Setanta Vehicle Importers, probably best known as the national distributor of Renault Trucks and Red Edition Renault vans for Ireland. has undertaken a collaboration project with leading German trailer manufacturer Meiller to co-develop the Grandload Tipping semi-trailer (Half pipe). Both companies’s technical and engineering teams have designed a specific Aggregate Half Pipe Trailer for the UK and Ireland markets. The semi-trailer underwent extensive redevelopment to meet the construction and use regulations of 5.5T/M (UK) and 5.75 T/M (IRL) on the wheelbase.
Setanta Vehicle Importers and Meiller co-develop
Grandload Tipping semi-trailer (Half pipe)
Alfie Barker, General Manager, Setanta Vehicle Importers Ltd., explained the focus on the project:
“As you may be aware, EU-manufactured Half Pipes in this sector are very limited, especially in the UK as they do not have a product to meet the overall requirements enforced by VOSA. Therefore, this was a significant engineering feat to make this happen.”
He added that the following criteria had to be met:
n Engineer a new chassis to allow for the longer tipping body n New tipping body design to incorporate the additional length n Advanced Automatic/Remote
New ECOmode on Thermo King Advancer Trailer Refrigeration Units cuts Fuel Consumption
A new operating mode for Thermo King’s Advancer trailer refrigeration units, named ECOmode, helps fleet operators significantly improve fuel efficiency, without having to compromise on reliable temperature control of cargo.
It offers customers a smart balance between tighter temperature control and reduced fuel consumption. By expanding the Advancer range’s operational flexibility, ECOmode enables transporters to optimise performance based on cargo sensitivity and delivery profile. Adding to the existing Continuous and CycleSentry (start-stop) operating modes, ECOmode delivers fuel consumption reduced by up to 50% compared to continuous operation, while maintaining significantly tighter temperature control compared to CycleSentry mode. In ECOmode, the
Controlled sliding tarpaulin to meet the new body length
n Newly designed Hydraulic Cylinder, designed and manufactured by Meiller in-house. As it required additional stability due to COG, also faster tipping speeds under lower pressures to meet the requirements of IRL and UK truck PTO specifications.
n Achieving 45S tipping and 90s Lowering
“In addition to this, Meiller is now investigating new Cylinder Cradles to allow for UK style Weight Cells. This will be an evolution of the model we just launched. Therefore, we have not stopped the innovation on the model. Tipping trailers are unsung heroes, without them, we would be a lot slower building our infrastructure.”
Advancer limits the temperature deviation from the set point and ensures sequential airflow to keep protecting the cargo.
This new operating mode is particularly suited to operations transporting goods that require tight, but not ultra-tight temperature control. It delivers improved temperature management than in the traditional start-stop mode, offering carriers the benefit of reduced operational costs while preserving cargo safety, integrity and compliance.
From September 2025, ECOMode will be included as a standard feature on all new Thermo King Advancer units. It is also available as a software retrofit through the Thermo King dealer network.
“We are continuously innovating to help our customers reduce fuel
consumption without compromising precious cargo. ECOmode adds to the features our customers already value in the Advancer range, such as industry-leading refrigeration capacity, temperature recovery and pulldown performance – all with complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption,” said Galway based Colm O’Grady, product leader Trailer at Thermo King. “We have introduced ECOmode to give more flexibility and control to fleet managers and help them reduce their operational costs.”
All Thermo King Advancer units offer complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption, accessible both on the unit and remotely via telematics. Thermo King’s TracKing platform is standard with every Advancer unit including two years of full, two-way telematics connectivity service.
Long Wheel Base
Setanta Vehicle Sales are excited to introduce the brand-new Meiller Long Wheel Base Tipping Trailer. Fully 46 T compliant, allowing you to operate at Ireland’s maximum legal load capacity. We have these models in stock and ready to go.
MEILLER Tipping Trailer LONG WHEEL BASE
With a 25m³ (32.6 cu yd) capacity, this trailer is built for performance and efficiency. Fitted with BPW axles and suspension with drum brakes and front lift, it combines strength with smooth handling. Key features include an automatic dump valve, rear-to-front cover, and a robust Hardox body (5mm floor, 4mm side and front walls) for maximum durability. Weighing just 7,200 kg, it’s powered by a reliable Meillermanufactured ram that lifts in 45 seconds and lowers in 90 seconds – built to keep your operations moving.
Schmitz Cargobull
Highlight: New S.KO Urban 10.5m refrigerated semi-trailer with command rear steer axle, developed for the UK & Ireland markets.
Krone
Krone Trailer has a highly experienced team providing a full range of semi-trailers, parts, service and repair agents in the UK & Ireland.
Kässbohrer
Since 1893, Kässbohrer has developed award-winning trailers to meet the diverse transportation needs of its customers and operations.
Trailers at RTX 2025
Fruehauf
From a 64-acre facility in Grantham, it crafts durable, high-performance trailers for agriculture, aggregates, waste management, and haulage.
Sunswap/Hireco
A joint venture between the two companies, Hireco”s first fully electric refrigerated trailer from Sunswap can be charged from the mains and topped up with solar power.
megalift
Following its successful debut at Powergen 2025 in Dallas, Texas, the Monaghan based trailer mounted container lifter was back at RTX.
Hammar
World’s leading manufacturer of sideloaders. More than 50 years of experience. Setting standards for smart and simple container handling.
Palfinger UK
Sole distributor for Palfinger truck cranes, Epsilon construction cranes, Palfinger hook & skiploaders with over 30 years’ experience.
manitou
Manitou, through MEB Equipment and Eamonn Bolger exhibited a range of Truck Mounted Forklifts, both Masted & Boom 4-Way.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Every craftsman needs tools for their trade. From apprenticeship on to undertaking a full time career a specific selection of machines, tools and other equipment becomes part of the daily operations and business in general. These devices become invaluable, precious even, and are well protected by their owners.
Often though, when carrying out big projects it can be difficult to transport all of this gear, particularly if the work is remote and off-road. Just think about how repair and maintenance is done on the growing number of Wind Turbines, Towers and Tunnels.
In such situations enter Woodstock Welding Services, a bespoke company that has for a number of years provided customised metalwork to large-scale structural welding, on and off-site. But not only that, the unique business is backed up by a specialised, self-designed fleet of heavy duty trucks that can only be described as impressive and
Woodstock Welding Services - Expert Welding and Fabrication Solutions
inspiring. The person behind these engineering creations and feats is Barry Prendergast, hailing from the townland of Woodstock, near Ballindine, County Mayo.
During a recent visit by Fleet Transport to Barry’s large workshop, both of the specialist all-wheel-drive trucks were luckily on site, namely the MAN HX60 18.330 4x4 and the more recently acquired Mercedes-Benz Arox 6x4, important assets which showcase the precision, durability, and creativity that define every project undertaken. Barry and his expert staff serve customers throughout Ireland, the UK and across Europe with reliable, mobile and in-house solutions.
A labour of love best describes Barry’s multi-stage development work on the various trucks and utility vehicles used over the years. What began with a Nissan Patrol Commercial 4x4 with a mobile welding unit mounted on a twin-wheel trailer soon evolved into more durable and flexible off-road vehicles in the shape of a series of Mercedes-Benz Unimogs, firstly a U140 and then on to a higher powered U400. Both featured bespoke bodies that were not only capable of carrying all of the equipment needed on and off-site but also become mobile workshops in themselves.
Over time as larger and more complex contracts were won, it became clear that a bigger vehicle was required. A chance look on a British auction site led to the purchase of the ex-Army MAN all-purpose, all-terrain vehicle. On arriving back home, Barry and his crew got to work, transforming the unit into a ‘serious bit of kit’ with welders, cutters, tools and a big generator on board.
After a few years, it was time for the next evolution vehicle, one that had more traction off road while also providing a bunk for the night when
required. Hence a 2015 44-tonne GVW 510hp 6x4 Mercedes-Benz Arox tractor-unit with sleeper cab was acquired last February in England. It has also since undergo extensive modifications.
“This Axor heavy duty tractor-unit (CAT3) was cut in half and stretched 1.1 meters to suit our requirements. We also added a sub chassis and built three point linkages front and rear and fitted hydraulic circuits to carry our equipment to sites. All of the work was carried out by ourselves except the paint job,” explained Barry. Originally painted red and white, the cab was soon sprayed to its corporate metallic grey and black colours, expertly created by Ronan Mitchell at RJM, Claremorris. Many of the external fittings are of a heavy duty nature such as a removable tower press upfront and a tow bar to the rear with other lifting gear. Air suspension was fitted to the front axle to allow for the front of the truck to raise or lower to ensure precision when the tower press is engaged, which can be operated from the truck cab or through a remote controlled key pad.
On occasions, when working on major contracts in remote areas with little or no access to a hotel room, a night or two in the Arox fits the bill. Inside, domestic facilities for cooking and refrigeration are catered for. Probably one of the most significant features - and another ingenious design element - is that the actual body is a removable
container type, twist locks and all. There is also another thoughtful, future proofed fitting, one that is in keeping with the environmentally friendly themes of his clients – Barry has installed solar panels on the roof of the truck body that generate enough electricity, stored in compact lithium-ion battery packs to work some of the electrically powered equipment fitted. The solar panels, which Barry really appreciates, plus other auxiliary fittings were supplied by David Morley, Tool & Light, Brickens, Claremorris.
Barry, while modestly displaying pride in his work and creativity, explained what his business is about: “Woodstock Welding delivers expert welding, fabrication, and on-site machining services tailored to the needs of wind, marine, and heavy industries. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we support complex projects with precision and efficiency, either on-site or at our fully equipped workshop.”
Barry further explained that the company’s fleet of mobile welding services are designed for fast deployment to remote and high-demand environments. These self-contained units enable Woodstock Welding to carry out a wide range of services directly at the client’s site, including:
n Mobile machining
n Line boring
n Flange facing
n Mobile welding
n Broken blade bolt extraction
n Pile welding
“We also operate portable lathes and heavy-duty, large capacity lathes, allowing us to complete complex mechanical repairs on large-scale components. At our facility in Ballindine, we offer high-quality in-house welding and fabrication for structural steel, custom components, and heavy equipment. Our workshop is equipped to handle demanding tasks with precision.”
In recent years, as natural energy generation has increased, Woodstock Welding has developed specialist wind turbine solutions for the wind energy sector, including:
n Out-of-round wind turbine tower flange pressing
n Wind turbine in-situ generator shaft machining
n Removal of seized or broken blade bolts
n Tower pressing
These services reduce downtime and ensure structural integrity in high-stakes environments.
Paramount to keeping the all traction wheels in motion and the business in general running is Barry’s wife Nicola who looks after all of the administration, along with an experienced staff of seven, who rotate between in house and on site work.
Woodstock Welding has become a trusted partner for many complex and complicated projects including the HS2 High-speed rail line under construction in England. “We were approached to address an issue related to the manual cutting of foundation piles on the HS2 rail line,” explained Barry. “In response, we designed an automatic, self-propelled, hydraulic-driven saw to resolve this problem. This innovation not only reduced the time required to cut a pile to one-quarter of the time taken by manual methods but also crucially eliminated the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) for workers, as the unit operates completely hands-free.”
That clever engineering solution did not go unnoticed. “Due to the huge success of our innovation on the HS2 project we were shortlisted to the final four out of over 40 entries for an award by the Federation of Piling Specialists Awards 2024. Although we did not secure first prize on the night, being a finalist was a testament to our dedication and commitment to the design and fabrication of bespoke devices, as well as our services to the industry.”
Another notable project had Woodstock Welding designing and manufacturing infrastructure components for offshore pile welding at Greenock Ocean Terminal. “We carried out fabrication at the new Greenock ocean terminal. This project included welding 2,350mm diameter piles with 35mm wall thickness, which were subsequently driven into the seabed to secure the new concrete pontoons for accommodating the world’s
largest cruise liner. Additional tasks involved welding all other components offshore once the piles were in position. All welds and fabrication underwent thorough testing and inspection.”
“Over the years our team has thankfully been trusted by major industry partners to deliver durable, high-performance solutions on time and on budget. What ever is needed, from on-site repairs to mobile machining, or complete fabrication, we’re ready to support any project,” added Barry.
n Coded Welding & Fabrication
n Milling | Drilling - Large Capacity
n 500-tonne Press Brake
n CNC Plasma Cutting
n Line Boring
n Lathe Work Horizontal & Vertical
n 300-tonne Horizontal Press
n Flange Facing
n Clam Shell Pipe Cutting (Cold Cutting)
n Guillotine
Precision welding, fabrication and machining is carried out at the fully equipped home base, delivering an expert in-house welding, metal fabrication, and precision machining services to clients across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. “We handle projects of all sizes—from detailed sheet metal fabrication to large structural steel components—using industry-leading tools and machinery. Our capabilities include line boring, CNC plasma cutting and more, with our largest lathe accommodating components up to 20 tonnes, 7.5 metres in length, and 3.5 metres in diameter, enabling us to efficiently manage both standard and large-scale projects. Our mobile services help eliminate costly disassembly and transport, keeping customers’s operations running with minimal interruption,” concluded Barry.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
WOODSTOCK W ELDIN g S ERVICES
Collett & Sons Ltd, a leader in specialist heavy transport in the UK & Ireland, has purchased new Goldhofer Stepstar trailers, with delivery scheduled during September. The latest investment includes two 3-axle and two 4-axle step-frames, to further enhance Collett’s operational capabilities and reinforce its commitment to high-performance equipment across abnormal and heavy haulage operations.
Engineered to deliver maximum performance with minimal height and tare weight, the new Stepstar trailers are designed to combine versatility with operational efficiency.
Specifications include:
n A super low running height of the trailer bed at just 780mm.
n Air suspension offering improved ride quality and reduced impact on cargo and road infrastructure.
n Specialised CargoPlus80 tyres (225/60 R17.5) rated for 12-tonne axle loads at 40mph, compliant with STGO Cat 2
Two
Collett & Sons invests with five new Goldhofer
Step-Frame Trailers
and Cat 3 regulations respectively.
n Extendable trailer beds reaching up to 16.14 metres for increased flexibility with long and oversized cargoes.
n Ten 10-tonne lashing points with twist-lock securing points for ‘outof-gauge’ flat rack containers and other oversized cargo.
n Low tare weight combined with high payload capacities of up to 52 tonnes on the 3-axle trailer and up to 62.5 tonnes on the 4-axle trailer.
n Side extensions up to 3.0 metres, plus drop-down rear landing legs for safe loading.
The lightweight construction of the Stepstar range, combined with high payload capacity and extendable deck length, provides an ideal solution for transporting heavy and abnormal loads across a broad range of industry requirements.
Faymonville Highway
MAX Heavy-Haul
Trailers for ALL Crane in the US
*Nine-axle extendable trailers haul up to 170,000 pounds; available for rent
To emphasise the broad sales reach of Famonville Trailers, the ALL Family of Companies in Cleveland, USA has added two innovative heavy-haul trailers to its own trucking fleet and are now available for rent. ALL initially purchased the two Faymonville HighwayMAX trailers to carry the tracks for two newly acquired crawler cranes, the Liebherr LR 11000 and Liebherr LR 1800, but soon realized the trailers could be useful for other markets as well.
Commenting on the deal and specification, David Collett, Managing Director at Collett & Sons Ltd, commented: “The low height, capacity and flexibility of the new step-frame trailers make them an excellent addition to our fleet, bridging the gap between standard step-frames and more specialist equipment. It’s another step forward in ensuring we continue to provide our clients with the most efficient and effective transport solutions.”
Experts in heavy-haul since 1928 Collett & Sons Ltd has generated a wealth of experience transporting difficult and abnormal loads throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide, serving the Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Civil & Infrastructure, Heavy Engineering and Renewables sectors. It operates across depots in Halifax, Elland, Bradford, Goole, Grangemouth and Dublin.
The HighwayMAX is a nine-axle extendable highway trailer with nine hydraulically steered pendle-axles and a legal payload of up to 77,000 kg (113,000 kg technical payload). Axle spacing is adjustable by up to 6.85m between each three-axle group, and each axle steers independently at 60 degrees for ultimate manoeuverability in tight spaces. All axles are liftable.
On its customer base, Jimmy Hill, Logistics Manager for ALL, said: “It will be in demand for transporting large
industrial equipment, as well as work at steel mills and wind farms,”
One of the trailers already had its maiden voyage, transporting a 77 tonne bolt press from Brecksville, Ohio, to Alsip, Illinois. Other heavy-haul jobs have come in just through word-of-mouth.
“Faymonville trailers are still fairly rare in the U.S.,” said Hill. “Once people see what they’re capable of, they’re interested in trying them out.”
120 & 130 CYD Walking Floor Hire Kässbohrer
Container Chassis
Kassbohrer Stepframe
13.9 m Kassbohrer Flat
9.4m Kässbohrer Tipper
STaS 130 CYD BIOSTaR with auto sheet
STaS Ecostar with Hydraulic Nets
2020 Renault T480 6x2
Following the introduction of the award-winning S.KOe COOL which features the fully electric S.CU ep85cooling unit, and the arrival of the next generation diesel powered S.CU dc85, Schmitz Cargobull has a power source for every application.
The S.CU refrigeration units are available across Schmitz Cargobull’s hugely popular S.KO COOL semi-trailer range, including the latest addition: the compact S.KO URBAN, for those operating in busy city centres.
New generation of Schmitz Cargobull refrigeration units – from future-proof to high-performance
It means there’s now a perfect transport and cooling option for every task, allowing road transport operators to deliver as efficiently, sustainably and profitably as possible.
The newly launched flagship S.CU dc85 cooling unit is 5% more fuel efficient than the model it replaces (the S.CU V2.0) and quieter thanks to the fitting of a Silence Kit as standard for optimal noise reduction without loss of power.
Its low-cost stablemate the d80 hasn’t been idle either, and the workhorse unit has a new extra feature: the option to specify a factory-fitted preparation for an electric power take-off (ePTO). This
EBPMS introduced as a factory fit option for all trailers
Initially launched at the turn of the year for Manchester-made Schmitz Cargobull curtainsiders, Electronic Brake Performance Management System (EBPMS) technology is now available from the factory on the German company’s popular S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailers.
EBPMS integrates seamlessly with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics and enables road transport operators to enhance road safety and reduce vehicle downtime. In the UK there is an added compliance advantage following revisions to the official Roadworthiness regulations.
The popular S.KO COOL semi-trailer has been joined by a younger sibling, the S.KO URBAN. This 10.5m long reefer which was 18 months in development, is designed specifically for the delivery of goods into its traffic-filled towns and cities. Capable of carrying 20 pallets, the S.KO URBAN features a command-steer axle for greater manoeu-
allows purely electric operation when towed by an electric tractor unit, backed up by diesel operation if an electrical source is not available.
In use, the control in Schmitz Cargobull’s S.CU cooling unit automatically switches back and forth between the ePTO and the diesel generator, ensuring that it remains 100% operational thanks to the two different energy sources.
For those looking to go emission free, the S.KOe COOL and its fully electric cooling unit, the S.CU ep85 is just the ticket. Combined with battery system, power electronics and electric generator axle, operators can reduce fuel consumption, as well as cutting the total cost of ownership.
Small can be beautiful – the new generation S.KO City semi-trailer for urban delivery
vrability, and a column tail-lift for efficient stowage (available with the mono or multi-temperature S.CU dc85).
All reefers are constructed with Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST technology, which combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance.
In addition, the glue-jointed design of the FERROPLAST box body is self-sup -
porting and warp-resistant, which means it only requires a “short chassis”. This permits a higher body height, as the box sits directly on the tractor unit, improving insulation and maximising interior height throughout the trailer. It also improves ground clearance, allowing customers to fit stowage options.
The strong MODULOS bolted chassis used across the product range comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts, underlining the longevity users can expect from their hard-working units.
Carrier Transicold has recently expanded its line of Supra High Efficiency (HE) truck-mounted refrigeration units with the launch of the Supra HE 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) and HE 13 MT. These two high-performance, compact and fuel-efficient systems are designed for compatibility with one of the most comprehensive ranges of evaporators on the market.
Available in standard and silent versions, the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units are designed to meet a wide range of refrigerated transport needs, supporting various configurations, including double compartment setup for the Supra HE 11 and the option of either double or triple-compartment setup
Carrier Transicold expands Supra HE Range with new Multi-Temperature Units
for the Supra HE 13 MT.
Based on the dimensions of the box and the specific application requirements, the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units provide two distinct levels of cooling capacity, the latter being the most powerful of the range. Additionally, Carrier Transicold has increased evaporator airflow capacity by up to 32% compared to the legacy Supra remote evaporators to enhance air circulation and ensure consistent temperatures throughout the vehicle’s interior.
The Supra HE MT delivers enhanced performance with improved cooling power and reduced fuel consumption. Rigorously tested in extreme conditions ranging from minus 30 degrees C to 55 degrees C, the system provides reliable
Impactful - Carrier Transicold Vector High Efficiency 19 MultiTemperature units on new Gray & Adams urban double-deck semi-trailers
Savings all round has been achieved with the customised Carrier Transicold Vector High Efficiency (HE) 19 MultiTemperature (MT) units mounted on new Gray & Adams urban double-deck semi-trailers, each equipped with a 23kW battery pack to enable diesel-free operation. These units transport ambient, chilled and frozen products simultaneously as part of a customer’s wholesale association with food retail chain SPAR. The new systems deliver significantly reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon footprint.
operation in any environment.
Its updated lightweight, compact design allows for seamless adoption into a variety of vehicle body types while maintaining cab tilting capability for easy maintenance and accessibility.
“Carrier Transicold is setting new efficiency standards in multi-temperature refrigerated transport with the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units,” said Jean-Michel Vadecard, Product Director Truck Trailer International, Carrier Transicold. “These solutions deliver optimised refrigeration performance, reduced fuel consumption, a compact design and enhanced airflow capabilities to accommodate all rigid truck configurations on the market.”
Each unit in the Supra HE line comes equipped with telematics hardware and is compatible with Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet digital platform.
The Vector HE 19 MT units utilise Carrier Transicold’s electric E-Drive technology which is central to all Vector refrigeration systems. The battery packs, which can be quickly recharged at the customer’s depot using a standard five-pin, three-phase standby plug connected to the main grid, have been installed on special sliding mounting brackets designed by Gray & Adams ensuring easy access for maintenance and minimising labour costs. The system allows the Vector HE 19 MT units to maintain three separate compartments
due to the addition of two evaporators to support triple-temperature operation.
The Vector HE 19 MT unit’s optimised hermetic scroll compressor and economiser boost refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while also helping to provide unparalleled levels of refrigerant gas containment. Additionally, when operating in electric mode, whether at base or on the road, noise levels are reduced to below the 60 db(A) PIEK limit, helping to minimise potential noise disturbances.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
With a background in engineering and metal works it is perhaps no surprise that the Monaghan Brothers looked at the possibility to refurb one of their older delivery vehicles, a MAN TGL 8.180 4x2 rigid with a 20ft body, with a view to extending its long life and loyal service to the company.
19 years young! Monaghan Bros extends life of its MAN TGL
transport fleet of trucks and vans.
The project in question was whether to refurbish their 2006 MAN TGL or replace the truck with a new one. The almost twenty year old truck with high volume load area was originally purchased from Dennehy Commercial Vehicles, Dock Road, Limerick, complete with a Luton Van body with drop down rear section, built by Fitzgeralds Vehicle Body Builders, Cork.
Having looked at all the figures, comparing the price of a new truck and body of a similar size to that of restoration, bearing in mind the relatively low milage recorded the decision was made by the company directors to seek out Gray Vehicle Bodies, Kilcock, County Kildare to undertake the refurb job. As it turned out, the body shape of the Luton changed dramatically, losing its box-overcab design as that section was showing worse for wear. A wind defector was fitted on the cab’s roof as part of the restyling. With other bits of bodywork repaired, the other major element was to respray and redo the vehicle in the company’s distinctive livery.
Monaghan Brothers, based near Mayo Abbey, close to Claremorris, County Mayo has been supplying bespoke handcrafted furniture to hotels, bars, restaurants, night clubs, fast-food outlets and service stations all over the world for almost 40 years. All of its work is carried out to the highest standard with deliveries undertaken by its own
up in 1987 by four brothers Paddy (RIP), Peter, Michael and Richard Monaghan. Starting as artisans, they gradually came to specialise in hospitality furnishings.
The firm operates from its own 27,000 sq.ft. purpose built premises, comprising of a manufacturing facility that includes wood working, metalworking, and upholstery and finishing on the ground floor, and raw materials storage and showrooms on the second floor.
“We manufacture a wide range of furniture from fitted seating, sofas, tables, chairs etc. The production of bespoke furniture is our speciality – all the customer has to do is send us the drawings and we can manufacture the product,” explained Peter.
Company director Peter Monaghan, was very pleased with how the truck job turned out, fully endorsing the decision.
“At Monaghan Bros, we pride ourselves on our ability to make a good product to meet our customers’ requirements. We deliver all work on time and to the highest quality, ensuring the customer is delighted with the end result. The high quality work undertaken on the MAN TGL matches our standards and we look forward to many more years of loyal service from the truck,” he said.
Monaghan Bros is a manufacturing specialist, producing standard and customised furniture for the hospitality industry. The family run business was set
Monaghan Bros’ furniture is sold directly to the hospitality sector, both at home and abroad, spanning across Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA. Its corporate clients include Applegreen, Supermacs, NUIG, Yale University (USA) and Dalata Hotel Group.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Described as “the avant-garde model” of camper vans, the latest Grand California; Model Year 2026, based on the Crafter light commercial vehicle range from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, was presented at the recent Caravan Salon exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. It features numerous visual and constructive updates which improve the living space of Volkswagen’s flagship camper van. All the revised elements of the motorhome, which is produced in Poland and is offered in two wheelbases, will be incorporated into vehicles going on sale this Autumn.
Evolution of Volkswagen Grand California: Premiered 2025 Caravan Salon
Grand California Model Year 2026 in detail:
New lounge look: The interior of the Grand California is now characterised by a new “Atami Bamboo” décor, in which the tabletop and the work surface of the kitchenette are executed. The new flooring (kitchen, dinette, cargo area), which is made of durable PVC, also has the same surface appearance. The now black faucet in the kitchen has also been redesigned. Together with the new wood look, they create a lounge-like contrast to the white interior giving an almost Mediterranean yacht character.
option, which enables assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance. The electronic parking brake, which is operated via a switch in the instrument panel, is particularly practical in the Grand California: Since this new solution has replaced the classic handbrake lever in the footwell, the driver’s seat can now be turned even
Perfection in detail: The mobile dining table can now also be locked on the outside of the kitchen unit in a flash, so that meals or an evening glass of wine can be enjoyed in the open air. Also new on board the California 600 (6.0 metres, transverse sleeper) and California 680 (6.8 metres, longitudinal sleeper) are luggage nets in the upper cabinets, which make it easier to stow away clothes and utensils of any kind. The new optional equipment includes a custom-fit thermal mat and blackout set for the windows in the cab.
more easily and quickly into the living area.
Most importantly, it has two rear sliding doors with accessibility from both sides on the right hand drive variant. A significant development and a big safety plus.
In Brief:
Avant-garde model: New wood look enhances lounge-like atmosphere in the bright and friendly living and kitchen area of the Grand California
Parallel to the update of the Grand California, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also presented many other new ‘camper’ highlights among its other mobile leisure models at Caravan Salon.
Innovative base vehicle: Like all current Crafters, the Grand California models have already been fitted as standard since July 2024 with additional new details such as digital instruments (“Digital Cockpit Pro”), a new infotainment system with optically free-standing touchscreen (26 cm, 10.4 inches in diameter, optionally 32 cm and 12.9 inches) and assistance systems such as “Front Assist” (emergency brake assist including cyclist and pedestrian detection), “Lane Assist” (lane departure warning), a parking aid (front and rear) and traffic sign recognition. Since then, “Travel Assist” has also been offered as an
New detail solutions: Additional luggage nets perfect the storage space; Interior dining table can also be used outdoors for the first time
New blackout set: Custom-fit thermal mats for the windows in the cab of the Grand California block out heat, cold and prying eyes
Progressive base vehicle: The Grand California is based on the latest version of the Volkswagen Crafter; it has stateof-the-art assistance and infotainment systems on board
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
The new Grand California is based on the latest version of the Volkswagen Crafter light commercial vehicle
The new wood look interior finish enhances the lounge-like atmosphere of the Volkswagen Grand California
MAX Trailer delivers vehicle number 10,000
The MAX Trailer brand with its signature modular concept was first introduced by the Faymonville Group in 2012. It hasn’t taken long for the Poland based manufacturer to reach a significant milestone, with the production of its 10,000th heavy haul trailer.
MAX Trailers offers a number of different vehicle types for special and heavy duty transport.
“We started in 2012 with the MAX100 semi low loader series. Over time, the range was completed with flatbed semi-trailers, drawbar trailers and low-bed vehicles,” explained Product Manager Mario Faymonville, looking back on the rapid development of the brand.
“Our customer base has always grown steadily. The same applies to our sales and service network, which extends throughout Europe. Standardised vehicles with optimised equipment in premium quality have prevailed. We are taking the lead and enabling an excellent cost-benefit ratio through the strong backbone of the Faymonville Group,” he added.
The 10,000th vehicle from MAX Trailer was sold to Dutch company Rutges Cargo, which has opted for an extendable MAX100 semi low loader with wheel recesses.
The Faymonville Group, which has a global reach produces it Faymonville, MAX and Cometto branded trailers in Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Italy.
mAX TRAILER PRODUCT RANgE:
MAX100
2 to 6 axle semi low loader with friction or forced steering that is also available in
an extendable variant (single or double extension), with wheel recesses or as a tarpaulin body.
MAX200
3 to 4 axle flatbed trailer, similarly available in a telescopically extendable version, with friction or forced steering.
MAX300
Drawbar trailer with 2 or 3 central axles and ramps.
MAX410
Force steered ballast trailer with 3 to 5 axles especially for the transport of crane parts and weights.
MAX510
Lowbed trailer with 2 to 3 axles as pendle axle version or power steered, removable gooseneck and telescopically extendable loading platform.
MAX600
Turntable drawbar trailer with 3 or 4 axles for the building and public works sector.
Two
Faymonville HighwayMAX HeavyHaul Trailers for ALL Crane in the US *Nine-axle extendable trailers haul up to 170,000 pounds; available for rent
To emphasise the broad sales reach of Famonville Trailers, the ALL Family of Companies in Cleveland, USA has added two innovative heavy-haul trailers to its own trucking fleet which are now available for rent. ALL initially purchased the
two Faymonville HighwayMAX trailers to carry the tracks for two newly acquired crawler cranes, the Liebherr LR 11000 and Liebherr LR 1800, but soon realised the trailers could be useful for other markets as well.
The HighwayMAX is a nine-axle extendable highway trailer with nine hydraulically steered pendle-axles and a legal payload of up to 77,000 kg (113,000 kg technical payload). Axle spacing is adjustable by up to 6.85m between each three-axle group, and each axle steers independently at 60 degrees for ultimate manoeuvrability in tight spaces. All axles are liftable.
Speaking about its potential use by the company’s customer base, Jimmy Hill, Logistics Manager for ALL, said: “It will be in demand for transporting large industrial equipment, as well as work at steel mills and wind farms,”
One of the trailers already had its maiden voyage, transporting a 77 tonne bolt press from Brecksville, Ohio, to Alsip, Illinois. Other heavy-haul jobs have come in just through word-of-mouth.
“Faymonville trailers are still fairly rare in the U.S.,” said Hill. “Once people see what they’re capable of, they’re interested in trying them out.”
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
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