speaking at the event, Donal Fitzpatrick said, “We are very proud and thankful that the first year has been such a greatsuccess, testament to the commitment of our staff and our customers who have shown us the utmost loyalty and support.”Liam Fitzpatrick added: “On our part, there is a great desire to keep pushing the boundaries, not only to maintain ourfooting as the best motorway services experience on Irish roads but to keep building a successful Irish business whichprovides employment locally.”Managing director at BWG Foods (operators of the SPAR brand) Willie O’Byrne said: “We are delighted to be partneringwith Donal and Liam Fitzpatrick - retailers and local Irish businessmen who are true entrepreneurs in their field. It is highlysignificant that, in this time of continued austerity, they are creating new jobs and continuing to invest in their business andwe congratulate them on their success.”To coincide with the one year anniversary celebrations – which are set to continue for customers and motorists throughoutthis week Junction14 Mayfield has also announced 1Life, the suicide helpline, as its official charity partner in which theyhave set out to raise €10,000 over the next 12 months.Averaging 3,500 customers daily, the 24-7 site boasts its very own professional chef and baker. It caters for cars, vans,coaches and trucks travelling the country’s busiest routes between Dublin and Cork, Kerry and Limerick, providingessential motor side services to domestic and commercial customers such 24-hour toilets and shower facilities, free WiFiaccess, and charging points for electric cars.For more information on Junction14 Mayfield M7 Motorway Service Area visit www.junction14mayfield.ie. To make adonation to 1Life visit www.1life.ie.

BIT’S ‘N’ BOB’ST R U C K A C C E S S O R I E S

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Irish oil firm attracts investorsA number of potential investors have approached Irish exploration group Providence Resources about the possibility ofjoining forces with the company on the development of its Barryroe oilfield off the south coast. Speaking after the group’srecent annual general meeting in Dublin, chief executive Tony O’Reilly Jnr said the company had received a number ofinformal approaches from investors interested in backing what could potentially be Ireland’s first commercial oilfield.However, Mr O’Reilly said Providence had “pushed them back” and added that the group was not simply going to do adeal for the sake of it. Drilling at Barryroe, off the Cork coast, had indicated that it contains commercial quantities of bothcrude oil and natural gas. Providence expects to have an independent report indicating how much oil the field contains bythe end of next month. The company owns 80 per cent of the field and intends bringing in a partner to develop it.Providence also expects to begin exploratory drilling in its Dalkey Island licence area in the Irish Sea later this year. It hasalready applied for a foreshore permit. The westernmost edge of the licence area lies about 10km from Dalkey Islanditself. Some local groups have raised concerns about the implications of the field’s development, but Mr O’Reilly pointedout yesterday that Providence is a “long, long way” from that. In a formal statement issued after the meeting, the companysaid that it was looking forward to providing updated information on the Barryroe field’s potential later this summer.

Dragon Den’s starsattend Junction 14 First

Birthday Celebration

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 5

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS6

US Logistics firm opt for ClarebranchThe Illinois, US-headquartered SEKO Global Logistics has chosen WestparkBusiness Campus as the location from which to expand its operations. SEKOnew office in Shannon, its second in Ireland, will service demand from itsgrowing customer base in Munster and Connacht. Mark White, President andCEO of SEKO Global Logistics, said the Westpark office will enable thecompany to more efficiently meet customers’ needs and to forge closer linkswith them and with suppliers. Regional manager in charge of the new office,Jacquie Whelan said the Westpark infrastructure is perfectly suited to SEKO’soperational needs. “From our enviable setting at Westpark, we will also be ableto more readily spot opportunities for development,” said Whelan, who is anative of Ennis and a long-term industry professional. Ms Whelan has workedwith some of the largest freight forwarding companies in the world and brings a wealth of talent and experience to her newrole. As well as offering the traditional freight forwarding range of products, SEKO will also provide its clients with cost-effective IT solutions to manage their warehouse and transport requirements. Founded in 1976, SEKO Worldwide is aglobal, third-party logistics provider with 50 offices in the United States and more than 110 offices in 45+ countriesworldwide.

BBC TV featureMatthews CoachHire alcoholinterlock storyA unique idea from innovative localcompany Matthews Coach Hire was thesubject of a recent news feature on BBCTV. Matthews Coach Hire is the onlytransport company in Ireland to havealcohol interlocks installed – and everyMatthews coach and support vehiclecarries one of the devices.The process is simple: in order to get thecoach to start, the driver has to blow into abreathalyser connected to the ignition.Fail the test and the engine won't start.Stop for more than 30 minutes and the system resets, requiring another test is required.“I couldn’t sleep one night after reading a story about a driver in England who crashed a coach while under the influenceof alcohol, and set about finding a solution that would give me, and our passengers, complete peace of mind,” ManagingDirector Paddy Matthews told the BBC.The crash Paddy referred to was in September 2007 when a driver for the UK firm National Express made a seeminglyinexplicable error as he travelled along a motorway.He mistook a service station entrance for a motorway slip road. His speed all wrong, he hit a kerb and crashed, injuring 33people, seven seriously.Just home from holidays, the driver had spent almost all the previous night drinking. At the time of the crash, he was oneand a half times the legal limit.After reading the story, Paddy sourced the device in the UK and Matthews became the first, and only, Irish transportcompany to install the units in 2008.“We take passenger safety seriously," said Paddy's son Noel, the company’s Fleet Manager."Yes, this system is expensive but how do you put a price on the 'cargo' a coach is carrying?"Noel said their drivers have happily accepted the introduction of the system and that passengers, once they get used tothe perhaps initially disconcerting sight of their driver apparently breathalysing himself, have been reassured."People are increasingly safety conscious these days. This system gives us a very real advantage when bidding forcontracts, particularly in the corporate sphere.“Our machines are set to a very low tolerance. There are three limits – the legal drivers’ limit, the professional drivers’ limit,and the Matthews’ limit.Matthews have been garnering a lot of publicity for their use of the alcohol inhibitors, and have called on the Governmentto consider their installation in all public transport vehicles as a preventative measure.National Express followed their lead in 2010, installing the devices into their fleet, and the BBC have asked the North’sbiggest coach operator, Translink, whether they will join Matthews in leading the way in safety.

Noel Matthews beinginterviewed by BBC TV

Seko have chosenShannon as its new office

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7

Stobart makes most of recessionStobart Group reckons it is seeing more new businessopportunities than in previous years for ambient transport andwarehousing. In a trading update for the first four months ofthe year, the group said the majority of divisions tradingahead of the previous year. The Transport and Distributiondivision has experienced mixed fortunes since March with theambient transport and warehousing performing. However, “therestructure of the chilled operations, while progressing, hasresulted in some further costs.”Stobart is in the process of taking over Autologic, the cartransport specialist, in an agreed deal worth £12.4m. It saidAutologic would add significant revenue to the division andprovide an entry into a new market. The Estates division nowhas planning permission for 1.4m sq ft of warehousing atStobart Park in Widnes. Mild weather in Scandinavia affectedexports in the Biomass business, but Stobart said the start of UK power station contracts in the second half would drivelong term volume growth.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Stunning New Actros makes its debut at Mercedes-BenzTruck & Van (NI)

The revolutionary New Actros premium long-haultractor unit made its first appearance in NorthernIreland, at a gala launch event staged by dealerMercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI).Held at the dealer’s premises in Newtownabbey,the dinner and presentation evening provided anopportunity for some of Northern Ireland’s leadingtransport operators to take a closer look at theInternational Truck of the Year.Developed from a blank sheet of paper, NewActros is the ultimate truck for long-distancetransport. From the outset, designers andengineers were determined to provide the bestpossible comfort, driving dynamics, safety,productivity and operating economy as well as asweeping range of cab sizes, engine ratings andoptions, allowing customers to tailor vehiclesperfectly for any application. And with a widerange of flexible and competitive funding

packages available from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, acquiring a New Actros could not be easier.The current Actros holds the Guinness World Record for fuel economy at 40 tonnes gvw but on-the-road tests have shownthat the new model is a remarkable seven per cent more frugal when specified to meet Euro 5 emissions regulations,while even the ultra-clean Euro 6 version shows a four per cent improvement.Guests were treated to a hog roast and a series of ‘wild west’ themed activities, as well as entertainment from BBC Radiostar Hugo Duncan, but the real business of the evening was a chance for guests to inspect the five New Actros units ondisplay, with a range of engine ratings and cab sizes right up to the luxurious, range-topping GigaSpace – so big is thisrange-topping workspace that every other cab on the market would fit inside it with ease!Colm Diamond, European Logistics Manager of Castledawson-based Link It Logistics, attended the launch with his fatherSeamus, the company’s Transport Manager, and Bridin McErlean, European Logistics Co-ordinator. “It was a top-notchevent, for a top-notch vehicle,” he declared. “The new Actros certainly looks the part and is clearly well designed, and itwas great to have a chance to see one, in right-hand drive and UK specification. If the truck performs as well as it looks, itwill be a winner.”Robert Beattie, who drives an Actros 2544 MegaSpace horse transporter for international show-jumper Joanne SloanAllen, was similarly impressed. “I drive on the Continent a lot and have seen one or two New Actros on the road – but upclose they look even more imposing. The quality of the cab interiors is fantastic. The New Actros is a huge step forwardand puts Mercedes-Benz even further out in front of the rest of the truck market.”Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) is the German manufacturer’s official commercial vehicle dealer for Northern Ireland.With strong roots in the area, MB T&V sells and supports the award-winning range, which extends from the mighty Actrostractor unit to the compact and stylish Vito van, from sites at Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey and Bush Road, Dungannon.www.trucks.mercedes-benz.com/new-actros

New Actros premiumlong-haul tractor unit

Stobart are seeing theirdivisions trading ahead of

the previous year

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS8

EU funding for Welsh logistics developmentThe European Union is to provide £2.2m funding for the development of a £7m logistics hub near Holyhead in northWales, which will benefit Ireland. The money will be invested to drive forward plans led by developer Conygar for the firstphase of the hub at Parc Cybi. It will help provide two warehouses plus office buildings to support the development of theport of Holyhead as the UK’s main freight terminal serving Dublin and Ireland. Welsh deputy minister for Europeanprogrammes, Alun Davies said: "This strategically important site will act as a catalyst for future investment and jobs in theregion’s economy. We are committed to developing the right infrastructure to encourage investors and enable businessesto grow. I am pleased we have been able to back this initiative with EU funding, providing a real boost to North WestWales." Conygar Director Peter Batchelor said: "Together with our own substantial investment, the EU funding will enableus to press ahead with confidence despite the difficult economic conditions."

VW commercial sales up 3.5%Volkswagen has reported that itssales of light commercial vehiclesworldwide is up 3.5% so far in2012.For the first five months of thecurrent calendar year,Volkswagen’s sales of lightcommercial vehicles, MPVs andleisure vehicles reached 220,500units worldwide - up 3.5% on lastyear. Amarok deliveries worldwiderose by 31.7% to 30,500 vehicles,while deliveries of the Crafter wentup by 37% to 19,800 vehicles (from14,400 for the same period in2011). The T5 Series rose by 0.4%to 66,300 deliveries, whileworldwide deliveries of the Caddywent down by 3.1% to 63,200vehicles (from 65,200). Deliveriesof the brand in Western Europe

from January to May 2012 were up by 1.3% to 117,900 vehicles. In Eastern Europe, however, deliveries to the end of Maywent up by 32.7% to 17,400 vehicles. Germany was the highest volume European market for Volkswagen CommercialVehicles in the first five months of 2012, with growth of 5.3% to 50,800 customer deliveries. ‘While the segment of urbandelivery vehicles, vans, and pickups is somewhat down on some markets, or figures are stagnating, this is offset by themarket shares which have been won by our models. This sets us apart from our competitors and the general marketenvironment. We are keeping a very close eye on the tense situation in several markets, however, and we are acting withcareful consideration,” says Bram Schot, Member of the Executive Management for Sales and Marketing for VolkswagenCommercial Vehicles.

€241m to clean up illegal dumpsIt will cost local authorities – i.e. the tax payer -€241m to clean up a number of illegal dumpslocated nationwide. According to a recent report inthe Irish Independent, the cost of cleaning up morethan 13 illegal dumps throughout the State will beclose to the €250m mark. More than €135m has sofar been spent and another €100m will be paid toremove rubbish and decontaminate land at sites inCork, Wicklow, Waterford, Limerick and Carlowbefore the end of 2013.The total cost of fixing theproblem of illegal dumps will amount to €241m.€92m of this will be spent cleaning up the formerIrish Steel site at Haulbowline in Co Cork. Themassive bill is a result of the European Court ofJustice (ECJ) ruling in 2005 that Ireland had brokenenvironmental laws by not having all landfilllicensed. A warning came in 2010 that unless works to make the sites safe were carried out, daily fines would be imposed.

Volkswagen CommercialSales are on the rise

Cleaning up illegal dumpsset to cost the taxpayer

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 9

Varadkar: No taxincreaseThe Transport Minister has ruled out anyGovernment plans to increase income tax inDecember’s budget. Leo Varadkar has said thatthe Government made a commitment in itsprogramme for Government not to touch theseareas - and he hasn't heard of any plans to dootherwise. Preparations are underway forDecember's budget - the Government hasagreed with the Troika to find savings of over€3.5 billion. Minister Varadkar said that thetaxes will have to be introduced - but he ishopeful income tax will remain untouched: "Thecommitment that is made in the programme forgovernment is that we won't increase income taxand we won't cut basic rates of social welfare",he said. "There will be other tax increases, andthere will be other reductions in social welfarespending the exact details of that have yet to beworked out and yet to be discussed bygovernment or by the Oireachtas."

Moran Freight signnew dealYusen Logistics is partnering Dublin-basedMoran Freight Services in providing a specialistreverse flow logistics operation for consumerelectronics giant Samsung. Samsung’s entire UKsupply chain is outsourced to Yusen and theconcept for the new operation has been jointlydeveloped by the two organisations. The newoperation "ensures the product is ‘touched’,quicker, enhancing communication and theexperience received by our customers. This alsoextends to the normal internal/external benefitsexpected,” said Ian Ulvmoen, Samsung’sregional logistics director for North West Europe.“We are pushing boundaries, we constantly lookfor innovation and drive our 3PLs wherenecessary to become 4PLs, activities theyprobably would not look to undertake in the past.Yusen Logistics has embraced this and sharesour mission statement: – Logistics, it’s not justthe A to B, we cover the whole alphabet.“For Samsung, these principles apply equally inreverse. We believe Samsung to be unique intreating reverse flows in the same way as‘stock’, like all other product within the supplychain. Therefore the processing of returns is justas important as the processing of outboundstock. We can be quicker in the response to ourcustomers, we can be more analytical, identifyweakness, address and move on.” Yusen hasworked with Samsung since 2000, when acontract was awarded for brown goodsdistribution. Since then, and with additionalcontracts for high value products, white goodsand reverse flow logistics, the volumes handledhave more than quadrupled.

HGV Direct developsrecordable multi-camera roadsafety system

Leading truck parts and consumables supplier HGV Direct hastaken a lead in the battle to make large vehicles safer on the roadby developing its own multi-camera safety system, which can beset up to monitor blind spots and also used to help clamp down ontheft and insurance fraud.HGV Direct's new 4-camera system improves on systems alreadyon the market by providing a 24/7 recording facility. Three of thecameras can be used to cover notorious blind spots, while thefourth can be used in a variety of ways - to cover the cab, ormounted as a security device when the vehicle is unattended sothat people approaching to tamper with the load or siphon off fuelwill be captured on film. That's a useful addition in the light ofstatistics published by Truckpol in Spring 2012 showing that 4,417freight crimes were reported to the organisation in 2011, of whichload theft (including fuel) and attempted load theft accounted forthe majority (69%).Alternatively, where animals are in transit, the fourth camera couldbe mounted to monitor their wellbeing during the trip.The system can also be used for cctv recording in commercial ordomestic buildings.It's an easy matter to keep a record of what has been captured -simply remove the SD storage card and upload the data to a PC.HGV Direct managing director Simon Smedley said:"Improvements to road safety are being driven by large corporatecustomers, conscientious vehicle operators and by road safetygroups, all of whom are rightly keen to reduce the number ofaccidents in vehicle blind spots."There are a lot of systems on the market that cost a lot to install,so we wanted to come up with something more cost-effective thatalso offers extra benefits. Our system is a genuine all-round safetydevice - it offers a 360 degree view around the vehicle, and ameans of protecting all aspects of road, load, vehicle and driversafety."The HGV Direct system can be installed on any vehicle, and usesa nine-inch colour display and high-resolution imaging. Its fourcameras use infra red for efficient night vision.The HGV Direct system is available now at a special introductoryprice of £495 ex VAT (while stocks last), and will be priced at £595thereafter.

HGV Direct's newlydeveloped four camerasecurity system, with24/7 recording facility

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS10

Thomas Street joins Easytrip’s growing car parksbusiness in Dublin City centre(220 additional car parking spaces now available to Easytrip customers)Easytrip, Ireland’s only provider of electronic tolling and parking payment services, has today announced that itscustomers will be able to use their Easytrip tags to pay for parking at Thomas Street Car Park in Dublin 8 from the 2nd ofJuly 2012.A welcome addition to Easytrip’s growing car park business, the Thomas Street facility is conveniently located for businessand private customers alike. Situated between the south quay and the thriving Dublin 8 area, the car park is within walkingdistance of both sides of the River Liffey and opens onto Thomas Street itself with all of its retail, leisure and touristattractions. It provides secure parking for an additional 220 parking spaces for Easytrip customers with easy access to twoof Dublin’s main visitor attractions, The Guinness Store House and Christchurch Cathedral. Whether it’s a trip to town for a concert at Vicar Street or a show at the Tivoli Theatre, Easytrip customers can now park atThomas Street with no need for cash, tickets or hanging around for receipts. For the many businesses in the area, theEasytrip service will help them to better manage and control business expenses. So too for the many residents in the areawho use the car park and now have a hassle-free solution to payment of parking charges with their tag.“It’s great news for our customers that we have added Thomas Street to our car park business in Dublin,” said DermotMacEvilly, Chief Executive Officer, Easytrip. “The car park is ideally located and we expect it to have huge appeal forexisting and new customers alike. With the addition of Thomas Street, customers can now avail of the convenience ofpaying for parking electronically in eighteen car parks across Ireland. Our Dublin city-centre parking service is growing allthe time and we hope that the introduction of this additional site plus our unique combination of a tolling and parkingservice from the one tag, will attract even more new business,” Dermot MacEvilly concluded.Easytrip customers who have activated the parking service can utilise the service immediately and no longer need to takea ticket when entering any of Easytrip’s listed car parks. Those who have opted for tolling only, can simply switch onEasytrip’s parking service by logging in to their account at www.easytrip.ie or by contacting Easytrip directly at Lo call1890 67 67 68 or from the UK & Northern Ireland on 0844 544 6767.Commenting on the introduction of the service for his customers, Conor Keoghan of Thomas Street Car Park said, “Thiscar park is central to a thriving area of Dublin city centre and to be able to offer the Easytrip service adds greatly to itsappeal. We pride ourselves on delivering service excellence to our customers, incorporating the latest in technology toensure our customers receive the ultimate experience with us. We have no doubt that Easytrip will deliver that for us andwill attract new business to Thomas Street. ”For further information on any Easytrip service or car park facility locations please see www.easytrip.ie or [email protected].

Waste collection costs go up in capital(and beyond)

As of July 1st, Dublin customers are paying moreto have their bins collected due to an increase inlandfill levies. The landfill levy applies to black bagwaste and is allegedly imposed to encouragerecycling. The fee increased from €20 a tonne to€50 a tonne last September. And from July 1st ithas gone to €65 a tonne to dispose of refuse at alandfill. Greyhound, who collect waste for twoDublin local authorities, are one of a number ofwaste companies to have announced the increasein charges. They will raise their fee 16.5%, claimingthat they had taken over loss making services fromDublin City Council and South Dublin Council.Greyhound will be increasing the per-lift cost of a140-litre black wheelie bin from €3.60 to €4.20,while the fee for 240-litre black bins will go up from€6 to €7. Householders who use black bags willnow be asked to pay €10.50 for three tags insteadof €9. In South County Dublin, the 31c/kg chargewill go up to 33c. Greyhound Recycling took overthe bin collections of 140,000 customers fromDublin City Council in mid-January. Other service

providers, Greenstar and Panda, say they will pass on a pro-rata increase, whileOxigen says it does not plan any increase in Dublin this year. And there’s more pain forthe householder: landfill levies will increase by a further €10 euro a tonne in July,2013.

UPS buysplastic-bodied trucksUPS has purchased 150 CV-23 plastic-bodied deliverytrucks which are 40 per centmore fuel efficient than thetraditional UPS P70 dieselvehicles. The composite carsweigh some 400kg less thanthe previous P70 trucks, andwill be deployed in the fourthquarter of 2012. The CV-23has150-horsepower, an Isuzufour-cylinder diesel engineand a six-speed Aisinautomatic transmission. Theengine is smaller than atraditional UPS diesel enginewith the goal that the smallerengine will use less fuelduring daily operations. UPShad run trials in five extrememarkets for a year from April2011.

Waste Collectioncosts increase forDublin customers

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 11

LoopRope tiesdown adistributiondeal with M.Donnelly & Co.Sales expected to reach a six-figure sum before the end of 2012Hy-Tech Logistics has signed adistribution deal with M. Donnelly& Co. for its newly launched ropeproduct LoopRope, which isendorsed by RTE’s Dragons’ Denpanelist Bobby Kerr.M. Donnelly & Co. will distributeLoopRope through its largenetwork of stockists and

LoopRope will be found in every good hardware and DIY store, co-op stores, motor factors, plumbing and electrical outletsas well as garage forecourts over the next few months. LoopRope is currently available to purchase online atwww.looprope.ieHaving taken the US by storm, LoopRope was brought to Ireland by Stuart Burke of Hy-Tech Logistics. LoopRope is afully adjustable industrial shock cord containing multiple tie-down lengths and attachment points. LoopRope ultimatelymakes tie-downs easy and is ideal for camping, adventure sports, transport and farming. It is also perfect for attachingitems to cars, for use by couriers, service engineers and by families at home and in the garden.

“We are delighted to have teamed up with Hy-Tech Logistics to distribute LoopRope in Ireland, including Northern Ireland,said Martin Donnelly, managing director, M. Donnelly & Co. “We have been distributing LoopRope for the last few weeksand the feedback has been excellent. Based on initial responses, we expect sales to reach a six-figure sum before theend of the year. The fact that LoopRope is being endorsed by Bobby Kerr speaks volumes for this new innovativeproduct.”“LoopRope is safe, secure, easy to use and doesn’t tangle,” according to Stuart Burke, licensee, LoopRope in Europe

and managing director, Hy-Tech Logistics. “There is nothing like LoopRope in the country and it is an unrivalled productthe world-over and we are delighted to sign a deal with such a reputable company as M. Donnelly & Co.”“LoopRope is a product that is loved in the US since it was created in 2009,” according to Jeff Dahl, inventor, LoopRope.

“In a short space of time we secured big retailers like WalMart, Costco, Cabela’s, Camping World, Pep Boys and we arenow selling into the United States Armed Forces. We are very excited about this new distribution deal for LoopRope inIreland and we hope that LoopRope users get as much benefit and enjoyment from using the rope as I did in creating it.”

Companies have limited faith in the GovernmentOnly 54% of company directors in Ireland believe the present Government is performing well. An Institute of Directors pollreveals that, when questioned on how the Government has performed since taking office, 35% of directors said it needs toimprove. However, only 9% said it is no better than the previous office holders. Directors of companies employing lessthan 35 people were more critical in their views. The survey also indicated that confidence in the continuation of theEurozone is high, with 70% believing it will still be intact next year. Slightly more than half of all directors are satisfied withthe Government's efforts to support business. The country's most important sectors were listed as food & agriculture,exports, foreign direct investment, the workforce, technology and tourism. A total of 127 directors were quizzed in May byBehaviour & Attitudes.

Man sentenced for fuel launderingA 60-year-old Westmeath man has been given a two-year suspended sentence for laundering diesel in a shed in theMidlands. Tullamore Circuit Court heard that Liam Murtagh, from Castletown Geoghegan, admitted laundering up to 6,000litres of diesel a day at Barnaboy, Daingean in Co Offaly. He then delivered it in a specially adapted tipper truck to alocation he refused to disclose to gardaí. The court was told the offence has cost the State up to €7,000 a day.

L/R: Martin Donnelly, MDM Donnelly & Co., RTE’sBobby Kerr, Dragons Den - Ambassador for

LoopRope and Stuart Burke, licensee, LoopRopein Europe and NI of Hy-Tech Logistics

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS12

Iveco launches the new Stralis Hi-WaySetting new standards in efficiency, qualityand customer value

* Reduced cost of ownership* Lower fuel consumption* Euro VI engines with unique HI-eSCR

technology* Enhanced cabin ergonomics, comfort

and design* Advanced road safety features* New tools for operational management

Iveco launches, today, the STRALIS Hi-Way, the next generation of the company’sheavy-duty vehicle range. The newSTRALIS offers a highly competitiveproposition to the heavy-duty transportsector of today and tomorrow.The vehicle stands out in efficiency, qualityand customer value and delivers in termsof Iveco's commitment to sustainable

mobility with ultra-clean tailpipe emissions.With the new STRALIS Hi-Way, Iveco reinforces the company’s strategy to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) for thecustomer. The STRALIS Hi-Way delivers reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, enhanced reliability andquality, improved cabin ergonomics and driver comfort as well as optimised operational management.Alessandro Mortali, Senior Vice President Heavy Range Iveco, said: “The new STRALIS maximises savings in all key costareas. As a result, the total cost of ownership for the ten most common vehicle missions decreases by up to 4%”.Enzo Gioachin, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing Iveco, said: “The current economic situation is among the mostcritical our industry ever faced. With the launch of the New STRALIS, we are countering the negative trend. Our packageoffers the right combination of innovation, enhanced services, and direct cost advantages to our customers”.The STRALIS Hi-Way features highly-innovative new engine technology - including the patented HI-eSCR developed by FPTIndustrial for Euro VI - to meet the latest emission standards while leaving fuel efficiency gains uncompromised.The STRALIS Hi-Way comes, in addition, with a thoroughly redesigned cabin, advanced and integrated telematics systems,improved customer service tools, as well as state of the art road safety applications.The new vehicle generation has undergone extensive quality and reliability audits with over 6 million kilometres of durabilitytesting and over 11 million kilometres of real-world driving exposure.The new STRALIS is manufactured at the Iveco heavy vehicle production facility in Madrid, Spain. This plant was recentlyawarded a silver medal in the prestigious World Class Manufacturing (WCM) programme, one of the highest scores possible.The programme focuses on eliminating waste and loss, and involves an international, objective auditing of 20 items coveringworkplace organisation, quality, maintenance and logistics.

New STRALIS Hi-Way: the main innovations in brief

The new STRALIS comes with Cursor FPT Industrial engines, ensuring low fuel consumption and excellent performance.The unique High Efficiency SCR (HI-eSCR) catalytic reduction system, designed, patented and produced by FPT Industrial,makes the new STRALIS the only heavy vehicle on the market to meet Euro VI emission limits without the use of EGR. Thisexclusive solution has allowed Iveco to simplify the after-treatment system and to use the same “body-in white” of theexisting cab, since with HI-eSCR the engine does not require any additional cooling.HI-eSCR offers Iveco’s customers many advantages, such as a weight reduction, lower fuel consumption and increaseddurability due to a less complex, yet highly efficient, technology.The carefully redesigned STRALIS Hi-Way cab with improved ergonomics and comfort is the product of close cooperationwith dealers and customers. The external restyling of the cab has focused on improving vehicle aerodynamics and thereforefuel efficiency, and features a new central grille and redesigned “air deflectors” and a new bumper dam design, amongothers.Offering an all-round transport services solution for all operations and fleet management needs, the new STRALIS adds tothe already broad range an offer with the unique "Driving Style Evaluation" function; IVECONNECT, an exclusive IVECOsystem that incorporates in a unique device infotainment, navigation, driving support and fleet management services, and theIVECONNECT FLEET function for fleet management.The STRALIS Hi-Way incorporates the most advanced electronic systems available, such as EBS with the Brake Assistantfunction, Lane Departure Warning System, ESP, Adaptive Cruise Control, Daytime Running Lights, the new Driver AttentionSupport function and the Advanced Emergency Braking System.

Iveco StralisHi-Way

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 13

Growth in manufacturingJune saw the manufacturing sector in Ireland grow at its fastest rate in over a year. The latest survey brings more positive newsafter the European agreement on banks was welcomed by the Government last week as a "major game changer". Irishmanufacturing activity had fallen in every month bar one of the nine up to February, but the NCB Purchasing Managers' Indexclimbed to 53.1 in June from 51.2 in May. Anything above 50 indicates growth. Ireland's PMI ‘scores’ have consistentlyoutperformed the rest of the eurozone but Finance Minister Michael Noonan has warned that efforts to match last year's GDPgrowth rate of 0.7% depend on the performance of our trading partners in Europe. Noonan also said it was worrying that ourunemployment rate remains at a high of 14.8%. But the manufacturing employment sub-index grew for the fourth month in a rowto 55.9 in June - the highest level since December 1999!New business also increased for a fifth successive month, while June also saw the first reduction in input costs for two-and-a-half years.

Safety regime looked on at Irish PortsInspection regimes on passenger ships calling at Irish ports have been tightened following the Costa Concordia accidentand will be strengthened again from next year. The Irish Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport, Tourismand Sport (MSO) has confirmed this and Brian Hogan, who heads up the (MSO) and is Chairman of a major internationalshipping safety organisation, the PMoU*, confirmed that all passenger ships calling at ports in Ireland and in the 26 othercountries which are members of the Paris MoU will face enhanced safety checks on their crews and procedures from nextyear. Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar welcomed the move and announced a stronger focus onmarine safety: ‘Over the next year, I will be leading a drive within my Department to give greater priority to marine safety.This will mean more inspections by marine safety officers, improved training for Coast Guard volunteers and betterpreparedness for oil pollution incidents’. Brian Hogan explained that: ‘The cruise ship industry has been earmarked forsignificant growth in Ireland. Dublin and Cork Ports are just some of the ports which have targeted the cruise industry forfurther development’. “The Costa Concordia accident highlighted the terrible consequences which can arise when thingsgo wrong. It’s therefore vital to ensure that the highest safety procedures are in operation on cruise ships calling toIreland. “The safety inspections currently carried out on passenger ships calling to Ireland are already among the toughestin the shipping world. And from 2013, staff from the MSO will run additional detailed checks on whether crews are trainedand familiar with their ships. This will include checks on safety and abandon ship drills, as well as fire fighting.” Shipswhich commit the most serious safety violations ships will be detained in port by the MSO until the problem is remedied.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS14

Boniface 30th Anniversary Event – A Great Success AndA Fantastic Day OutOn the 12th June 2012 Boniface hosted an open day at their Thetford site. For 30 years Boniface Engineering have beenat the forefront of recovery equipment innovation, design and manufacture. To celebrate this momentous occasion, andmake their 30th birthday one to remember, Boniface hosted a day filled with demonstrations, competitions, food, drink and

entertainment.Unlike most other events andshows, Michael Boniface was keento provide real life scenarios wherethe casualties were flat on the floorwith no rigging in place. Thechallenge he threw down to theinstructors and operators doing thedisplay was to complete therecovery without causing significantdamage to the casualty.The day of the event was soonupon us and the factories, yardsand streets were all looking greatdressed with flags and banners.The first visitors arrived way beforethe start time – keen as always totake a look at what was going on!Throughout the day there was achance to take part in some funevents. These consisted of theExpress Loading challenge where

a car had to be removed from between 2 others using Midhurst Engineering’s F450 fitted with Century Express, theRotator Skills Challenge where the operator had to manoeuvre a weight between a slalom of cones without moving themusing a Holmes 600R belonging to Kelly Recovery, a Slidebed Loading Challenge using a stock Midlum fitted withChampion aluminium slidebed and the immensely popular Snatch ‘n’ Go which entailed moving 8 snatch blocks of varioussizes over a set distance against the clock and attaching them to a bracket at the other end of the course. This proved tobe an epic battle between England, Germany and Ireland which went on late into the night. At 11am, Mike Boniface gavea short speech in the marquee welcoming everyone to the event and thanking them for taking the time to come and join inthe celebration. This ended with him introducing John Hawkins from Miller Industries who gave a brief account of what thespectators could expect to see in the arena. With the speeches finished the demonstrations in the arena got underway.The 1st demonstration was a fridge trailer weighing approx 30t loaded with wet paper on its side flat against the concrete.This was to be a tricky recovery as there was no rigging attached and they weren’t sure if the sides of the box would takethe load from the paper pushing against it. Carrying out the recovery were Brett & Lee Mansfield of The Mansfield Groupassisted by Lee Roberts from the USA, rolling the unit & trailer over away from them using the 1075 Rotator of Cosbyswhich featured the new HHU underlift and the latest style Century 262” H beam rear legs – incidentally, this is the firstvehicle in Europe to feature these latest Century products and their first public showing! Commentary was given by JohnHawkins and Tom Luciano of Miller Industries along with some technical calculations and commentary from Nick Ovenden.As it was going to take some time to get the casualty ready for the roll over, several other scenarios had been set up andwere performed whilst the fridge unit was being recovered. These included a container lorry on it’s side being rolledtowards the Century 1075 of Manchetts Recovery, a 7.5t Box van that was upright but stuck in a ditch behind a barrierwhich was recovered using BJ & The Bear (a stylish Century 1140 Rotator belonging to Neil Yates of NYR), a digger thathad become bogged down in a ditch which was easily recovered using Saunders Recoverer, a tanker being rolled over bySaunders towards their Recoverer Sidewinder, Manchetts Recovery’s Century 1075 and The Mansfield Group’s 1075Rotator working together to manoeuvre a box trailer between them and load it onto a Boniface Lowslide recovery trailerand a demonstration of the extremely versatile Holmes 600R belonging to Cockerills Recovery.At 4pm, all the demonstrations and most of the events had been completed. It was now time to gather in the factory forthe award ceremony and the Grand Prize Draw which would be in a reverse raffle format with the winner taking away aChampion aluminium slidebed kit worth over £11,000.

Olympic Challenge ResultsResults for the day’s events were as follows with all winners receiving a dedicated gold, silver or bronze trophy:

Express Loading Challenge - Gold Medal Winner - Tony Cornwall from Boniface; Silver Medal Winner - Ronan McVeighfrom Kelly Recovery (Ireland); Bronze Medal Winner - Jonathan Rogers from Unity Recovery in Leicester

Rotator Skills Challenge - Gold Medal Winner - Roy Gatward from Gatward Recovery Ltd; Silver Medal Winner - DavidBracken from Brackens Recovery (Ireland); Bronze Medal Winner - John Dalton from JD Recovery (Ireland) contd.

Two Century1075s in action

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15IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Slidebed Loading Challenge - Gold Medal Winner - Keith Quinn from Kelly Recovery (Ireland); Silver Medal Winner -Stephen Eagle from Manchetts Recovery; Bronze Medal Winner - Jim Raybone from ARR

The Grand Prize Draw & The Luck Of The Irish!Jimmy Magee of Magee Motors, Co. Roscommon in Ireland as the lucky winner and the proud owner of an £11,000Champion Slidebed kit.The winners of the Snatch ‘n’ Go event were as follows: Gold Medal Winner – Lee Mansfield from The MansfieldGroup;; Silver Medal Winner - Sascha Rekow from Germany; Bronze Medal Winner – Adrian Mitchell from Ireland

Free Anniversary Extras From Boniface

For the rest of their Anniversary year, Boniface will be including some additional items with their vehicles. Each vehiclesold will include a Boniface branded drivers bag comprising a Boniface branded torch, Boniface cap, notepad & penand a laser etched crystal block for your trophy cabinet.Light vehicles will also benefit from side rave capping on all steel beds, a new upgraded cab command unit and a radioremote holder fitted as standard in the cab.Heavy customers will see their new vehicles with special 30th anniversary door sill trims, Speedliner to the interior oftheir lockers with a special 30th anniversary logo, colour coordinated levers, fairleads and hooks, personalisedstainless steel fold boom trim with 30th logo, enamel badges to the bodywork and an improved fork package includingpair of 578 low forks.To see more of the Boniface 30th Anniversary event, find out more about their products, services and stock vehicles,visit their web site at www.boniface-eng.com

’trg’ to develop new business opportunities in IrelandThe ongoing development of itsbranch network has beenenhanced by the opening of abrand new office in Dublin for trg,the leading logistics servicescompany. Despite only recentlyopening this office, the companyhas already secured a majorcontract opportunity that requiresthe provision of up to 40 drivers aday. Announcing details of the newoffice in southern Ireland, trg’sManaging Director WayneClarkson said, “The team here isfocused on developing newbusiness opportunities to ensurethat trg becomes a market force,both in the North and the South ofIreland. The immediate success ofwinning a new major contract hasenabled the branch to hit the

ground running and we are confident of adding many more contracts in the coming weeks.” “In the UK, trg has rapidlygained a reputation for its service excellence and we are keen to develop this business opportunity in Ireland, focusing onbringing our skills and expertise to the Irish commercial vehicle market,” added Wayne Clarkson. trg is one of the UK’sleading providers of total logistics solutions and further information about the full range of services provided by thecompany can be obtained by viewing their website on www.trglogistics.co.ukThe new trg office is based at: trg, Suite 12, Omega House, Collinstown Cross, Cloghran, Co Dublin.Tel: +353 1 8447402 Fax: +353 1 8120015 Email: [email protected]: Regional Director – Donna Topham, General Manager - Pat Proud foot , Recruitment Consultant – Noel Billings

Exports reach record levelsCompanies supported by Enterprise Ireland achieved a record level of exports in 2011. The agency's latest annual reportshows that €15.2bn of goods and services were exported last year, compared to €14bn in 2010. The number of people infull time employment in export businesses also increased to more than 141,200, from around 137,200 in 2010. EnterpriseIreland boss Frank Ryan said the level of exports last year exceeded pre-recession levels. "Indigenous industries are nowselling more overseas than at any time in the history of the State," he said.

trg has opened anew office in Dublin

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS16

In perpetual motionLibra Trans provides an exceptional, affordable local, national andinternational pallet and parcel distribution service. Irish Trucker had a chatwith Sales and Finance Director Tom Duffy to get an insight into this stellar,technology-embracing business, which has been going strong for 20 years.

Libra Trans Ltd. was initiated from humble beginnings in1992. Since then, the operation – which is fronted byMD Gary Turner – has forged an unrivalled reputation

for itself. Director Tom Duffy, who has been with the companyfor 14 years, explains:

“Same-day traffic is our core business. That’s the backboneof the business, plus overnight pallet distribution, UK –Ireland transport and groupage to Europe. We own 17,000 sqft of warehousing with two dock levelers, strategically located

within the M50 ring road, as well as an additional 100,000 sqft through The Pallet Network.”

Libra Trans, who are ISO 9000-certified, were finalists in thetechnology section of the 2012 Chartered Institute ofLogistics & Transport awards, having invested very heavily inIT over the past 18 months. The new system they’ve put inplace is going to spearhead the company’s future growth, asTom notes:

“We have developed our own bespoke internet system with

The company were finalists in the2012 Chartered Institute of

Logistics & Transport Awards

Page 19: Trucker Agust 2012 A

track and trace, partner link-ups and online POD retrieval,which is emailed to customers within 48-hours of completion.We introduced this system to improve the quality of theproduct and the service – as well as the price – and so far itis working out extremely well. The IT system controls allaspects of our freight business and it is a custom-createddatabase which we run internally.

“We have always been at the cutting edge of technology andalways try to find the best way of doing things. Rather than gofor an off-the-shelf IT system, which would obviously havebeen cheaper, we have installed a tailor made system that wecan tweak ourselves as we need to. It was more expensivebut it brings us more business, so it’s money well spent.

“In this line of work, you are always looking for newopportunities. Two or three years ago, a lot of Libra Trans’work was construction-based, so we’ve looked to replace thatand it has gone well. In terms of the recession, we arebucking the trend due to the quality of our service.”

Fleet-wise, Libra Trans operates a total of 35 vehicles (carvans, Transits and Canters, 32-foot box van rigids and 24-footcurtainsiders) between subcontractors and their own vehicles(mostly Renault). This mix is both uncommon andsuccessful, as Tom confirms: “The difference betweenour model and the competition is that we own all theHGVs ourselves, which is unusual and gives us morecontrol and a better standard of customer service.”

Looking to the future, Tom adds: “We are hoping toexpand and also further develop the side of thebusiness with TPN, to secure more palletised freightinto the UK. We fully joined TPN in January this year,having been an input member since its foundation.”

Very much part of the local community, Libra Transare also members of South Dublin Chamber ofCommerce and official sponsors of the ShamrockRovers soccer team. The Rovers sponsorship camefrom Gary Turner’s involvement in the club and Libratrans have been sponsors for the past three years. Itis a fitting tie up, as league champions ShamrockRovers have been delivering the goods in Europerecently, just like Libra Trans.

Tom – who is the company CPC holder – isPresident-elect of Clondalkin Rugby Club.

Over the years, Libra Trans has beeninvolved in some fantastic and unusualprojects, including baggage handlingfor the state visit of the JapaneseEmperor (who needed two 30ft trucks,along with a 16ft truck for luggagealone) and also the CanadianPresidential visit. The company alsotwice handled the needs of MaryMcAleese during her term as Presidentof Ireland.

In 2006, the company receivedwidespread recognition when theyprovided two 30ft trucks for theAmerican Ryder Cup team. Over theyears, Libra Trans have developedextremely close relationships with theircustomers and strive to always improvetheir services through innovation andplain honest service.

From the company hub in Parkwest,Dublin 12, strategically-located close tothe M50 and with convenient access to

all of Dublin, Libra Trans offers a 24-hour, 7 days a weekservice. They have the network and vehicle structure in placeto transport anything to any part of the capital or beyond.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 17

Libra Trans has afleet of 35 vehicles

Libra Trans are asponsor to ShamrockRovers football club

Wishing Continued Success To Libra Trans, From

FIRST IRELAND FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCEREQUIREMENTS

Contact Keith Gill on 01 8820848 or [email protected]

First Ireland Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Page 20: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Next-day 32-county pallet distributionis offered as well as a nationwidecollection service. Libra Trans is a fully-licensed operator, affiliated to the IRHAand shifting over 500 consignments perday. Contract hire is available acrossthe entire vehicle range, from a half-day to a yearly contract with all costsincluded in the agreed price.

A state-of-the-art warehousing facilityoffers short and long-term storagesolutions quickly and conveniently.Facilities are in place for stripingcontainers and trailers for crossdocking and onwards directdistribution. The unit has 24-hourCCTV security with mobile patrols andis fully insured. Forklift facilities are on-site for convenient transfer of cargo.

Through their freight forwarding

network, Libra Trans are also able toquote on consignments to anywhere inthe world - from small cartons to palletspart and full loads and containers,destined for the UK, Europe, Asia or theAmericas.

Libra Trans is fully committed to theenvironment and to Health & Safety,with all staff members trainedaccordingly. They have all theirvehicles maintained to the higheststandard.

The management team at Libra Transfirmly believes that their people aretheir strongest asset. To this end, theyhave brought together a team of highly-skilled and experienced staff whorepresent the company – and theircustomers – with distinction.

With their new bespoke IT system in

place and continued investment invehicles and technology, and newpartnerships secured, this award-winning, state-of-the-art distributioncompany has already led the way for20 years and is clearly here for the longhaul.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS18

CONTACT DETAILS

Libra Trans Ltd.Unit 5 & 6 Parkwest EnterpriseCentre,Nangor Road,Dublin 12.Tel: 01 6265912Fax: 01 6265918Email: [email protected]

Libra Trans offer a completelogistics solution

The Heineken Cup won byLeinster made a visit to

Libra Trans

Accountants & Business Consultants

We Start Where OtherAccountants Finish

Jasmine Lodge, Main Street, Celbridge, Co. Kildaret: 01 6303048 / 01 6281195e: [email protected] Best Wishes To Libra Trans

Page 21: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS20

PM Processing - thefuture of renewableenergyEstablished over 25 years ago, PM Processing Ltd is one of Ireland’sleading timber harvesting and woodchip manufacturers. Director andfounder Pat McManus, explains more.

Transporting a timber harvester

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From humble beginnings, PMProcessing Ltd has grown into ahighly successful family-run

business specialising in timberharvesting and haulage, woodchipproduction and supply.

Based at Macken, Co. Fermanaghand with depots at nearby Derrylin andBallivor, Co. Meath, PM Processingoperates specialised harvesting andextraction machines as well as a smallfleet of HGV lorries, completing the fullforest to mill service. The companyemploys highly-skilled operators toundertake the harvesting, extractionand haulage operations to ensure aquality and professional service.

Having identified a niche in themarket for wood fuel as an alternativeto traditional fossil fuels, PM

Processing invested in a JenzHem 561 HP wood chipper threeyears ago. The companymanufactures a woodchip productvarying between 20 and 50 percent moisture and a uniform sizeof either G30 or G50, dependingon customer specification. Thewoodchip is supplied using 20tonne walking-floor, tailor-madedelivery trailers for efficientoffloading.

“The business has come a longway since we started out as asingle harvester operation allthose years ago,” Pat states.

“We have grown to become astrong, experienced company inall aspects of timber harvesting,extraction and haulage

operations. We now also specialise inwoodchip production and supply whichis a growing business in Ireland. It’s amuch cheaper option to oil, and that’sone of the reasons why there is asignificant move towards renewableenergy.”

PM Processing’s expertise inhandling timber from harvest rightthrough to woodchip production anddelivery ensures a product of thehighest quality, while ensuring ease oftraceability. The company’s knowledgeand expertise in any forest clearance isunrivalled. They undertake manydifferent contracts which entailanything from the harvesting andextraction of timber on steep, mountainslopes to difficult deep bog-landclearances. More recently, PMcompleted harvesting on an Island onlower Lough Erne. This was a verydifferent contract to normal operationswhich involved firstly transporting themachines over the lough to the islandusing a barge. The barge then wasused to transport the harvested logsfrom the island back to main-land.Pat’s workers travelled to the island

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 21

Woodchip is a renewable fuel that ischeaper than the fossil alternative

Page 24: Trucker Agust 2012 A

every morning by boat; a very differentexperience indeed!

PM complies fully with forest, water,environmental and health and safetyguidelines. It also holds all the relevantlicences to carry out operations.

PM Processing operates four Scania

trucks, which Pat describes as being“reliable and economical”, four self-loading log trailers, low-loader fortransporting machinery, and two 20-tonne walking-floor trailers which areused to deliver woodchip. In addition,the company operates a number of

timber harvesting and loadingmachines that include Volvo, Terex,O&K, Samsung, Timberjack and morerecently a John Deere 1470E wheeledharvester and a 1510E forwarder.

PM harvests between 8,000 to 10,000tonnes of timber per month. They are

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS22

PM Processing is a successfulfamily run business

Timber beingharvestedBest Wishes To PM Processing Ltd From

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERING LTD

Page 25: Trucker Agust 2012 A

the main harvesting and haulagecontractors for one of the biggestsawmill and timber processing facilitiesin Ireland; Balcas Timber Ltd inEnniskillen.

“We steadily grew the company tothree harvesters before we decided topurchase our first truck and therebyprovide the full forest to mill service

about 15 years ago,” explains Pat whois joined in the family business by hiswife Christina, son Martin and daughterPatricia.

PM Processing has grown steadilysince branching into woodchipproduction and supply. The timber usedin the production of woodchip is boughtfrom state-owned forests, Coillte and

private growers. The companysupplies woodchip to customers usingsubstantial amounts of heat such asmushroom growers, nurseries, pigfarms, schools, and also to Bord naMona Energy, direct to their powerstation in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, wherewoodchip is used in their co-firingsystem for energy production.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 23

Continued Success From All AtJOHN DEERE FORESTRY

John Deere Forestry Ireland Ltd.Parts & Service

Tel. 0404 44969 • Fax. 0404 44972Ballyknocken, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.

www.johndeere.ie

Contact Ed Power • Mob. 087 [email protected]

PRODUCTIVITY | UPTIME | LOW DAILY OPERATING COSTS

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS24

Belfast - Fermanagh - Cavan DailyAll Ireland Courier Service on request

Tel: N.I: 028-6632-2930 • R.O.I: 048-6632- 2930Mobile N.I.: 0783-6790727 • ROI.: 0044-7836790727

79 Loughshore Road, Silverhill, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, N. Ireland, BT74 5NH

[email protected] • www.donegandelivery.co.uk

Remember if its got to be done, its got to be Donegan

BEST WISHES TO PM PROCESSING LTD

DONEGANDELIVERY

Best Wishes & Continued Success To PM PROCESSING LTD

From

MAGUIRE FUELS553 Loughshore Road., Corrakeel, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh BT93 3FS

Tel: 028 68658046 Fax: 028 68658046

Save yourself time and money on

TRUCK INSURANCEVAN INSURANCE

COMMERCIAL INSURANCEPUBLIC LIABILITY

EMPLOYERS LIABILITY

13 Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh, BT74 6HQ

T:028 6632 4371E: [email protected]

Brady Insurance is a trading name of Brady Insurance Services Ltd. Registered in Northern Ireland

Continued Best Wishes To PM Processing Ltd From

Wishing Continued Success To PM Processing Ltd

From

Murphy &

McManus SOLICITORS

Bank Of Ireland Buildings, 143 Main Street,Lisnaskea, Fermanagh BT92 OJE

Tel: 028 67721012Fax: 028 67722357

Email: [email protected]

Excellence in IndustryTraining & Risk Management

Continued Best Wishes To PM Processing Ltd

Insurance EngineeringInspections

Training Fall Protection Equipment

Tirravalley, Macken EnniskillenCounty Fermanagh BT92 3DA

Phone: 02866 348477Fax: 02866 348601

Email: [email protected]

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There are many reasons for choosingwoodchip. Apart from currently being50% cheaper than oil and gas, it’srenewable, sustainable, carbon neutral,locally sourced, economical andreliable. PM’s woodchip product is freefrom any contaminants and ismanufactured from seasoned virgintimber. Once chipped the product isdried naturally in storage and finallydelivered to customers via walking-floortrailers, making off-loading of the chiphighly efficient.

Over the years, PM has established atradition of value-for-money, reliabilityand total dedication to customer

service. PM Processing look forward tothe future with positivity regarding theoutlook for renewable energy. “Whilewe will continue primarily as a timberharvesting company, we are alwaysopen to new business ideas. In thecurrent economic climate, as abusiness we need to innovate anddiversify where possible. Consideringthe world-wide strive to increase theuse of renewable energy, we willcontinue to grow the woodchip part ofthe business, as we see a bright futurefor biomass as a renewable energyfuel”, concludes Pat.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 25

Contact Details

PM Processing,Clonliff,Macken,Enniskillen,Co. Fermanagh.Telephone: 028 6634 8545Mobile: 07836 296572

Website: www.pmprocessingltd.com

Experts in timber haulage

The company is headquartered inMacken, Fermanagh with depots

in Meath and Derrylin

Delighted to be associated withPM Processing Ltd

TIMBER LTD

Balcas Timber Ltd Laragh, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland BT94 2FQTel: +44 (0) 28 6632 3003 Fax: +44 (0) 28 6632 4082

www.balcas.com

Page 28: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS26

A family successstoryFor nearly 50 years, SJ Davidson Motors Ltd has been supplying highquality new and used cars and to customers throughout Ireland. Morerecently, the Co. Tyrone-based company has broadened its horizons byexporting to Europe and beyond.

SJ Davidson Motorsin Dungannon

Looking for a quality new or previously owned car or4x4? If so, SJ Davidson Motors Ltd in Dungannon, Co.Tyrone has the vehicle for you.

Founded in 1965 by the late Samuel John Davidson, thecompany is now run by his son Philip, who has 22 years’experience in the retail car industry. SJ Davidson prides itselfon being “the family business big enough to compete andsmall enough to care”, and who could argue with that afternearly 50 successful years in business. In that time, thecompany has established a tradition of value-for-money,reliability and total dedication to customer service.

For many years, SJ Davidson has catered for thousands ofsatisfied customers from both Northern Ireland and theRepublic of Ireland. In more recent times, however, thecompany has been attracting more and more clients fromoverseas who can view all makes, models, prices and theavailability of vehicles on the SJ Davidson website,

www.sjdavidsonmotors.co.uk.“We sell all new makes and models of new import and UK-

supplied vehicles. We also stock a quality range of usedvehicles,” Philip explains.

“Cars account for about 50 per cent of our sales and 4x4sthe other 50 per cent. When someone buys a car or a 4x4from us, they know they are getting a top quality vehicle. Wedeal only with reputable suppliers in the UK. Any usedvehicles we sell comes with a full service history, has beengiven the full MOT beforehand, while an after sales service isalso provided.

“Business is holding up okay, despite the recession whichseems to be particularly bad in the South where a largenumber of our customers used to come from. We don’t get asmany people walking into the garage as we used to either, butwe have a strong presence online and that’s where a lot ofour business is coming from now. We are even exporting to

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places like the UK, Malta and Australia.“A lot of hard work goes into this business, but if you target

the right market, you will make the sales. You would think thatthere isn’t as much of a demand for luxury 4x4s in thesetougher economic times, but thankfully there is still a marketfor them.”

SJ Davidson’s showroom and display area boasts a vastselection of all makes and models of new and used UKsupplied vehicles as well as a wide range of 4x4s and qualityused vehicles. The company offers complete dealer facilities,including full finance packages (it is an agent for Black Horse

Motor Finance), service facilities and after sales care. Inaddition, cherished UK number plates are also available tobuy.

As a family business, SJ Davidson prides itself on offering a

personal one-to-one service in all departments, from sales

through to servicing for all its customers. Philip believe’s after

sales care is as being just as important as purchasing a

vehicle as it helps us to maintain a lasting relationship with his

customers.If you are looking for a particular model that isn’t in stock,

Philip will gladly source it for you. If you are not sure what youare looking for, there isan extensive range ofmodels in stock at anyone time to help youchoose the right vehicle.The experience ofpurchasing a vehiclefrom SJ Davidson is assimple as purchasingfrom your local dealer,but at a lot less money.These savings,combined with SJDavidson’s famous one-on-one service, will makepurchasing your nextvehicle a pleasurableexperience.

One of SJ Davidson’sbig selling points is itslocation just off the M1motorway between

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 27

The SJ Davidson Transporter is animpressive sight in real life and on paper

High end vehicles movedin some style

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Belfast and Enniskillen, and in the heartof Northern Ireland. Dungannon is just30 minutes from both airports in Belfastand Belfast Port, which makes SJDavidson easily accessible foroverseas customers. Its location just a

few miles from the border also makes iteasy to reach for Republic of Irelandcustomers. In less than two hours, youcan be in Dublin Airport or Dublin Port.

SJ Davidson employs eight highly-qualified staff, including two sales

personnel. Opening hours are from9am to 6pm on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays, 9am to 8pm Tuesdays andThursdays, and 9am to 1pm onSaturdays.

Philip is very appreciative of thesupport SJ Davidson receives from allof its customers. He concludes bysaying: “No matter what the make ormodel is, customers are alwaysassured of a top-quality new or usedvehicle when they visit us.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS28

If you want a car or 4x4, SJDavidson is the place to go

CONTACT DETAILS

SJ Davidson Motors Ltd1 Ranfurly Road,Dungannon,BT71 6ED,Co. Tyrone.Telephone: 048 8772 2896Fax: 048 87772 2947

Email:[email protected]:www.sjdavidsonmotors.co.uk

ACCESSORIES FOR 4X4’S, LORRIES & VANSStandard off the shelf products or have your vehicle customised to your own personal specification

Best Wishes & Continued Sucess To SJ DAVIDSON MOTORS

Page 31: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 29

Best Wishes To SJ Davidson Motors From Ray Wilson

• Alloy Wheels Specialists• All Types of Tyres• 4 Wheel Computerised Wheel Alignment

Tamnamore Tyre Centre

Tel: 028 87751555E: [email protected]

www.tamnamoretyrecentre.com

34 Bovean Rd., Dungannon BT71 6HR

Best Wishes To SJ Davidson Motors, From

DG EngineeringSpecialises InALLOY & STEEL TANKS 3 SERIES SCANIA BUMPERS CAT WALK’S • TOOL BOX’S SIDE• PIPES AND UP RIGHT PIPES41 Terrenew Road, Castlecaulfield,Dungannon BT 70 3AB

Mobile: 07739095430 Tel/Fax: (028) 87761662

Specialists in AlloyWheel Refurbishment

Our extensive rangeof services includes:

• Alloy wheel repairs• Bead and abrasive

blast cleaning• Kerb or pot hole

damage repairs• Alloy welding• Diamond turning for

Prestige Alloys

6 Uunshinagh LanePortadown BT62 3RL

T: 028 3884 1180M: 07530 942813www.a27engineering.co.uk

Best Wishes To SJ Davidson Motors

CAT IS A LEADING SUPPLIER OF VEHICLELOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

With our safe & reliable fleet of modern car carriers, we set the industry standard for efficiency and service.

No Job is too Big or too Small for CAT!

Aughameeney, Carrick-On-Shannon , Co. LeitrimTel: 071 9650825 Fax: 071 9650177

Mobile (Irl): 086 2609616 Mobile (UK): 07788 190999

Email: [email protected]

www.cat.ieContinued Best Wishes To SJ Davidson Motors

Costello Auto Trans (CAT)Car & Commercial Transportation

Ireland - UK - Ireland

Continued Best Wishes To SJ Davidson Motors

Leslie McCammon & SonACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE

❥ FREE ESTIMATES❥ BENCH FACILITIES❥ LESONAL & MAXMEYER

PAINT SYSTEMS❥ PAINT REFINISHING

& LOW BAKE OVEN❥ AIRBAG DIAGNOSTICS❥ HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT

Unit 2, Cottage Quinn Yard, Old Eglish Road, DungannonTelephone: 028 8772 4407

Email:[email protected]

Dungannnon | Belfast | Newry | Enniskillen

Your NumberOne HireSolutionDungannon Tel: 028 8776 1482

Belfast Tel: 028 9043 4545

www.corrigansvehiclehire.com

Best WishesTo

SJ DavidsonMotors

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com

Page 32: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Making timber coolagainCoolrain Sawmills Ltd. is constantly reinventing itself, bringing a vast rangeof excellent timber products to the Irish and UK markets. Irish Truckerdropped into the Portlaoise base and had a chat with director Steven Norvalto discuss the current well-being of this exceptional enterprise as well asthe massive challenges they face due to spiralling fuel costs.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS30

Coolrain Sawmills is basedin Portlaoise

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In existence for over quarter of acentury, Coolrain Sawmills Ltd. hasdeveloped organically over the

years, evolving into one of the topproducers of garden fencing, timberpanels, decking, gates and commercialtimbers.

One of the main functions of the millhas always been the production of pallettimbers for the pallet manufacturingindustries. Timber production has beendramatically increased to include thedesign and manufacturer of timbergates, entrance gates and field gatesand Coolrain is now recognised as atrue leader in its chosen field ofexcellence.

Coolrain has also introduced a greatrange of children’s outdoor playequipment, including timber swings,climbing frames, play towers and slides,carrying a range of accessories tocomplement this equipment.

Continuously striving to improve itsproduct range, Coolrain beganmanufacturing processed bark, buildinga state-of-the-art bark mulching plant tofacilitate this.

Coolrain Sawmills now producesMinichip bark, Fine bark, Medium chipbark and Play Bark. These grades ofgarden bark are sold loose or bagged inbulk and smaller 40lt or 75lt bags.

Owned by Declan Hutchinson,Coolrain Sawmills operates out of awell-appointed four hectare site at thefoot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains11km north of Coolrain village and 6kmwest of Mountrath. From here, theyproduce a range of Garden Livingproducts for sale in Ireland and the UK.

As well as timber gates, entrancegates, side gates, decking and fencingproducts (post and rail, picket fencing,panels, gateposts, round stakes,strainers, timber cladding etc.), they alsospecialise in log cabins, garden shedsand furniture, stable doors, landscaping(sleepers, garden bark mulch and woodchips) and children’s swings and slides,play equipment and climbing frames. Afull nationwide delivery service is offeredas well as installation in the GreaterLeinster area.

“Basically, what we are doing is takinga low-value product and trying to add asmuch value to it as possible by coming

up with as many timber products as wecan,” says director Steven Norval. “Weprimarily saw fencing timber and servethe fencing timber manufacturingindustries. At present, we exportaround 80% of our produce.

“We also have the trading yard / shophere where we supply decking andgates and panels, which arewholesaled to builders providers.

“We introduced the new barkmulching plant in 2007, for crushingand screening the raw bark, and thathas proven to be a great additionbecause we can now producedecorative bark mulch at retail level foruse in gardens or for soft-landingsurfaces in parks or crèches.”

Needless to say, Coolrain Sawmills’activities generate a great deal of workfor the haulage sector: “We use a lot ofcontract hauliers,” Steven confirms.“Logs and transport would be our twobiggest costs. We have to have thelogs picked up and brought in to thesawmill. We also have to have themtransported out again after they aresawed. So there’s plenty of demand forboth curtainsiders and flats, and weuse a lot of national and internationalhauliers.”

Coolrain has decided to contract thiswork out to people who know what theyare doing so that they can in turnconcentrate on doing what they do best– operating a sawmill! “We will chooseour haulage contractors depending ontheir rates, their expertise, the areasthey cover and of course theiravailability.

“This is a tough business at themoment. Anyone working in a sawmillwill tell you that with a monopolysupplier of logs we find it hard to getthem at a reasonable price. The Statewon’t do contracts, so it’s like RussianRoulette at times. Coillte’s logs are soldby auction every fortnight and you willonly get them if you are the highestbidder. With no fixed price, it’s verydifficult to plan ahead and the buyingprice of logs in Ireland is far too high.”

The sawmill in Coolrain is a veritablehive of activity, with lorries beingloaded, timber being sawn and forkliftsbuzzing around the place all day long.There is a lot of energy being invested

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 31

Playhouses, gates and fence stakes are justsome of the products available

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS32

Continued Best Wishes To

Coolrain Sawmills

GLENMORGAN,HOLLYFORD, CO. TIPPERARY

T: 062 77268M: 087 2236882E: [email protected]

Brian MurphyPrecision Engineering Ltd

MILLING | TURNING | WELDINGHYDRAULIC RAMS MANUFACTURE & REPAIR

Canal Road, Portarlington, Co. Laois.T: 057 8643343 M: 086 6380654 F: 057 8643344

Email :[email protected]

www.precision-engineering.ie

Best Wishes To Coolrain Sawmills, From

Continued success to the management and staff ofCoolrain Sawmills and best wishes from

Philip, Linda & all at Lalor Transport Ltd

Wishing Continued Success To Coolrain SawmillsFrom

Kelcro Transport(Cork) Ltd.

LICENSED HAULAGE CONTRACTORS

Specialists In General HaulageMillstreet, Co. CorkTel: 029 70296 Fax: 029 70211

Woodchip Suppliers For Cattle /Equestrian Pads/BoilersPurchasers of Standing TimberFrom First Thinnings to ClearfellHarvesting, Haulage and Marketing of TimberSuppliers of Sawlog,Pallet & Stakes,Plup, Woodchip Material and Firewood Material Blocked FirewoodSite Clearance/Christmas TreesGeneral HaulageNationwide Service

WORRELL HARVESTING LTD.,Killenure, Ballybrittas, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.T: +35345 529574 F: +35345 529575 E: [email protected] Web: www.worrellharvesting.ie

BEST WISHES TO COOLRAIN SAWMILLS

Worrell Harvesting Ltd.

FOR ALL YOUR PET, PP AND STEEL

STRAPPING NEEDS PLEASE CONTACT

045 440622Fax: 045 440623

Wishing Continued Success ToCoolrain Sawmills

From

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but Steven says things aren’tquite as rosy as they appear:

“The high price of the rawmaterial and the cost of dieselare killing our industry. Theseare our two biggest overheadsand they are out of control. Weare constantly battling withthem. We’ve had to cut our staffnumbers from 80 to around 60because you have to beextremely lean to survive. Youhave to try to produce more forless.

“The Government and Coilltehave been approached aboutthese two key components andtalks are ongoing, though whatstage they are at I don’t know…

“The sawmill industry couldcollapse if something isn’t doneto tackle these costs. It’s notsustainable to have majorexpenses like that, which youcan’t control, creeping up allthe time. If something is done,then I can see light at the end ofthe tunnel. Until then we’ll keepon finding new products andworking on efficiencies andhope that things turn in ourfavour.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 33

The vast yard at Coolrain Sawmills

Some of the timber productsavailable at Coolrain Sawmills

Coolrain Sawmills is at the footof the Slieve Bloom Mountains

CONTACT DETAILS

Coolrain Sawmills,Portlaoise,County Laois.Tel: 57 87 35152Fax: 57 87 35093

www.gardendeckingfencing.iewww.gardenlivinguk.com

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS34

DOMESTIC | AGRICULTURAL & COMMERCIAL OILS

CONTACT TREVOR FARRELLGrange, Co. Sligo T: 071 91 73805

Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon T: 094 98 70453

E: [email protected] www.grangefuels.ieBest Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics

Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics,From

FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS!SUPPLIERS OF PARTS FOR CARS & COMMERCIALSHeather House, Teeling St, Tubbercurry, Sligo.

(Opposite Topaz/Coens)E: [email protected]

Phone: 071 9120732 Fax: 071 9186460www.autolinemotorfactors.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics,

From

JUSTIN NOONE & CO.Chartered Certified Accountants

Drumnacool, Co. Sligo.T: 071 9165148 M: 086 2395607

E: [email protected]

DOMESTIC | INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURALInstallations | Maintenance | Repairs | Re-Wires

Ronan GallagherELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & All At Knight Logistics, From

Silverhill Ballinfull Sligo www.ronangallagherelectrical.com

Email: [email protected]:071 9185605 M:0879039135 F:071 9185605

Services Available| Deliveries & Collections| JP Transpeed Express Package Delivery| Business Contracts - Short or Long Term| Express Pallet Distribution| International / Global Consignments

Unit 6, Clonminan Industrial Estate, Portlaoise, Co.LaoisTel: 0578680993 Mobile 086 0457324 / 086 0457341Email: [email protected]

www.jptranspeedexpress.com

24 Hour NationwideService

48 Hour UK Service

Global ServicesAvailable

Best Wishes To Knight Logistics

HAULAGE AND DISTRIBUTIONServices Available

National Distribution | Ireland UK PalletsEuropean Roadfreight

Worldwide Freight ForwardingOffice: 00353 (0) 71 9173200 Fax: 00353 (0) 71 9173201

Mob: 00353 (0) 87 2115512E: [email protected] www.leonardlinetransport.com

Continued Best Wishes To Knight Logistics

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHTCOMMERCIALS MAGAZINE

Call BARRY now on 00353(0) 46 9241923

Page 37: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Knights keepshining Running any business in the current economic climate is a major challengegiven the daily restrains that face all companies, however it is not adeterrent for some as Sligo native Jason Leonard is currently running twobusinesses simultaneously.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 35

Knight Logistics and Wes-Chem are both run byJason since their inception

in 2009 and for this month's editionof Irish Trucker; we profile bothcompanies and speak to Jasonabout the daily efforts it takes tomake each a success.

From its humble beginnings to aone-room office in Tubbercurry, CoSligo, Jason has moved thebusinesses to a 24,000sq ftpremises in Carrick-on-Shannon,Co Leitrim.

Knight Logistics offers anexcellent worldwide transportservice and they always deliverthe goods on time - as well asdelivering on price and quality ofservice.

Jason has a lifelong knowledgeof the industry, as his family hasbeen involved in haulage for many,

Knight Logistics provides aworld wide service

The company providesmany products

Page 38: Trucker Agust 2012 A

many years and Knight Logisticsspecialises in moving shipments of anysize to anywhere in the world. Theyimport and export freight from any twopoints in the world and this expandingcompany has seen its customer baseincrease considerably in theintervening years since its genesis.

“We have certainly made progressover the last few years and I believethat the fact we concentrate on thedemands of the customers and makesure to meet those demands has beenone of the reasons for our success,”stressed Jason.

Every week new clients are choosingto move goods with Knight Logistics asJason's expertise, coupled with greatquality of service, means lessheadaches for the client.

“I had a good knowledge of theindustry before I started, which helpedgreatly. We would have a huge networkof contacts both of customers andthose who carry out the work for us.

“There is a same day delivery serviceon offer throughout Ireland we cangenerally get a package to thecustomer within four or five hours. Wehave our own vehicles on the road, butthe majority of the work would besubbed out to firms that have beenhand picked as we will not just give ourwork to anyone.

“There vehicles have to be up to acertain standard as they are

representing us and it is important tohave a good appearance.”

The services include groupage, halfloads and full loads around Ireland, UK,mainland Europe and the Middle East.Shipments vary from a pallet to Cork ora 45ft container from China.

“We ship mobile trucks, Plant &Equipment for export and have in thepast shipped a 60 ton crane from Corkto Saudi Arabia. We give our clientsexactly what they need. We inform ourclients with regular updates of wheretheir shipment is during transit and alsowhen the goods have finally arrived atthe destination.”

Knight Logistics organise all paperwork including customs documents andcan all also organise insurance coverfor their customers' goods. All the clienthas to do is tell them what they wantshipped, where they want it shipped toand when they want it shipped. Theycan then relax and let Jason and histeam collect their freight and send itonward on its journey.

To date there hasn't been a single lossor damage insurance claim lodged withKnight Logistics regarding freighthandled by them and this is somethingJason is very proud off.

“We are also members of the IrishInternational Freight Association(IIFA).Whether it is a carton or a fulltruck load - from your front door toanywhere in the world - you know your

package is safe with Knight Logistics.”The company also offers secure

warehousing from their premises inCarrick-on-Shannon, which is a drivethrough facility that is securelymonitored by CCTV.

“We can handle three artics in thebuilding at one time and this is wherewe pick and pack goods and send themon to their next destination.”

Jason has also made a successfulbreakthrough to the cleaning productsmarket as Wes Chem are Ireland'sleading distributor of chemicals for thehome and business.

Wes Chem provides quality cleaningproducts to the home, hardware,catering and automotive sectors. Theirflagship gardening product is theincredibly effective MOSS BUSTER.

“We are committed to providingquality products and a reliable andprofessional backup service and havedeveloped our own brand, which hasproven to be very popular.

“We supply the 32 counties with ourproducts and some of the major DIYfranchises in Ireland stock our brand.”

Jason admits that he is pleased withthe direction that the company isheading, but stressed that they werealways looking at ways of improving theservice to their customers.

“We would be happy enough at themoment. We have built up a reputationfor providing an excellent service and itis up to us to ensure that we continue todo so.

“It is important to keep improving andif we can do so then we will as we won'trest on our laurels.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 75

Contact Details:

Carrick on Shannon,Co Leitrim

Tel 071 96 22555Fax 071 96 22556

The warehouse facility has24,000sq ft of storage

Wes Clem are one of Ireland’s leadingprovider of cleaning chemicals

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Road Tanker Spareshas the part for youNeed a spare part or accessory for your tank truck? If so, Road TankerSpares International (www.roadtankerspares.com) is certainly worth a visit.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS38

Reeling hoses areavailable from Road

Tanker Spares

Page 41: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Founded in Markethill, Co.Armagh eight years ago by localman David McIlveen, Road

Tanker Spares has earned a reputationas one of Ireland’s foremost stockists oftanker spares and accessories.Whether it’s tank truck equipment,hoses, couplings, health and safetyequipment, truck storage or

workshop/garage consumablesyou’re looking for, Road TankerSpares has the product for you.

The company stocks all themajor brands and offers a next-day delivery service tocustomers in Ireland and theUK. And thanks to the internet,Road Tanker Spares isattracting customers from allover the world.

“Our online service isproving to be extremelypopular. It has given us aworldwide market, and moreand more people are using itbecause there are greatersavings to be made. No matter

what part you’re looking for, weeither have it in stock or will be

able to source it for you,” Davidexplains.“While most of our business is still

done over the counter, there is nodoubt that there is a growing demand

for our online service. It’s the waythings are going and we’re trying todevelop it more. When you log ontowww.roadtankerspares.com, all theavailable products are there in front ofyou and you just click on the one thatyou want. We have a vast knowledge ofall the products we stock and are onlytoo happy to offer advice and help.”

He continues: “At this stage, about 50per cent of our products are exported.That includes the south of Ireland,which has always been a great marketfor us. We also have a lot of customersin the UK and export to places likeCyprus, Poland, Greece, India, Trinidadand Uganda. We have a wide range ofcustomers, including DHL, ReynoldsLogistics and even the RAF.”

Road Tanker Spares International isoffering Irish Trucker & LightCommercials readers a 10 per centdiscount on all products purchasedonline. Just type in the followingpromotional code – IT0512 – to avail ofthis special offer. If you’re not already aRoad Tanker Spares customer, you willneed to pre-register for VAT. This canbe done online or by telephoning 044077 3036 0996.

The company has established a

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 39

A philly

A vehicle-driver kit availablefrom Road Tanker Spares

David’s shelves arealways well stocked

Page 42: Trucker Agust 2012 A

tradition of value-for-money, reliabilityand total dedication to customerservice. David is at pains to point outthat while Road Tanker Spares may notbe the cheapest, high quality sparesare always assured.

“There’s lot of cheap stuff out there,but we insist on only stocking qualityparts. Our service record speaks foritself.”

A mechanic by trade, David decidedto set up Road Tanker Spares in 2004after seeing a demand for tank truckspares and accessories.

“I found that the products which wespecialise in now were often difficult toget. There was an opening in themarket and I decided to go for it,”recalls the affable managing director,whose father Walter runs McIlveenFuels in Markethill.

“Having started out with nothing,we’ve come a long way. Our customersrecognise that they can be assured of atop-quality product at the mostcompetitive price every time, and that’swhy so many of them keeping comingback to us.”

The following are a selection of theproducts available from Road Tanker

Spares: workshop/garage supplies; drillbits – Blacksmiths, Flute Ground, LongSeries, Roll Forged and Stub;abrasives; conecuts/multicuts;countersinks; drill sets; flat wood bits;holesaws and arbors; masonry/SDS;plastic masonry plugs; spotwell drills;hoses; tubing; fittings; airline; airlineaccessories; crimp o-clips; hose clips;hose menders; mini hose clips; P clips;petrol pipe clips; push fit elbows; pushfit equal connectors; push fit T pieces;tube couplings; tubing and hoses;sealing washers.

Aluminium washers; coppercompression washers; copperwashers, fibre washers, assortedboxes; assorted bulbs; brake andclutch; electrical terminals; fuses,grommets; hardware; O rings andsealing washers; olives, pop rivets andnut-serts; springs, pins and clips;storage boxes; welding and safety; migwelding; security; soldering; weldinggeneral; power tools; tools, air tools;creeper; cutters; drain plug key set;engineers files; folding key sets,saws/hacksaws; hammers/wrecking;knives/scrapers; measuring/testingt o o l s ,

miscellaneous tools.Pliers and locking pliers; pry bar set;

ratchet handles; screwdrivers, sockets;spanner sets; staplers; storage bins;wrenches, electrical products, fuses –blade, continental, glass, domestic,mega and micro; assorted tapes;automotive bulbs; cable clips; cableglands/lock nuts; cable tie accessories;conduit opener; connector box;electrical terminals; crimp terminals –blue, red, yellow; HeatShrink products;spiral wrap.

Brake pad retaining pins and R-clips;flat washers; linch pins, nuts, poprivets; repair washers; screws; setscrews; spring washers; 7-pin plugsand sockets; battery terminals; brakedisc pads; cargo handling; Checkpointindicators; crocodile clips; diesel filterprimer tops; exhaust products; jacks;lubrication; adhesives; aerosols; airfresheners; grease; jugs and funnels;safety clothing; tanker equipment;pumps; man lids; signage; nozzles;filters; reeling equipment; foot and levervalves; PTO; couplings; hoses of allkinds.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS40

CONTACT DETAILS

Road Tanker Spares International17 Dunesmullan Road, Markethill, Co.

Armagh, BT60 1TJ.

Telephone: 077 3036 0996Email: [email protected]

Website: www.roadtankerspares.comOpening hours: 8am to 6pm

Monday to Friday.

Road Tanker Spares stocksall the leading brands

Aselectionofcamlocks

Page 43: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 41

Best Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International From

DISTRIBUTOR OF

Shell Lubricants

Engine Oils | Universal OilsTransmission Fluids

Specialised Agri ProductsGear Oil & Greases

Horticulture & Forestry ProductsHome Heating Oil

INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURAL | MOTOR | HOME

T: 045 444300 www.tougheroil.com

Specialise In BUILDING AND REFURBISHING

OF NEW & USED TANKERSFOR THE FUEL INDUSTRY.

221 Armagh Road, Keady, Co. ArmaghTel: 028 3753 9999Fax: 028 3753 9078

Email: [email protected] Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International

Specialising InTank Truck Equipment • Hoses Couplings • Health & SafetyEquipment • Truck StorageWorkshop/Garage Consumables

Road Tanker Spares International,17 Dunnesmullan Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh BT60 1TJTel: +44 (0)77 3036 0996 E: [email protected]

www.roadtankerspares.com

Road Tanker Spares

Best Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International, From

Congratulations to Road Tanker Spares International

Thanks to Davy McIIveen for marketing the

Philly Ball Valve Nozzle

Deighan Equipment DivCrystal Metal ProductsPhiladelphia, PA. USA

Visit Our Website

www.Deighanequipment.com

WOULD YOULIKE YOUR COMPANY

FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER& LIGHT

COMMERCIALSMAGAZINE

Call BARRY now on00353

(0) 46 9241923

Page 44: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS42

Location is keyUnfortunately breakdowns are part and parcel of the haulage industry andthese are something that are unavoidable at certain times. For all haulers,the main aim is to get their truck or trailer back in full working order as soonas possible. Downtime is arguably the most detested word in the sector(although the word fuel may have overtaken that now) and the need for aquick, reliable and efficient service to repair lorries is paramount.

Staff at Cullen Transport andTrailer Services Ltd pose for

the camera

There are many companiesaround the country that providesuch a service, but not many

have the experience and excellentlocation that Belfast Docks based CullenTransport and Trailer Services Ltd has inabundance. This is a family run haulagebusiness with extensive garage facilitiesthat caters for all internal and externalHGV/LGV maintenance. Through manyyears of hard work, they have built up anexcellent customer base including FGWilson, DHL SDC FORD ShannonTransport logistics

Being in the Haulage Business alsomeans that Cullens are well placed tounderstand the needs of theirmaintenance customers as they havefirst hand experience of dealing with theneeds and problems associated withmanaging vehicles. Convenientlylocated in the centre of Belfast Docks,they have access to all immediate

motorway routes allowing them todeliver goods as soon as they arrive intoNorthern Ireland.

Irish Trucker spoke to Kevin Cullen,who along with his brother Patrick andfather JJ run the business which wasestablished in 1991.

“You could say myself and Paddy havebeen in the haulage industry since wewere born” states Kevin, “our father JJhas been an owner operator since thedays of KM Bedford's, pulling 4 inlinetrailers delivering beer and generalgoods around Ireland, so within thecompany we have a history spanningback to 1968.”

Paddy started the company as it is nowback in 1991 as maintenance providerand JJ came on board to provide thehauler service. As the companyexpanded, Paddy and JJ focused onbuilding the haulage business and Ibecame responsible for developing our

maintenance services,” explains Kevin. Kevin outlines the service that the

company provides and stresses thatcustomer satisfaction is always at theforefront of their minds.

“Our garage can cater for all HGV/LGV/ CAR / MOTs as well as offeringCONTRACT PMI/SERVCING & 24 hourbreakdown service. We are alsoauthorized repair agents for HALDEX,KNORR BREMSE AND WABCO, thisensures any ABS/EBS problems aretraced quickly preventing costlydiagnosis ” revealed Kevin.

“We look after the assets of a numberof UK rental companys (Ryder group,Cartwrights Dawsons rentals)and areagents for many UK national breakdownproviders (National transport breakdownservices, Fleet solutions TIP roadside).We contract service all their vehiclesand carry out any necessarymaintenance work that may be needed.”

Page 45: Trucker Agust 2012 A

“We specialize in HGV repairs andbreakdowns providing quality localservice at competitive rates. Morerecently we have installed 2 postramps and invested in SNAP-ONdiagnostic computers to allow for themaintenance of LGV vans and carsallowing us to offer a full range ofvehicle services catering for businessand domestic customers.”

Cullen's offer a complete servicepackage to suit the needs of all theircustomers, “we can collect vehicles,make bookings for MOT test/service,repair shunt vehicle to test and returnto the customer. Our tailored service isoffered to all vehicles truck/trailers orcars - no matter the vehicle we willhave you covered”.

“We use G.D.S garage softwaresystem which monitors our customer'svehicles. This allows us to actproactively to help our customersmanage their vehicles. We alertcustomers in plenty of time when avehicle is due for service or annualtest. This software has been a vital toolallowing us to keep track of customersvehicles due service, and preventsMOT expiry dates being missed oroverrun. We understand the need tooperate within the law and keep ourcustomers informed of changes andhow they will impact on themanagement of their fleets. Be awareone requirement of a valid NI operatorslicense is that vehicles must haveregular maintenance schedules inplace and adhered to - So Cullen's willensure they can keep you legal!”

Their 24 hour breakdown servicecaters for trailers and a fully stockedvan enables Cullen's to perform 99%of maintenance work on theroadside if necessary. Kevin admitsthat it has been a sensible businessdecision to really focus onmaintenance work, giving the volatilenature of the haulage industry atpresent.

“We are putting in place a businessdevelopment plan to try to achieve agreater market share in themaintenance end around Ireland. wehave a number of haulagecontractors operating from BelfastDocks as maintenance customerswhich we are delighted about but wenow have the capacity and service totake on more clients. Our Southernhaulers have told us that they cometo us because it's cheaper here andthe service is excellent!”

In the haulage end of the business,Cullen's utilise practically everyshipping route obtainable into Ireland.Having options is crucial whenperformance levels are a pre-requisiteand Cullen Transport can offershippers these options through thefollowing routes: Fleetwood - Larne;Heysham - Belfast; Liverpool - Dublin,Holyhead - Dublin, Heysham -Warrenpoint, Stranraer - Belfast,Cairnryan - Larne, Troon - Larne,Birkenhead - Dublin and Birkenhead -Belfast.

They cater for all customer's haulageneeds, specializing in containercurtainsider and flat work. “We havemany years experience in movingabnormal loads throughout Ireland andUK.” explains Paddy.

Through their general haulage, theyhave also diversified into storage whilestripping containers is another area

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 43

Members of staff and management,l/r: Chris Bowen, Sean Carey, Paddy

Cullen, Sean (JJ) Cullen, KevinCullen, Brendan McGrattan

Kevin carries out adiagnostics test

Page 46: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS44

Specialists In Complete Workshop Fit OutsAltnagelvin Ind. Estate., Trench Road, L’derry BT47 2ED

Tel: +0044 (0) 28 7131 2225 Fax: +0044 (0) 28 7131 8811Email: [email protected]

SEARCH WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

Best Wishes To Cullen Transport & Trailer Services Ltd From

Container Services | Stevedoring | Port ServicesWarehousing | Air Freight

2-10 Duncrue Road, Belfast Co.Antrim BT3 9BPEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 028 90 357000 Tel: 028 90 756666www.hamiltonshipping.com

Best Wishes To Cullen Transport & Trailer Services Ltd From

To Book Advertising Space or enquire about completing a

Feature please contactCOLM on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923

Page 47: Trucker Agust 2012 A

that the companyspecializes in. “We canstrip and securely storecontainer contents foronward delivery at a laterdate.”

“Last year was goodyear for us, despite thetesting times that thehaulage industry iscurrently experiencing.The cost of fuel is theone big issue in theindustry at the momentand this is somethingthat needs to beaddressed both sides ofthe border. Insurance isalso an area that hasseen a huge increase inthe last couple of yearsand it is getting moredifficult just to make aliving in this industry asall haulers will tell you.

“As well as being ahaulage provider weknow what the haulerswant and need from amaintenance perspectiveand we are here toprovide that. We will

continue to build upon the excellentservice levels that our customers tell uswe deliver so feel free to contact us formore information and a competitivequote for haulage and maintenance.We look forward to hearing from yousoon.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 45

Hamilton Shipping are oneof the many customers

A vehicle undergoesan oil change

A mobile unitis ready forall call outs

Contact Details

Haulage ContactPaddy CullenTelephone: 0044 7971814827E-mail:[email protected]

Garage ContactKevin CullenTelephone: 0044 7801882379Fax: 0044 28 90775575E-mail:[email protected]

Sales ContactsAnna CullenTelephone: 0044 28 90775588Fax: 0044 28 90775575E-mail: [email protected] 1 Duncrue Industrial EstateBelfast BT3 9BPCounty AntrimWeb: www.cullentransport.com

Page 48: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Standing the test of timeBy remaining fully up-to-speed with all technological advancements andregulatory requirements, Kieran McManus’ self-made business continues togo from strength to strength. Irish Trucker popped into the company HQ atCloncollig Industrial Estate and got an update from affable office managerLinda Fenton.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS46

One of the recovery vehicles

Page 49: Trucker Agust 2012 A

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has come a long waysince the hard-working business was last featured inthis magazine, about a decade ago. Despite the

fiercest blows the economic downturn has been able to throwat it, Kieran McManus’ company is still going strong today.And that’s a real testament to the exceptional quality ofservice being provided to commercial vehicle operators inOffaly and beyond!

Health and safety have always rated highly on the list ofpriorities at Tullamore Test & Repair Centre and this is stillvery much the case today, with ever conceivable step beingtaken to ensure that the business is compliant with allregulations. In fact, they have implemented measures aboveand beyond what is required to ensure the complete safety ofall their customers.

“We have a lot of standards in place,” Linda Fentonconfirms. “We are currently going through the process ofimplementing ISO standards and the quality control here isvery tight. Obviously, when you are testing the safety androadworthiness of commercial vehicles, you have to operateto very high standards. We have never shied away from this.

“We give our customers complete peace of mind that theirvehicles are 100% when they leave our workshop.

“There has been a huge push on safety by the RSA. Theyare insisting that safety has to be the main considerationwhen a HGV goes out onto the road and they areimplementing very strict standards, which we are fulfilling.”

Located in the heart of the midlands, Tullamore Test &Repair Centre offers a superb test, breakdown, repair andmaintenance service from its well-appointed base atCloncollig Industrial Estate, Tullamore, County Offaly.Proprietor / managing director Kieran McManus boasts overtwo decades of experience in heavy goods vehicle repair andmaintenance. Kieran has built this business up through sheerhard work and integrity and is renowned and respected in thelocal area for his honesty, professionalism and dependability.

Having started out from humble beginning, literally doingrepairs on the road from the back of a small van, Kieranappreciates the value of providing excellent levels of

customer service. This is one of the many reasonswhy Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has survivedthe test of time and is still going strong today, withthe very highest standards of practice in placethrough every facet of the operation.

A 24-hour breakdown service is provided as wellas trailer repair and maintenance and tachographinstallation / repair / calibration. But DOE testing /repairs / maintenance remain at the very core ofhis business. A large stock of spare parts iscarried in stock and Tullamore Test & RepairCentre has the capacity to work on all kinds ofcommercial vehicles from curtainsiders and flatsto tautliners and trailers.

The test centre and workshop run efficiently sideby side, with a trusty team of testers andtechnicians on hand to ensure that all customersare afforded the very best service in the businessat all times. Downtime is, of course, kept to aminimum as Kieran and his staff appreciate theneed to get their clients back on the road asquickly as possible.

By providing a good, fast, dependable service,Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has forged anexcellent reputation for itself, benefiting from alarge percentage of repeat custom as well as

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 47

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre founder KieranMcManus at the Tullamore based company

Page 50: Trucker Agust 2012 A

regular referrals and new business. Allthe latest diagnostic and repairequipment is housed in a modern, fully-equipped workshop where cutting edgetechnology and a thorough knowledgeof commercial vehicles go hand in handto provide an unrivalled one-stop-shoppackage.

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre hasalso recently launched a new website,www.tullamoretest.ie. Amongst thespecial offers currently available is a fullcommercial vehicle service for justEUR160, including a full 59-point checkfrom top to bottom. This is available onevery commercial vehicle under 3.5tonne.

“We have separated the workshopand testing sides of the business andwe have invested in a lot of newequipment over the last decade or so,”Linda continues. “Our goal throughevery aspect of the business is 100%customer satisfaction and we leave tostone unturned to ensure this isachieved.”

Regular clients include the likes ofAES, Oxigen, Kilsaran, Tullamore TownCouncil and Offaly County Council.

“As of March 1st this year, campervans also have to be tested,” Lindacontinues. “We have a lot of thosecoming in for testing at the moment andwe are also able to do repairs on them.”

A total of nine people are employed at

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre, withKieran McManus and Dwayne O’Reillyhandling all the light and heavy testingas well as tachograph calibrations.Four fully-qualified technicians man theworkshop.

“Business is steady enough in thetesting,” says Linda. “There areless heavy goods vehiclescoming in now but still quite a fewlight commercials. And we areinundated with caravans. Somedays the workshop is busier thanothers but we’re ticking over andwe’re trying to keep prices as lowas possible for customers.

“If there are repairs to be doneafter a test, we can get a price forlabour and parts for the repairs inadvance, so everything is up frontand the customer has the optionof saying yes or no. It’s importantto get the balance right and givecustomers both a quality serviceand the right price.

“We can also carry out any workthat needs to be done before thetest. Having the vehicle servicedfirst, for just EUR160, makessense as it could save the clientmoney in the long-run. It will keepthe maintenance of the vehicle upand avoid the cost of a re-test.Vehicles should be serviced andmaintained – not just to pass thetest but also for safety reasons.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS48

Every vehicle is 100 per cent perfect when itleaves Tullamore Test & Repair Centre

The company base inCloncollig Industrial Estate

TOTAL SOLUTIONS FORCAR PAINTS, TOOLS

AND EQUIPMENT

Best Wishes & Continued Success ToTULLAMORE TEST & REPAIR CENTRE

From

WE SPECIALISE IN WEEE LOGISTICS | FULFILMENT | EXPRESS SERVICE

RAVENHILL COURIERS LTDCappincur Industrial Estate, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tel: +353 057-9324722 Fax: +353 057-9324723Email: [email protected] www.ravenhill.ie

Best Wishes To Tullamore Test & Repair Centre

CONTACT DETAILS

Tullamore Test & Repair CentreCloncollig Industrial EstateTullamoreCounty OffalyTel: 057 9352057www.tullamoretest.ie

Page 51: Trucker Agust 2012 A

As the leading supplier and distributor of beverage products in Ireland,Gleeson Group operates a large fleet of trucks from 11 distribution hubsnationwide. Transport manager Philip Delaney and fleet manager JamesStapleton explain more.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 49

Bavaria Dutch beer is anotherleading brand supplied by Gleeson’s

Founded in the late 1960s in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperaryby Michael and John Gleeson, Gleeson Group wasacquired by current managing director Pat Cooney and

his brother Nicholas in 1974 and has since established itself

as the country’s foremost manufacturer and distributor ofpackaged beverages and confectionery products.

With 700 staff on its books, Gleeson ranks among the top150 companies in Ireland and in the top 20 private companies

(based on annual turnover). It hasremained a fully-privately ownedfamily business. As well as operating alarge manufacturing plant inBorrisoleigh, the company has fullnational coverage through its 13distribution hubs. The first of thesewas opened in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10in 1976.

The acquisition of wholesalecompanies across Ireland led to theopening of other distribution centres inCork, Galway, Portlaoise, Clonmel,New Ross, Kells, Donegal, Lisburnand a second Dublin hub in Crumlin.

In the early years, Gleeson was amanufacturer of soft drinks and abottler of a well-known stout brand.Since then, the company hasexpanded its portfolio with its biggestacquisition to date being the buyout ofUnited Beverages’ business outsideDublin from Diageo in 2005. Gleesonalso acquired the Gilbey’s Wine

Gleeson Group -satisfaction deliveredGleeson Group -satisfaction delivered

Tipperary Natural MineralWater is one of Gleeson’s

best-known brands

Page 52: Trucker Agust 2012 A

business from Diageo two years ago.“We’re the largest independent distributor to the licensed

trade in Ireland,” Gleeson’s transport manager Philip Delaneyproudly states.

“Our business has grown gradually over the years. With 11fully owned distribution hubs, we have full national coverageand can deliver to every shop, restaurant, catering company,distributor, supermarket, public house, forecourt and hotel inIreland – both north and south of the border. Our brands areamong the most recognizable in the country.”

Some of Gleeson’s best known brands are TipperaryNatural Mineral Water, Finches Soft Drinks, Country Springsand Magic Sticks FreezePops. Other brandsproduced or representedare Bulmers,Car lsberg,Guinness,Beamish, Miller,Murphy’s, Bavaria(Dutch Beer), Duvel,Maredsous, Vedett,Menabrea, Warsteiner,Weihenstephaner aswell as Monster andBoost Energy Drinks.Gleeson is Ireland’slargest wholesalesupplier of packagedbeer and also boastsextensive mineral water,soft drinks, cider, liqueur,wine and spiritsdivisions. In addition, thecompany alsomanufacturers own labelbrands for a number ofretailers at its state-of-the-art production facilityin Borrisoleigh.

The production of all

products is tightly controlled under a quality plan which coversthe process from the raw material stage right through toproduction, on to storage. This plan also includes all qualitychecks, inspection and tests to be carried out along eachrelevant stage of the process.

Gleeson offers an unrivalled nationwide delivery servicewhich ensures a regular and efficient supply of its products.The company is a central billing supplier to all major retailgroups in Ireland. As the largest supplier of packaged beer tothe licensed trade in Ireland, Gleeson has access to allpromotional products and pack formats.

Each distribution depot in the Republic of Ireland is 100 per

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS50

Gleeson’s operate afleet of 123 trucks

Gleeson’s brands are among themost recognisable in the country

Page 53: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 51

Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Group, from

MC CARTHY COMMERCIALSKEEP YOUR TRUCK A TRUE VOLVO,

CHOOSE GENUINE VOLVO PARTS

Double Your WarrantyWhen Genuine Volvo Parts are fitted in our workshops

Watergrasshill, Cork021 4889700

Clonlara, Co. Clare061 356360

Ring Road, Kilkenny056 7734200

www.mccarthycomms.ie Terms & Conditions Apply

Call Now ForA Competitive

Fitted Price From McCarthy Commercials

Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Group From

Proprietor Oliver Tobin

GOING YOUR WAY10 Grange Vale,

Pinecroft, Douglas, Cork

Tel: 021 4363270Mobile: 086 8374971

Tobin Haulage

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO GLEESON GROUP

Richmond Head Office1st Floor Harmony Court, Harmony Row, Dublin 2

T. +353 1 631 6100 F +353 1 639 4882 www.richmondmarketing.com

Revolutionising BrandsIn Ireland Since 1992

HENLEY FORKLIFTGROUP LIMITED

SALES - SERVICE - HIRE SPARE PARTS - DRIVING TRAINING

Best Wishes To Gleeson Group

Dublin Tel: 01 6209200 Cork Tel: 021 497 8700

Galway Tel: 091 704 580 Limerick Tel: 061 322 222

Waterford Tel: 051 372 111 Kerry Tel: 066 718 0155

Monaghan Tel: 042 969 2155 Lisburn Tel: 048 9266 6446

www.henley.ie

Page 54: Trucker Agust 2012 A

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS52

Continued success to Gleeson Group from Patrick O'Mahoney & Paul DempseyBest Wishes To Gleeson Group From

ALL TYPES OF CAR & COMMERCIAL TYRESSupplied & Fitted

Wheel Alignment Arranged

Bradley Tyres

Drumrooske Business Park, Donegal TownTel: (074) 9725462 • M: (087) 9627208

Email: [email protected]

Hanlon Transport Ltd

HAULAGE & STORAGE CONTRACTORSIndustrial Est, Greenore, Co. LouthTel: 0035342 9373136 | Fax: 0035342 9373308www.hanlontransport.ie

ContinuedBest Wishes

To Gleeson Group

Best Wishes To Gleeson Group From

Oliver Conroy(Pallets) Ltd

Mullingar, Co. WestmeathTel: 044 9373500

Email:[email protected]

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Gleeson Group From

T.M.H. Distribution LtdMonaghan

REFRIGERATED & DRY FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Office 047 71799 Mobile: 087 2568820

Page 55: Trucker Agust 2012 A

company owned and operated.The staff in each depot arelocal, meaning they have in-depth understanding of theareas they serve as well as theproducts they deliver. Gleesonis exceptionally proud of itsnationwide network, havingbuilt an impressive customerbase through individualattention and high levels oflocal market penetration.

The Gleeson Group boasts amodern fleet of 123 trucks,including a number that areindependently operated. Thetrucks range in size fromseven-and-a-half tonne toarticulated. About 60 per centare Volvo, with MAN, Mercedesand other makes accounting forthe other 40 per cent.

“We operate our own trucksout of Borrisoleigh, Dublin andDonegal,” Philip explains.

“We have 15 artics and 15rigids working out ofBorrisoleigh, which is our maindistribution centre. Our depotsin Portlaoise, Cork, New Ross and Galway are served byowner drivers, who we obviously have a very good workingrelationship with.

“Until recently we had depots in Drogheda and Cavan, butwe decided to amalgamate them into one depot in Kells, Co.Meath which is a halfway point between the two.”

All repairs and maintenance to the Gleeson fleet is carriedout in Borrisoleigh where James Stapleton overseasoperations.

He says: “When you operate a fleet of trucks and trailers as

big as ours, as well as 70 forklifts, it makes sense to carry outyour repairs, servicing and maintenance in-house. We have alarge workshop which comprises three inspection bays. Weemploy five mechanics who are highly-skilled andexperienced. In addition, they have all completed their ABSand EBS courses. We also carry out preventativemaintenance in all our depots which involves sending one ofour mechanics from Borrisoleigh.

“If we can’t carry out the repair of any truck ourselves, wesend them to the nearest dealership for that particular make.”

James expects the demands on the Gleeson fleet toincrease in the coming years.

“The longer this recessiongoes on, the greater thechance we will be branchingout into overseas markets. Youhave to broaden your horizonsand look for new opportunitiesat times like these, sointernational transport is apossibility going forward,” heconcludes.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 53

All trucks are kept in pristine condition

CONTACT DETAILS

Gleeson Group,Greenlawn,Borrisoleigh,Co. Tipperary.Telephone: 00 353 (0)50451113Fax: 00 353 (0)504 51480Email: [email protected]: www.gleesongroup.ie

The Gleeson plant

The Gleeson Group is thelargest independent distributor

to the Irish licensed trade