Irish Trucker & Light Commercials

The works which goes on at the company’s base in Blackhill, Co. Kildare

the quarry. Before all that, my father’s grandfather would have started up a business in Kill in the 1940s and it was worked up from there.”

While he admits the last six months have seen things “quieten down”, Joe says that N and C Enterprises are still holding their own in these tough times, having recently purchased in a new Volvo truck and Hino truck to bump up their fleet up to even greater levels, and are confident that they will have a good summer in the coming months.

From this positivity into the future N & C Enterprises started as a trading company, Gavin Transport. This branch of the company deals with exports and imports to and from

Ireland – UK – Europe and has been expanding rapidly over the last six months with a number of vehicles now on the continent full time.

As for the tough winter months, which have hit record low temperatures over the past two years, Joe Gavin and co have recently devised a scheme for flood and ice protection.

If you are based in a region which is under regular threat from rivers breaking banks, or from coastal waters causing localised flooding, N and C Enterprises are now offering to all of their customers small sand bags on pallets and one-tonne sacks, suitable for flood protection. They will also welcome enquiries from local authorities, to

take part in their flood threat action plans.

The news has been welcomed by local authorities and is another example of the company’s willingness to lend out a helping hand.

N and C Enterprises are very proud of their involvement in certain charitable work, which has benefited people who have suffered greatly, down through the years. It is through continued support that they are in a position to contribute as they do.

For many years both Michael and Clement Gavin journeyed as far as Belarus, with building materials in support of the Chernobyl Child aid appeal. To this day N & C Enterprises continues its involvement in their contribution to the Chernobyl Appeal.

The materials they send out are used to refurbish daycare centres for people

Best Wishes To N&C Enterprises From

Oliver Conroy (Pallets) Ltd Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9373500 N and C Enterprises is based in Blackhill, Co. Kildare

42

Email: conroyrecycling@yahoo.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Some of the daily work carried out at N and C Enterprises

Best Wishes To N&C Enterprises From

Western Plastics manufactures and distributes an ever-expanding line of packaging supplies and machinery to a wide market range.

Ireland’s premier supplier of Total Quality Packaging.

Galway Office

Dublin Office

Ballybrit Industrial Estate , Upper Ballybrit Galway Tel: 353 91 771588 Fax: 353 91 752877 E: Sales@westernplastics.ie

U7, Crosslands Business Park, Ballymount Road, Dublin12 Tel: 353 1 456 6919 Fax: 353 1 456 6926 E: Sales@dublin.westernplastics.ie

www.westernplastics.ie

Continued Success To N&C Enterprises From

Naas Insurance & Finance

Competitive rates for Vans, Fleets, and HGV’s

The company has embarked on a major expansion programme since 2008

Fax: 045 876695 Email: tom@naasinsurance.ie www.naasinsurance.ie

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered Office: 15, Sth. Main St., Naas, Co Kildare.

ommercia C ls ea TRAILER REPAIRS SALES & SERVICE

.

Ltd

N and C Enterprises have also contributed to the Niall Mellon Township Trust. 2008 saw their first involvement with this worthy cause. Michael Gavin travelled with over 1,000 Irish people, to help to build homes for people in Freedom Park, Cape Town, South Africa, and the company would like to thank all of its suppliers who have contributed materials towards their charitable work both nationally and internationally.

Tel: 045 874444

O’Sh

who require treatment for mental and physical disabilities.

The people of Belarus are still living under the effect of the Chernobyl disaster, now over two decades ago.

SPECIALISTS IN SHOT BLASTING & PAINTING Baltracey, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare Office: 01 – 651 9334 Fax: 01 651 9335 E-Mail: osheacommercial@eircom.net Wishing Continued Success To N&C Enterprises Wishing N&C Enterprises Continued Success In The Future From

Range of Services Provided

Lawns • Flowers Paving • Decking • Pergolas Water Features • Lighting • Maintenance CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTATION Cedarview House, Barrettstown, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Telephone: (045) 438762 (086) 8262245 E-mail: keneustace@eircom.net

www.keneustacelandscaping.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

43

J and S Motors are in business over 20 years

Still leading the way Since their establishment in 1990, J and S Motors have been among the leading recovery and repair outfits in the Leinster region. Irish Trucker found out all about the Navan-based company from its Managing Director, Jim Sullivan.

T

J and S Motors cater for all types of vehicle recovery

44

here aren’t too many lines of business tougher, nor more demanding, than the recovery game, but for over two decades now J and S Motors have managed to make it work.

Offering a dependable and low-cost service nationwide, Jim Sullivan’s company has come a long way from its humble beginnings way back in 1990 when the times were

so different and the famous ‘Celtic Tiger’ had yet to leave its mark in this country. Back then, Jim started his company out his very own home and his endeavours saw the business grow rapidly which convinced him to expand operations up to the point they are at present.

“We’re based in Balreask in Navan and we’re established since 1990,”

explained Jim. “We have seven working here, one of them is parttime, and I also have a son, Shane, who is working with the company on a full-time basis, so we’re kept busy enough here at the moment.”

On the history of J and S motors, the MD explained: “In 1990, I started at home and to create a bit of work I started toying around with cars. I went out and bought

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

“We have a fully equipped workshop a small van and then eventually started doing contract work for AA in 1992. with all diagnostic machines and there “After that I bought my first tow-truck are three qualified mechanics working and as the months went by, things just here for us on a full-time basis,” got busier and busier for me. I decided explained Jim. to employ a mechanic after that and it “We cater for any kind of vehicle really started to move on from there really, including jeeps and light and the business just grew from commercials, and at the moment we strength to strength to where it is have a new workshop under today.” construction at the moment here and it While it all seemed straightforward, should be open in another six months’ Jim will tell you that it was anything but time with all going according to plan for as he tried to get his business off the ground. Proper The team at J and S Motors, l/r: Keith Boland, Colm certification and vehicles for Eogan, Gwen Geraghty, Shane Sullivan, John entering into the recovery Clarke, Jim Sullivan business were neither easy to obtain or cheap to come by, but through months and years of hard work he and his employees managed to build a strong relationship with customers – many of which he has obtained repeat business from up to this day.

In the J and S Motors workshop, Jim Sullivan and co cater for all of their customers needs and hopes are that by the end of 2011 there will be a brand new state-of-the-art workshop up and running in Balreask.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

us.”

The move to invest in a brand new workshop may be seen as a bit bold, particularly in such a harsh economic climate, but nobody better than Jim knows what’s right for his company and you can bank on the fact that it’s a sound investment on his behalf.

Despite the downturn, Jim says that the business is experiencing good times at present off the back of a busy winter period when vehicle recovery

45

Shane Sullivan along with Colm Eogan

was busier than ever given the icy conditions on roads in December and January, when record low temperatures were recorded all over Ireland.

“Business at the moment is absolutely flying,” he said. “We have four recovery trucks and a 4x4 jeep in our fleet here and they’re all out on the road for every day of the week.

“We haven’t been affected much by the recession in the way that many other companies have, thank God. We are fortunate that we are established a long time and have built up a strong customer-base here, which has helped us to stay in business for over 20 years now.”

J and S Motors have built up a long list of customers in their 21 years, all of whom have relied on the company’s renowned efficient service time and time again. Satisfaction of customers has always been a priority for J and S Motors and Jim and co have made sure to abide down through the years.

Jim is able to list the companies that have been with him the longest off the top of his head: “Our main contractors would be AA RAC, Europe Assistance, Axa Assistance, Ireland Assist, MIS Assist, Mercedes Assist, The Local Authorities, the M3 motorway and the Garda,” said the MD. “What we find with the industry is that a lot of the regulations aren’t being implemented. We are insured and trying to deal and compete with other companies that are not fully insured and are basically just lifting vehicles off the road with just car insurance.”

On the company’s fleet, Jim added: “We have tilt and slide recovery trucks and one of them is a crew cab which can carry up to seven people, which was specially purchased for the

46

motorway work that we do.”

One thing that Jim has always been stringent about is obtaining the proper insurance to recover and repair vehicles off the road. Since being setup, J and S Motors have always had the proper certifications to carry out the work that they do.

“It’s very important that we are fully insured,” he stressed. “We have a waste collection license, a road haulage license and all of our trucks are Pass 43. Most of the assist companies insist on a Pass 43 and we have made sure that our fleet have it.

“The IFRS are the training people and they have brought the standards up to a level where everyone should be looking to reach. We’ve made sure that we’re up to standard and that’s one of the reasons why our customers have continued to stick with us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the IFRS for all their work and raising the standards of the recovery industry.”

So whether it’s repair or recovery you require, be sure to look no further than J and S Motors in Balreask, Navan, where Jim Sullivan will be on hand to meet your needs, 24/7 365 days a year.

J and S Motors are fully certified J and S Motors have four recovery vehicles and a 4x4 in their fleet

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To J&S Motor Repairs From

MARTIN CAHILL LTD AUTO RECYCLER & DISMANTLER

Dept of Environment ELV certs issued Dismantling Modern Cars & Light Commercials Including 2010 passat 2.0 tdi bluemotion • 2010 Zafira 1.9 d 6sp • 2008 Mondeo 1.8 tdci zetec (choice) 2008 Astra 1.3d, 1.4p • 2005 523i,525d M-tec • 2007 Transit t280 Crossrule, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan • Tel: 049 8544444 • Fax: 049 8544311

M: 087 2516336 or 086 2581560 • E: jason@martincahill.ie www.martincahill.ie

J&S MOTORS

Wishing Continued Succcess To J&S Motor Repairs

UNIT 1 HOLFELD PARK, KILMACANOGUE, CO.WICKLOW Tel: 01-2762607 Mobile: 087-6900895

www.ifrsireland.com 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY HEAVY RECOVERY MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICING ON CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIALS D.O.E. PREPARATION S.I.M.I. AND I.F.R.S. Balreask, Navan, Co. Meath

T: 046 9029752/24 Hours M: 086/087 2566284 Best Wishes To J&S Motor Repairs From

ANTHONY CARNEY & CO. Financial Consultants Taxation Advisors Hayestown, Navan, Co. Meath

Tel: (046) 9024522 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To J&S Motor Repairs From

MARTIN SMYTH MOTORS 24 Hour Recovery Service Dulane, Kells, Co. Meath

Contact Martin 086 2599171 T/F: 046 9249001

Continued Best Wishes To J&S Motor Repairs From

McConnon’s Vehicle Recovery Ltd Commercial & Car Repairs 24 HOUR RECOVERY Aclint, Ardee, Co. Louth Tel: 041 6855404/405 Fax: 041 6855460

Mobile: 087 2569429 47

O’Reilly & Sons have been established in Longford over 50 years

The Midlands leaders O'Reilly & Sons have been selling the Volkswagen brand since the mid 1950s. Irish Trucker got the chance to speak with the company’s Sales Manager, Danny Ledwith, and found out more about the Longford-based outfit.

48

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

expanded their portfolio to include not only new cars, but also Volkswagen commercial vehicles and substantial stock of used vehicles.

Danny Ledwith is the company’s Sales Manager and has been a focal part in his end of the business for over a decade now. He explained the ins and outs of O’Reilly and Sons; past, present and their hopes for the future.

“We’re based here on the Dublin Road in Longford,” said Danny.

“We’re established since the early 50s and we’ve about 16 working here. My own position is Sales Manager and I’m here about 13 years.

“Joe O’Reilly is the Dealer Principal and his son Kevin O’Reilly is General Manager.

It’s a family run business here and they would have obtained many loyal customers here down through the years.”

Originally founded by Richard O’Reilly in Drumlish, the company moved to its current location on the Dublin Road in Longford town and was taken over by Joe O’Reilly, who has since brought the business from strength to strength.

Even in such harsh economic times, O’Reilly and Sons continues to defy the odds and maintain a steady flow of business in its sales department. Four years ago, the company constructed a new building on the premises, which was seen as an

investment towards the future, and despite the economy things have been running quite smoothly, considering.

“The company was founded by Richard O’Reilly in Drumlish and he moved the business to Longford in the early 1960s. After his death his son, Joe, took over,” explained Danny.

“We’re the main Volkswagen dealer for Longford and Leitrim. We do the normal services and started doing tyre-fitting there in December.”

O'Reilly & Sons offer a complete range of services at their wellappointed Service Bay. If your car needs an NCT or DOE test why not arrange to call in to them for a pre-test check. This will ensure that any faults likely to fail your vehicle are attended to in advance - saving you the cost of a repeat test. They will check your exhaust emissions too.

To make an enquiry concerning this service, you can use the company’s service request form, which is located on their website www.oreillyandsons.ie.

O'Reilly & Sons also stock a large range of parts and customers’ requirements can be located by using the Order Parts form on the company’s website.

Red stock parts are another venture of the business which can be purchased by customers at a very reasonable cost.

The company’s website explains: “We have in stock a large selection of red stock parts for sale at a knock down price. These parts are all genuine Volkswagen Audi parts, they are new and unused, although they are old stock. A small amount of items will show signs of age, and marks from moving. Also included in the sale, but unlisted will be some spurious filters to fit Volkswagen/Audi cars.

F

or over 50 years now, O'Reilly & Sons Longford has been among the leading car sales companies in the midlands and are currently the leading Volkswagen dealers for counties Longford and Leitrim.

A family run business, O'Reilly & Sons have remained committed to offering their customers the highest levels of products and service, in keeping with the quality of the franchise which they represent.

Down through the years they have IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Some of the Volkswagen Passats on sale at O’Reilly & Sons

49

Prices quoted beside the parts are all RRP. We are selling the parts in one lot, and the buyer will be required to collect the parts from our warehouse.”

Not many industries have been hit as hard as the motor sales industry in this recession, but O’Reilly and Sons have still managed to make it work and have bucked the trend when it comes to sales in the current climate.

“Business at the moment in the passengers end of things is quite good and commercials is quite good as well,” said Danny “Work-wise four or five year old vans are doing rightly, but people aren’t going to borrow over 10,000 euro in this climate to buy something new.

The new Caddy is a nice van and it’s attracting a lot of customers, but other than that it’s mostly the four or five year olds that are selling here at the moment.”

While O’Reilly and Sons lead the way in counties Longford and Leitrim, their business comes from all areas of the country, with a fair share coming from the capital.

O’Reilly & Sons are currently the leading Volkswagen dealers for Longford and Leitirm

“We do a good bit in Dublin and we have a lot of repeat business because our customers are loyal to us and know that we provide a dependable service,” explained the company’s Sales Manager.

Longford on the N4 is centrally located in Ireland, being under 30 miles away from

Athlone, Leitrim Village, Carrick-onShannon, Cavan town, Mullingar and Roscommon town. While other landmarks like Enniskillen and Sligo town are under 50 miles away and Kildare and Dublin just 55 and 75 miles away, respectively.

So, wherever you are, be sure to visit O'Reilly & Sons Longford for all your Volkswagen needs.

Continued Best Wishes To O’Reilly & Sons From

fuelclean.ie Some of the cars on offer at the company’s showroom

Best Wishes To O’Reilly & Sons From

KENWAL

WINDSCREENS & RADIATORS LTD Townspark Ind Est Strokestown Rd, Longford, Co. Longford.

T: 043 3345275 50

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

No W.E.E.E. task

Another loads sets off for delivery

The transportation of hazardous waste is a specialized area that only a number of haulage companies are involved in. All the relevant licenses must be obtained in order to carry out such procedures and the legislation involved must be followed to the letter.

T

his area of the haulage industry is without doubt the most governed as every move is monitored. So for this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we profile a company involved in this sector just to see what is exactly involved in the day to day running of such a business.

To help us out in our quest to understand the removal of hazardous waste, we speak to Brendan Guinan, whose company the Guinan Group specialize in such a procedure.

Under the Guinan Group umbrella is Guinan Haulage Ltd, which is the part of the company that caters for the transportation of hazardous waste. With a national and UK permit, the Offaly based company collect waste in Ireland and delivery it to treatment plants in the United Kingdom. “We provide first class, professional services in transport (including self-

loading), waste and vehicles. The Group includes Guinan Haulage Ltd, one of the top five hazardous/non-haz haulage companies operating in Ireland today. With experience and knowledge at the core of what we do, I and my dedicated staff guarantee quality, service and value for money,� said Brendan.

Since being established in 2005, Guinan Haulage Ltd has built up a customer base that includes the top companies in the waste and environmental sectors including KMK Metal Recycling Ltd and Indaver.

KMK Metal Recycling Ltd organizes for the treatment and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries and accumulators from authorized collection points.

Indaver is an established European waste management company, with a proven track record.

Their trademark is delivering high quality, cost

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A truck boards a ferry Recycling is a big part of the business

Guinan Haulage work in conjunction with WEEE Ireland

51

effective services in the municipal, industrial and specialist hazardous waste market across Ireland. Whether your quantities of waste are large or small, we can tailor a solution to suit.

“We have built up a good customer base over the years with the likes of KMK Metal Recycling Ltd, Indaver and Eco Safe all on our client list.

We would collect hazardous materials on site such as refrigeration gas, acid sludge, hospital and pharmaceutical waste, waste electronic and electoral equipment led acid batteries etc.

“Our fleet would consist of four artics and one rigid. All curtainsiders are fitted with ether Moffett or Manitou telescopic forklifts. The ridged is equipped with a tail lift while one double drive artic is fitted with an Epsilon E110 Z boom crane and grab. All drivers are ADR trained and safety is paramount when transporting and product.

“Quality is key to everything we do. We operate to the highest safety standards and are currently preparing for ISO accreditation. With a National Waste Collection Permit WCP-OY-09626-01 bringing our current clients peace of mind.

Over the years, the company has added a number of services to improve the standard of the business and some of these changes include real time tracking of loads, the national waste permit and vehicle servicing, which is something that was developed by chance.

“I took on a mechanic to service and maintain the fleet, but found that there just wasn't enough to keep him going, so instead of making him part time, I took on some outside work and I must say it has been going very well. Not only would he look after servicing, but we also do crash repairs, fit outs, spraying and even diesel tanks. A specialized area that is also catered for is aluminum welding, which is something that is not that common in these parts.

“These complementary services combine our years on the road, knowledge of the industry and reliability to give our clients peace of mind, value for money and a guarantee of a job well done. We believe in being in the right place at the right time with the right service.”

Brendan admits that there is always room for growth, but stressed that any decision will be made with the greatest of caution due to the nature of the haulage industry at the moment.

“Our main aim is to continue providing the level of service that we and our customers have become accustomed too over the past few years and hopefully improve on that. We would be looking to expand, but a lot depends on diesel prices, which are of great concern at the moment. The whole industry is suffering greatly and it is just a case of keep your head down and working hard.”

Brendan revealed that idle driving was something that he strived to avoid and to that end, he has worked hard to facilitate all of his fleet.

“I have a yard rented at Dublin port with a variety of trailers there so any truck that goes up

52

Guinan Haulage is established six years Some of the trucks are fitted with grabs

Maximised capacity

The fleet is kept in pristine condition

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

No W.E.E.E. task

Another loads sets off for delivery

The transportation of hazardous waste is a specialized area that only a number of haulage companies are involved in. All the relevant licenses must be obtained in order to carry out such procedures and the legislation involved must be followed to the letter.

T

his area of the haulage industry is without doubt the most governed as every move is monitored. So for this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we profile a company involved in this sector just to see what is exactly involved in the day to day running of such a business.

To help us out in our quest to understand the removal of hazardous waste, we speak to Brendan Guinan, whose company the Guinan Group specialize in such a procedure.

Under the Guinan Group umbrella is Guinan Haulage Ltd, which is the part of the company that caters for the transportation of hazardous waste. With a national and UK permit, the Offaly based company collect waste in Ireland and delivery it to treatment plants in the United Kingdom. “We provide first class, professional services in transport (including self-

loading), waste and vehicles. The Group includes Guinan Haulage Ltd, one of the top five hazardous/non-haz haulage companies operating in Ireland today. With experience and knowledge at the core of what we do, I and my dedicated staff guarantee quality, service and value for money,� said Brendan.

Since being established in 2005, Guinan Haulage Ltd has built up a customer base that includes the top companies in the waste and environmental sectors including KMK Metal Recycling Ltd and Indaver.

KMK Metal Recycling Ltd organizes for the treatment and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries and accumulators from authorized collection points.

Indaver is an established European waste management company, with a proven track record.

Their trademark is delivering high quality, cost

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A truck boards a ferry Recycling is a big part of the business

Guinan Haulage work in conjunction with WEEE Ireland

51

effective services in the municipal, industrial and specialist hazardous waste market across Ireland. Whether your quantities of waste are large or small, we can tailor a solution to suit.

“We have built up a good customer base over the years with the likes of KMK Metal Recycling Ltd, Indaver and Eco Safe all on our client list.

We would collect hazardous materials on site such as refrigeration gas, acid sludge, hospital and pharmaceutical waste, waste electronic and electoral equipment led acid batteries etc.

“Our fleet would consist of four artics and one rigid. All curtainsiders are fitted with ether Moffett or Manitou telescopic forklifts. The ridged is equipped with a tail lift while one double drive artic is fitted with an Epsilon E110 Z boom crane and grab. All drivers are ADR trained and safety is paramount when transporting and product.

“Quality is key to everything we do. We operate to the highest safety standards and are currently preparing for ISO accreditation. With a National Waste Collection Permit WCP-OY-09626-01 bringing our current clients peace of mind.

Over the years, the company has added a number of services to improve the standard of the business and some of these changes include real time tracking of loads, the national waste permit and vehicle servicing, which is something that was developed by chance.

“I took on a mechanic to service and maintain the fleet, but found that there just wasn't enough to keep him going, so instead of making him part time, I took on some outside work and I must say it has been going very well. Not only would he look after servicing, but we also do crash repairs, fit outs, spraying and even diesel tanks. A specialized area that is also catered for is aluminum welding, which is something that is not that common in these parts.

“These complementary services combine our years on the road, knowledge of the industry and reliability to give our clients peace of mind, value for money and a guarantee of a job well done. We believe in being in the right place at the right time with the right service.”

Brendan admits that there is always room for growth, but stressed that any decision will be made with the greatest of caution due to the nature of the haulage industry at the moment.

“Our main aim is to continue providing the level of service that we and our customers have become accustomed too over the past few years and hopefully improve on that. We would be looking to expand, but a lot depends on diesel prices, which are of great concern at the moment. The whole industry is suffering greatly and it is just a case of keep your head down and working hard.”

Brendan revealed that idle driving was something that he strived to avoid and to that end, he has worked hard to facilitate all of his fleet.

“I have a yard rented at Dublin port with a variety of trailers there so any truck that goes up

52

Guinan Haulage is established six years Some of the trucks are fitted with grabs

Maximised capacity

The fleet is kept in pristine condition

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The hazardous waste is transported to the UK

Wishing Continued Success To Brendan Guinan From

Specialise in All Types of Fencing COVERING ALL AREAS

Coolagh, Geashill, Co. Offaly.

Tel: 087 6720055 e-mail: info@ocfencing.ie

www.ocfencing.ie Best Wishes To Brendan Guinan From

Pat Gorman Plant Hire

Turf Cutting & Land Reclamation Lake Development Ballylevin, Geashill, Co. Offaly

to the docks doesn't leave until it has a load to be brought somewhere. We have a very reliable customer base, who pay on time, while we only work for people that have been recommended to us. You would have to be choosy to a certain extent when it comes to taking on new customers these days.”

Brendan had a background in the farming industry before the opportunity to get involved in the haulage industry arose and he is very grateful to the firm that gave him his first chance.

“I was told by KMK Metal Recycling that if I got set up, they would throw some work my way and that is how I got started. I'm very grateful to Max, Kie and Kurt from KMK for giving me that opportunity and they still support me to this day. I've learned a great deal over the intervening years and feel that I've accumulated vast amounts of experience, which can only help improve the business in the future.”

Tel: 087 6550746 Email: patgormanplanthire@yahoo.ie

Best Wishes to Brendan Guinan from

IAN DUNNE TYRE SERVICES MOUNTMELLICK - TULLAMORE

24 Hour Breakdown Service Supplier of Truck & Agri Tyres Kilcavan, Geashill, Co. Offaly

Telephone

086 8511633

Continued Best Wishes To Brendan Guinan From

EVER TON DEPOT For Storage Shipping Container Sales & Rental Nationwide Delivery & Lift-Off Also Anti -Vandal Office & Canteen & Welfare Units Contact Pat Keville on 086 044 8392 Email: patkeville@evertondepot.com

www.evertondepot.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Cloncollig Commercial Park, Tullamore, Co.Offaly Tel: 057 9323322 - E: longhaulcommercials@gmail.com Best Wishes To Guinan Haulage ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT NEEDS

Conor 087 7998876 087 2888862 53

Moving with the times S

o when a business reveals that they have been trading since the early 1930s then you sit up and take notice and even more so when it is in the fickle world of the haulage industry.

Hauliers have always been in a tough trade, but never more so as it is now with rising fuel costs and lower rates causing it to be a nervy time in the industry.

Patrick Molihan has been involved in haulage all his life, from the days when he was 'knee high to a A selection of Patrick Molihan & Sons Transport trucks

54

grasshopper' as they say. His father started dealing in cattle and Patrick revealed that he had array of trucks that will leave many old hauliers feeling nostalgic.

“The first truck my father had was a Rio and that was a very rare lorry, there wouldn't have been many of them around. He also had a Dodge, Acheson, AEC Mercury, Leyland Beaver, AEC Mandator and a KB Hino at different times,” said Patrick.

“Most of the younger generation would never have heard of some of Patrick (middle) along with his two sons Padraig (left) and Alan

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A company's ability to move with the times is an essential factor in the success of the business and many firms achievements can be gauged by the length of time that they have been operating.

The fleet is always maintained regularly

those trucks, but the older lads would have. I have been around trucks as long as I can remember. I worked for my father drawing cattle from Ireland all across the U.K for many years and we still are involved in doing that.”

These days, Longford based Patrick Molihan & Sons Transport continue to draw cattle and export them all over the world, while their main focus these days is continental refrigeration work.

Patrick's sons Padraig and Alan are

involved in the business with Padraig running the operation and Alan working mainly on the continent.

“I take more of a back seat role these days and let the lads look after the business. We would draw a lot of foodstuffs across the continent to countries like France, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and the U.K to name just a few.

“One of our main customers would be Kepak, while Green Isle (Northern

Foods) would also be another customer that we would have a long association with. In fact, we have been with them since they started up. We would sub a lot of work off McBurney Transport too and we have been involved with them for a number of years also.”

Patrick feels that by delivering an efficient and reliable service, the customers will always be happy and he stressed that this is something that

The company is based in Ardagh, Co. Longford

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

55

they have always strived to do.

“You have to make the deliveries on time and be reliable. If you don't then the customers will go elsewhere and get someone else to do the work. It's the nature of the business, so we stress the importance of that to our drivers.”

Finding a reliable staff can be sometimes difficult, and Patrick admits that it is not always easy to find competent drivers, especially for continental work.

“We would employ 20 in total and to be fair many of them are very good, but during the good times, it is difficult to hold on to drivers as they were spoilt for choice, but it's a different story now altogether,” he stated.

“This is not the easiest industry to be involved in, but we are fortunate to have a loyal customer base and the fact that we are involved in exporting also helps as it is one of the few trades that are doing well at the moment. It is certainly difficult times for all concerned.”

Patrick points to the increasing rise

area would look after the maintenance. We wouldn't buy brand new, but still like to keep the fleet fairly fresh in order to avoid any unnecessary downtime.”

Given the nature of their business, Patrick admits that they are not as affected by the downturn as some companies, and they are pleased with the direction that the company is headed.

“Ah yeah, we can't complain too much. You just have to get on with it and keep working away. We The fleet consists of have a loyal customer base Iveco, MAN and Volvo there and as long as they are happy then we must be in diesel prices as the main concern doing something right. within the industry and like all hauliers; “We have no major plans to expand he feels there should be more done to at the moment anyway, it just a case highlight their plight. of keeping our heads down and “The diesel bill is a killer and there working on ways to improve on the isn't a thing being done about it. It just service that we provide.” keeps going up and no one is saying anything, which is worse.”

With a fleet of eleven trucks on the road, Patrick revealed that his preferred choice was Iveco, Volvo and MAN, all of which are kept in pristine condition.

“We would buy the trucks in England as we feel that we get a better deal over there and they are a more quality vehicles. Usually the main Volvo or The family run business Iveco dealers in the has been trading since the 1930s

Continued Success To Molihan Transport From

GEELAN AUTO ELECTRIC & SPARES LTD

Refrigeration work is the main area of expertise

56

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MULLEADY COMMERCIALS • Pre DOE Testing • Break Testing • Texa Diagnostics • Wheel Alignment • All Repairs On Trailer & Trucks • All Repairs on Steel Fabrications on all types of trailers Cloonaugh, Drumlish, Co. Longford

Tel: (043) 33 24128 Fax: (043) 33 24731

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MAIN MAN AGENTS FROM MIDLANDS TO NORTH WEST Sales & Service • Approved VTN Test Centre • Suppliers and Installers of Tachographs and Speed Limiters 57

Corrigan’s expand their services Corrigan Fuel Services in Moyne, Co. Longford is much more than a Texaco Service Station and fuel distributor as director Declan Corrigan explains.

A

well-established fuel provider in the north Co. Longford village of Moyne, Corrigan Fuel Services has recently expanded its services to include the installation of oil tanks and the supply/fitting of anti-siphon devices, which prevent diesel theft in trucks and buses.

Formed in 1999 by brothers Declan and Bernard Corrigan, Corrigan Fuel Services is an expansion of the existing family business, which has been in operation for three generations since 1918 at the same location. The business consists of a modern Texaco-branded forecourt, a 1,400 sq ft convenience store and fuel

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depot as well as a fuel sales and accounts office which is managed by Declan’s wife Olivia who is also involved in the day to day running of the business.

A fleet of modern delivery trucks, comprising 2 x Scania, 1 x DAF and 1 x Daewoo, are attached to the fuel depot and are operated by experienced, fully-trained ADR drivers who are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

With a staff of 15, Corrigan’s are committed to providing a high-quality personal service across the whole fuel trade spectrum.

While Corrigan Fuel Services are

best known as distributors of fuel products such as home heating oil/kerosene, agri-diesel, motor diesel, Adblue and an extensive range of motor oils, they also offer associated products and services such as motor and agri-fuel additives, kero cooker/boiler additive, oil tanks, fuel level gauges, fuel pumping equipment, tank assessment, anti-theft oil tank locking devices and anti-siphon devices.

“We have expanded our range of services over the past few years,” Declan Corrigan explains.

“With fuel prices up 30 per cent and less of a demand for fuel locally, due IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Corrigan Fuel Services are well established in north Longford

mainly to the demise of the construction industry, we have had to diversify and look at other ways of generating business. We are now offering a wide range of products and services that are associated with the fuel business. Unlike our fuel distribution business which is confined to Longford and neighbouring counties Leitrim and Cavan, all our other products and services are available countrywide.”

One of the products that Corrigan Fuel Services is pushing strongly is the TISS anti-siphon device, which stops fuel theft and prevents diesel spills. The only device that completely prevents spillage and skimming of diesel, TISS anti-siphons are made to suit an individual make/model of truck to provide maximum security and easy fitting. The device’s unique float valve IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

means no fuel can be siphoned from the tank – even when the tank is full. Its “anti-spill” capability prevents overfilling of the tank, therefore ensuring that diesel doesn’t leak from the top of the tank.

There are three different options available to meet the requirements of any truck operator.

TISS’s anti-siphon range fit any vehicle or tank type – even with small necks or clearance issues.

“Over 35,000 units have been sold so far, making TISS anti-siphons the market leader when it comes to preventing fuel theft,” enthuses Declan.

“Leading companies like Quinn Group, Roadstone, Tesco, DHL and Sainsbury’s swear by this product. In addition, its “antispill” capability will save you up to 10 per cent off your fuel bills.”

Corrigan’s have also earned a reputation as oil tank installation specialists. They can supply tanks ranging in capacity from 1,000 to 100,000 litres and are agents for such reputable brands as Envirostore and Kingspan/Titan. The Filstop overfill prevention device is also a new product available from Corrigan Fuel Services. Fitting the Filstop, which is tested up to 580 litres per minute, provides safe filling by automatically shutting off the flow to the tank from the delivery tanker if the fuel reaches the maximum fill level, preventing over fill is now more important than ever with fuel prices high and very stringent pollution laws been enforced by local councils through Ireland if fuel spills pollute soil or water courses.

The Co. Longford-based company is

agent for Exocet anti-bug, anti-wax and cooker additives. Exocet’s biocide additive for motor diesel is designed to be a problem solver where microbiological contamination (diesel bug) has occurred. This is a black sludge that occurs in diesel which is stored in damp conditions and is becoming a more frequent problem due to our wet climate and also since the addition of 7% bio diesel by the Government last July.

This contamination can cause increased fuel filter blockage, loss of engine power and extensive damage to the fuel system of your car or truck if not treated. One bottle treats and cures 2,500 litres and can be added in smaller quantities to new or clean tanks to prevent this contamination from occurring.

Exocet’s anti-wax/anti-freeze additive for motor and agri-diesel is designed to stop diesel waxing/gelling and even freezing in extreme winter weather down to –30 degrees Celsius. This product also aids combustion, leading to easy starting in these conditions.

The treatment rate of 1 to 1,000 litres of diesel will cope with the coldest of European weather.

Corrigan Fuel Services also stock fuel filtration systems, fuel pumping equipment, Ad blue bulk storage systems, fuel tank cleaning and fuel polishing.

With the arrival of low sulphur diesel and the addition of bio fuel to all diesels available in Ireland, it is now more important than ever to filter the diesel in your storage tank. Filtered diesel ensures that moisture and debris present in your storage tank doesn’t make its way into your vehicle’s tank, thus ensuring that expensive problems don’t arise.

Corrigan’s supply Piusi Diesel Transfer pumps suitable for dispensing all diesel fuel for agricultural, truck and car use. Ad blue bulk store systems are also available in sizes from 1,000 to 5,000 litres and are becoming a common product in most haulier’s yards.

The fuel polishing service (Tank Cleaning) available from Corrigan Fuel Services firstly removes the visible water from the bottom of your storage tank. The fuel is then pumped through a fuel-water separator. This process removes 99% of water and filters the fuel down to 10 microns. The fuel is allowed to circulate through the

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Corrigan Fuel Services in Moyne, Co. Longford

Bernard Corrigan (pictured) and his brother Declan expanded the business in 1999

separator and several times back into the tank until all the sediment is cleaned from the tank bottom.

In addition, Corrigan’s offer a boiling servicing service and are agents for the Tiger-loop boiler device and the new Watchman Sonic domestic heating oil tank gauge.

Corrigan Fuel Services’ fuel delivery service order office is open seven days with delivery service available every day except Sunday.

For more information about the company, telephone

Declan Corrigan says diversification is vital to the business

049-4335333 or 0868044627, or email corriganfuels@gmail.com Alternatively, you can call into Declan, Olivia or any of the team at Legga, Moyne, Co. Longford.

Best Wishes To Corrigan Fuel Services, From

fuelclean.ie www.fuelclean.ie Email: info@fuelclean.ie Mobile: 086 2532715

Fuel Tank Cleaning and Fuel Polishing Service Agri, Derv, BioDiesel and Kerosene Nationwide Service for Storage Tanks, Generators and Boats From January 1st 2011, the introduction of ultra low sulfur diesel with 7% biodiesel will cause fuel storage problems. Regular tank maintenance is much more important when using these new fuels.

Biodiesel is more prone to algae growth when water is present in the fuel storage tank. The algae feeds on the water to form a black slime at the bottom of the tank. This water and black slime must be removed from the tank before it is allowed reach the fuel filters on modern diesel engines.

The safest way to do this is with our fuel polishing system Our on site service removes 99% of water and dirt particles down to 3 micron. This operation leaves the fuel cleaner than new with minimum waste.

Other Products and Services We also sell a full range of fuel, Oil and grease Pumping equipment.

For more information please visit

www.gfplantspares.com

60

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Specialise In the

THE BUILDING AND REFURBISHING OF NEW & USED TANKERS FOR THE FUEL INDUSTRY. 221 Armagh Road, Keady, Co. Armagh Tel: 028 3753 9999 Fax: 028 3752 3995 Email: sales@roadtankersarmagh.com

www.roadtankersarmagh.com Best Wishes To Corrigan Fuel Services

Best Wishes to Corrigan Fuel Services, From

MULLEADY COMMERCIALS • Pre DOE Testing • Break Testing • Texa Diagnostics • Wheel Alignment • All Repairs On Trailer & Trucks • All Repairs on Steel Fabrications on all types of trailers Cloonaugh, Drumlish, Co. Longford

Tel: (043) 33 24128 Fax: (043) 33 24731

Best wishes to Corrigan Fuel Services Best Wishes To Corrigan Fuel Services From

HALL TRANSPORT Best wishes to Corrigan Fuel Services IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Cornadrung, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford M: 087 2515931 F: 043 6684130 E: halltransportltd@eircom.net 61

Baku GLS Ltd have been on the road since May 2000

Optimistic as ever In operation since May 2000, Baku GLS Limited has continued to be one of the leading international haulage companies in Ireland, making daily journeys all across Europe. Managing Director, Uwe Kuhn, spoke to Irish Trucker, who found out all about the Wexford-based business.

I

n these tough economic times, Baku has been one of the fortunate companies which has managed to get through the crisis “reasonably well”, according to MD, Uwe Kuhn. In 2010, the business grew considerably and whilst things were very tough, it was a much better year than both 2008 and 2009, by all accounts.

Baku’s guiding principle has always

62

been to provide a quality service, and to achieve this the company continues to invest in staff, staff training, equipment, technology and quality systems.

The Baku owned vehicle and trailer fleet is gradually expanding. This March, Baku is expecting a delivery of 3 MAN Euro 5 fuel efficient tractor units, which will bring the company’s

fleet up to 12 tractor units and 40 trailers, including an increasing number of refrigerated trailers. Along with this, direct employment in Baku in 2011 is set to grow from 24 to 28 by the end of the year.

Staff training is something which continues to be high on the agenda at Baku. When the company started up almost 11 years ago, it started with IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company’s head office in Rosslare Harbour

three employees, who were all very experienced staff, in a small office.

Now we are 24 people between office, warehouse, drivers and maintenance staff. To ensure that the customer is getting a consistently high quality service, all staff members are trained on an ongoing basis and the company is lucky to have a bunch of very dedicated people employed. In addition to the training provided by Baku, some of them are taking evening classes to improve there competence and knowledge.

Baku has also set-up a specialist training company called South East Transport Training which specialises IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

63

Some of the Baku fleet at the company’s headquarters in Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford

in transport related training from Driver CPC, to Airport security training, GDP and hazardous goods training. This company has been now up and running for 12 months and have already trained in excess of 400 people. The courses on offer are gradually being expanded, but will remain entirely focused and transport and logistic.

The company continues to grow with the vision of developing a consolidation centre in the south east of Ireland for import and export groupage and part load cargo. Baku’s new warehouse facility offers state-ofthe-art cross docking and also offers storage in the new warehouse. Stored goods depending on whether import or export cargo are then being called off for export or domestic distribution.

On the export site, this facility is of particular interest to manufacturers with multiple manufacturing sites in Ireland who wish to consolidate there shipping from one warehouse.

Baku have full planning permission The full load business continues to for a 4000 square metre warehouse grow quite fast and Baku are handling and office facility and are hoping to regular loads to all over Europe and construct this within the next 30 destinations as far away as Russia, months. The people behind the project Turkey and Greece. are still looking for a suitable Besides quality and reliability, the warehouse customer which would price is also an important enable the business to customise the consideration for everybody. To new facility to their specific needs. combine the necessary, namely a low Currently, they are offering up to 40 price with providing greener transport, departures per week TRUCK to all over Europe.

FOR ALL YOUR CAR MIKE MURPHY The main markets INSURANCE BUS continue to be the NEEDS GROUP HOME Benelux countries, VAN Germany, Switzerland, TRAVEL The Insurance Centre, Sandyford Business France, Italy and FLEET Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18 BUSINESS Spain. However the TEL +353 1 2932370 FAX +353 1 2932360 LIABILITY Eastern European E-MAIL info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie SHOPS WEB: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie market is gradually OFFICES growing and Baku MORTGAGE provides regular LIFE services to Poland, HEALTH Czech Republic, CONTINUED SUCCESS TO BAKU GLS LTD Slovakia, Slovenia Mike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. And regulated by the Central Bank Of Ireland and Hungary.

Continued Best Wishes To Baku Gls Ltd From

M.S. Commercials Ltd. Bosheen Road, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Tel: 051 422277 • Fax: 051 421606 Mobile: 087 2573653 • 087 2440707 64

Wishing Continued Success To Baku Gls, From

K.D. (Garage) Services Ltd. Main Dealers For Scania & Mitsubishi Trucks Rosslare Road, Drinagh, Wexford T: (053) 91 45554 www.kdgarage.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Baku uses longer ferry routes, trains and container services where possible.

At this point the company is using the Cherbourg route more frequently, and are also using the services of the Eurotunnel and the train from Freiburg to Novara in Northern Italy when going to Italy.

Container services are also being offered for imports and exports on an increasing basis where transit times can be increased slightly. Having the trucking service as a back up offers the best of both worlds, as this helps to lower transport costs by optimising the transport chain as well as helping the environment.

Baku are increasingly finding that the “greener” option is often the cheapest option.

In addition to high tech, electronic and general engineering products, Baku is transporting more and more pharmaceutical products. An increasing number of pharma products are transported under temperature controlled conditions and Baku has special SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) in place to prove that the products were transported under the required conditions.

Vehicles can be tracked from loading to delivery, temperatures are being controlled all the way with printouts being provided not only from the fixed temperature recorders, but also from mobile temperature trackers that travel with each load.

All office staff and drivers have be trained in GDP and a full risk assessment is done prior to taking on new customers. For each new customer a SOP is written based on the risk assessment. Baku’s QS is currently being upgraded to comply with GDP/GMP. In addition to investing in IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

staff, staff training, quality systems and equipment, Baku is also investing in technology. The current IT system supports vehicle tracking and electronic documents management but details are not immediately available to the customer.

The company is currently in the process of developing a web-based service which will be fully up and running by the end of 2011.

Customers will then be able to book and track all shipments on line. Pod’s will be instantly available online.

It’s no secret that 2008 and 2009 were very difficult years for every

company in the country, including Baku and this necessitated changes which lead to cost reductions and higher efficiency, while 2010 was still a difficult year it was also a much improved one compared to 2009.

Despite all the challenges that 2011 is holding, Baku are optimistic and confident that the basic business is sound and that the changes they have implemented in 2008 and 2009 will ensure a better long term future for the company. They are happy with their location in Rosslare Harbour from a work, as well as a quality of life point of view.

Good to hear.

65

Four generations of excellence Sligo-based, family-owned distribution / freight company Palatine Transport (Ireland) Ltd. has been providing a top-class service for over a century. Irish Trucker caught up with former MD Noel Cawley (whose son Greg runs the company today) to reflect on the history of this extraordinary business.

T

wo-thousand-and-nine was a special year for Palatine Transport (Ireland) Ltd. as the Collooney, County Sligo based company celebrated 100 years in business. Since Palatine was established in 1909 by Martin Cawley, four generations of the Cawley family have provided businesses in Sligo, Connacht, Ireland and beyond with an unrivalled service, making them a veritable institution in Irish road haulage.

Palatine Transport (Ireland) Ltd. is first and foremost a regional distribution company. However, international freight services are also provided for all types of goods (with the exception of tankers).

The company operates out of a state-of-the-art 60,000sq ft warehouse and distribution centre in Collooney, County Sligo. Situated on a secure 3_ acre site, Palatine also offers ambient storage and logistical services.

A commitment to excellence throughout every facet of the operation has seen Palatine Transport evolve into the dominant transport and logistics provider in the north west of Ireland. With a wealth of experience, professionalism and efficiency – all provided to suit customer requirements and at affordable rates – the Sligo-born company has forged long-term contracts from a host of major national and international companies. As a family-owned and –operated business, with a highquality, fully-trained and competent workforce, Palatine is an ideal transport and logistics partner, offering

66

prompt, convenient, safe and flexible solutions.

Palatine offers a daily full-load and groupage service between Dublin and the north west and also holds a waste collection permit for Connacht.

Storage is offered for up to 5,000 pallets, with pick and pack facilities available, A driver-accompanied international service is provided to the UK and western Europe, as well as contract vehicles and driver hire (in client livery). All personnel are ADR trained.

Noel Cawley takes us back to the very early days of the company’s existence: “My grandfather Martin Cawley started out in Sligo in 1909 with just a horse and a cart. In the beginning, and probably for the next ten or 15 years, most of the business was hauling grain etc. off the docks in Sligo. This was brought in 20 stone bags up to the warehouses. ‘Carters’ is what they called themselves.

“My grandfather had the first Bedford truck that came across the Shannon.

They were the Rolls Royce of trucks at the time. From there, he bought more trucks and built up the fleet. He had a Morris commercial back in the 1940s.

During the War, he hauled sand and gravel into Sligo from the pits.

“Eventually, the business was transferred to my father Jack and his brother. In the office, there’s a merchandise licence detailing the transfer of the business from my grandfather to John (‘Jack’). He had two trucks on his licence at the time…

“There was a factory built in Nenagh manufacturing aluminium pots and

pans and kettles etc. and we used to go down there with a truck and bring them back to the big merchant in Sligo, Woods, who distributed them all over the county. The Western Wholesale Company also started in Sligo around that time and we also worked for them, drawing to Dublin and also making collections for them.”

Of course, those were different times that today and one couldn’t just zoom across the country along a smooth and perfectly-maintained motorway.

“Going from Sligo to Dublin at the time was like going to the moon,” Noel confirms. “There was a strip of tar up the middle of the roads and no white lines. It was a big expedition heading off to Dublin but fortunately the road improved a bit once you got to Kilcock…

“We collected around all the factories in Dublin and we were as well known in Dublin as we were in Sligo. If there was any whiskey or anything going into Sligo, we were the ones who got it. After securing a deal with a company who manufactured weighing scales, Martin bought a couple of articulated trucks and he began to do shipments up to Dublin to the docks and the airport.

“I started out on my own in 1952/53 and all my brothers were also involved in the business. I bought a merchandise licence off a man in Ballina and I had my own truck doing work for a mill. They then opened up the licences and you could have up to six trucks on the road, so I got a second truck and we were doing trips into the mill from Dublin and the North IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

etc. I was doing runs to the mill for about 25 years.

“However, the mill then closed down and we had to find alternative work. My second son, Gary, decided that we should start going across the channel, so that’s what we did. We worked in the UK for some local companies and we had six trucks going to the UK for about ten or twelve years. When the local factories were closed down, we went to the UK and bought a place outside Liverpool and secured a merchandise licence for the UK. I secured insurance for the trucks within ten minutes over there and I can tell you I came out singing a merry tune!”

Working for shipping agents, Noel was operating between the UK and Spain, Germany etc. “We opened an office in the West Midlands and my son Jack was based there. We had called the company in the UK Palatine Transport, so when Jack wanted to come home we brought that licence back with him and named the business in Sligo Palatine Transport (Ireland) Ltd. “But they didn’t want to just do long-distance work. They decided to go into distribution and that now accounts for about 90% of our work. They started with three trucks on the docks in Sligo and then bought a fourth as the business increased. We went to a 20,000 sq ft facility in an industrial estate but the business kept growing and we had to move again.

“In 2008, we relocated again, this time into the 60,000 sq ft facility in Collooney. We have a fleet of 24 vehicles between vans, artics and rigids and my four sons – Jack, Gary, Mark and Gregory – run the show now. We offer daily services in and out of Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, Donegal, Longford, Leitrim, Dublin and Northern Ireland.”

Very few haulage companies have been around as long as Palatine Transport. Looking back over their history, it really is a remarkable and intriguing story.

Palatine Transport (Ireland) Ltd. Collooney, County Sligo.

Phone 071 9118618 Email: info@palatinetransport.com www.palatinetransport.com

Best Wishes To Palatine Transport From

Colm Burns Commercials Ltd. Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles

Dublin Rd., Ballisadare, Co. Sligo T: 353 71 9160986 - 10 Lines F: 353 71 9161889 Email: sales@cbc.ie

MAIN AGENTS TO TOYOTA FORKLIFTS

Sales • Service • Hire www.callaghanforklifts.com Drumfin, Co. Sligo T: (071) 9165129 • F: (071) 9165298

Contact Sean On (087) 2799772 Best Wishes To Palatine Transport

Continued best wishes to Palatine Transport, from

INNISFREE MOTOR FACTORS -G F ENERAL

ACTORS

- DAGENITE BATTERIES - RADIATOR - NEXA AUTOCOL PAINTS

Riverside, Sligo Tel: 071-9145291 / 071-9143534. Fax: 071-9144285

Best Wishes To Palatine Transport, From

Heating & Plumbing Contractor & Attic Insulation Ballincurry, Curry, Co. Sligo

087 2068908

DOMESTIC • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL Continued Best Wishes To Palatine Transport IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

LAKE ISLE CONFECTIONERY Lynnbale, Sligo.

Tel/Fax: 071-9160624 Mobile: 087-2549327 IMPORTERS & MANUFACTURERS AGENTS & DISTRIBUTORS NATIONWIDE SPECIALISTS IN MARKETING OF CHILDREN’S CONFECTIONERY AND SEASONAL CONFECTIONERY NOVELTIES

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An immaculately presented Scania tractor unit

A surplus of excellence For over 60 years, LW Surphlis & Son has forged a superb reputation for itself as one of the premium agricultural / general merchants in Northern Ireland. A familiar sight on roads north and south of the border, the company operates an extremely attractive, efficient and well-maintained fleet of vehicles. Irish Trucker travelled to the company HQ in Newtownstewart, County Tyrone and met up with Colin Surphlis to discuss the history, present wellbeing and future aspirations of this thirdgeneration family business.

L

W Surphlis & Son was established by Lowry Surphlis in 1948. In the post-war era, farm machinery and building materials were in short supply and trading modestly comprised a grocery shop and sub post office. Since those formative years, the business has been grown substantially, mostly by the founder’s son and current MD Maurice Surphlis,

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who today runs the company in conjunction with his own sons Colin and Adrian.

As part of this expansion, bulk bins were installed in the mid ‘80s for the storage of dairy, beef and sheep nuts, along with a weigh bridge to allow customers to collect bulk feed at cheaper prices. Around this time, a new warehouse was also erected for

the manufacture of farm buildings.

A new meal store followed due to demand as well as a mixer wagon as the agriculture sector grew and stock number increased rapidly. Further renovations were completed in 1997 with the extensive refurbishment of the hardware store and a new office block built incorporating the latest computerised systems. Another IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

LW Surphlis tractor units have won numerous awards for their livery

substantial upgrading was carried out in the summer of 2010.

LW Surphlis specialises in a wide range of animal health products, animal feeds, fertilisers, farm supplies,

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

hardware and building products as well as the manufacture of farm sheds.

An additional 33,000 sq ft of storage space for straights and the installation of mixing plant affords customers a

wider choice of products and services.

An extensive range of fertilisers is stocked and grass seed mixture is supplied.

LW Surphlis boasts its own transport

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The firm is headquartered in Newtownstewart

solution to collect quality-assured compound feeds from John Thompson’s mills (which are based in Belfast and offer a large range of dairy, beef, calf and sheep feed) and deliver direct to farms. They also have storage facilities on their premises, where farmers can collect these products.

The company’s commercial fleet currently comprises a total of 45 units – 25 lorries and 20 trailers. Tractors units with optional blower trailers, rigid

bulk blowers, rigid curtainsiders, tippers and flats are included in the fleet. The company also has three walking floors and provides a haulage service to ADT in St Helen’s, Liverpool, who specialise in moving reels of paper and waste paper.

Many of the tractor units and rigids have won awards all over Ireland for their livery, which is synonymous with the company’s red and cream colour scheme, with the LWS logo carried right across the range. Keeping the

fleet in pristine condition is a must and no stone is left unturned when it comes to ensuring optimal appearance and performance. Darren Hollywood handles all the livery and signwriting, while all the servicing and PSV work is carried out in-house, headed up by Kenny Foster, who boasts years of experience, with one other mechanic and an apprentice also on hand.

Two of the many duties of the fleet are delivering animal feeds to farmers and delivering brites wood pellets for

Continued Best Wishes To LW Surphlis From

Wishing Continued Success To L.W Surphlis & Son From

Mechanical Engineering Contractors

Growing in more fields than you can imagine

Providing Innovative Engineered Solutions, to the Animal Feed Milling & Waste/Recycling Industries Over 40 Years of unrivalled experience

Agriculture • Amenity • Equine

Upper Glanmire Bridge, Glanmire, Co. Cork.

25 Mahon Ind Est, Portadown BT62 3EH Tel: (028) 38 391010 • Fax: (028) 38 393020 Email: info@howardallenseeds.com www.howardallenseeds.com

T: +353 (0)21 4396666 F: +353 (0)21 4396665 E-mail: sales@crowley.ie

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Specialist Seed & Agricultural Merchants

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J.F. IRVINE SAWMILLS LTD. SPECIALIST IN TANALISED TIMBER FOR JETTIES, GARDEN FENCING, AGRICULTURAL BUILDING AND PUBLIC WORKS

41 Badoney Road, Trillick, Co. Tyrone BT78 3SQ Tel: 028-8956 1250 Fax: 028- 8956 1890 Email: jill@jfirvine.com

Continued Success to L.W. Surphlis & Son Best Wishes To L.W. Surphlis & Son From

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Specialises in the manufacture and distribution of HDPE (high density polyethylene) drainage pipe to the Agricultural, Civil Engineering and Construction Industries.

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LW Surphlis is in operation for over 60 years

Balcas Timber in Enniskillen. About half of the fleet would be rigids for bulk farm deliveries, while the ten or so tractor units are mostly Volvo (from Dennison Commercials in Ballyclare) as well as a few Scania. All the latest technology and tracking systems are incorporated on the vehicles and Colin Surphlis admits that he wouldn’t have it any other way: “The progress that has been made in technology is unbelievable. It’s very handy now because you can just glance at a computer screen and see where your lorries are at any given time, which cuts down on a lot of phone calls…”

LW Surphlis is a dynamic and progressive company. Last summer, the bones of half a million pounds were invested in the plant, which is now a fully push-button, state-of-theart, computerised facility. Including all personnel from the grocery shop to the mill, a total of 50 people are employed. This represents a major boost to the local economy in these uncertain times.

“We are very busy at the minute,”

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“The plan is to more or less keep Colin notes. “The price of feed is too high for farmers’ liking – it has gone going as we are. We’re trying to up £50 a tonne in the past twelve control what we have and consolidate months – but we are generally very the business. We have secured busy and we can’t complain. We are planning permission for a new store mostly involved in the farming industry for storing brites wood pellets, which and the downturn hasn’t had a major we hope to erect this summer, but impact on agriculture – farmers still apart from that we’ll do what we do farm and people still need their best and continue to provide a quality produce. Of course, it’s very difficult to service across every aspect of the get money in these days, but we have business.” three salesmen on the road full time and Wishing Continued Success To LW Surphlis we’re doing out best to keep the books balanced.”

The LW Surphlis KEEN RATES FINANCE DEALS AVAILABLE THROUGH OUT IRELAND GIVEN ON EUROS fleet can be seen predominantly on the roads of Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh but they also move further south and make regular runs to Dublin SELECTION OF NEW VANS AVAILABLE AT COMPETITIVE RATES and Louth, for 66 LEARMORE RD., KILLEN, CASTLEDERG, CO. TYRONE BT81 7SD TEL: (028) 8167 1289 example. As for the “ALL MILES GUARANTEED” • www.dergcommercials.com • “ALL MILES GUARANTEED” future, Colin reveals:

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Wishing Continued Success To L.W. Surphlis & Son

3rd Floor, Callaghan House, 13-16 Dame St., Dublin 2 Tel: 01 6797866 Email: arkadyfeedltd@toepfer.com

Wishhing Conttinued Success To L.W W. Surphhlis From

AUTOSMART

Best Wishes To L.W. Surphlis & Son From

George Kincaid Tyres All Brands of Tyres Supplied & Fitted Commercial & Agricultural Vehicles Also Specialists In Sales Of 4x4 Pick-Ups All Clean Ex-Lease ( Always in Stock) 40 Cavandarragh Road, Castlederg, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

T: 028 81661317 M: 077 15105024

E: georgekincaid@hotmail.co.uk

Best Wishes To L.W. Surphlis & Son From

OLIVER M LOUGHRAN & CO LLP SOLICITORS 9 Holmview Terrace, Campsie Road, Omagh BT79 OAH

Email: info@oliverloughran.com

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Best Wishes To LW Surphlis From

Industrial & Commercial Contracting Control Panels & Automation Maintenance & Breakdown • Testing & Inspection 347 Pomeroy Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 3DT

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73

Time for a commercial break T

hings have never been tighter; margins never more precarious. These are troubled times for the haulage sector as a whole, from fleet operators to owner-drivers to tradesmen. The banks seem to have closed their doors and money is scarcer than in a Dickens novel. Thus, hard-pressed operators need to be even more meticulous and vigilant than usual when it comes to seeking out the right deal.

This is where Scotts of Antrim enters the equation. For over four decades, this third-generation family business has been providing an unrivalled service, sourcing and supplying the highest-quality commercial vehicles at an affordable price. Scotts carry a superb range of used commercial vehicles – from box bodies and curtainsiders to tippers, flat beds, cranes and mixers as well as fridge bodies and vans.

Prospective customers from north and south of the border could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Scotts of Antrim at 2 Oldwood Road or telephone 028 94462035 to see what’s currently available in the extensive stock of trucks or even to make a specific request. The directors boast the contacts and experience of the trade to source practically any commercial vehicle.

Today, the business is overseen by Brian Scott, in conjunction with his wife Ann and son Jason and Paul.

Brian has been in business for around 40 years and his late father Robert worked with trucks for many years before that. Upon arriving at the company yard, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the generous array of vehicles – comprising around 40 superb trucks at the time of writing.

Recommended far and wide by word of mouth from a succession of satisfied customers, the Scotts of Antrim service is as popular today as ever it was – perhaps even more so as operators are forced to seek out bargains.

Remember, bargains are what Scotts specialise in.

“We get a lot of customers up from the south and Brian always gives them an excellent deal once they make the journey up,” says Ann Scott. “Over the years, we have sold a number of commercials to customers from the south, and we’ve managed to sell some cars across the border too.

“Having said that, we specialise first and foremost in second-hand trucks, which are always in mint condition.

We deal only in high-quality, clean vehicles and we wouldn’t touch any truck or van that wasn’t in prime condition. All the vehicles are fully certified when they leave here and we always allow customers to bring their own mechanic to run their eye over the vehicles, if they so wish.

Every vehicle is sitting here ready to drive off on the same day, with no hassle whatsoever.

“We cover all types of commercials – all makes and models of vans and trucks – and we’re confident that we can provide something to fit every need. There is a major emphasis on value and quality and we have had decades

74

of satisfied customers, many of whom are repeat customers.”

Needless to say, the team at Scotts of Antrim are not insensitive to the difficulties affecting the economy. They are only too painfully aware of the hard times we are experiencing and vow to go that extra yard to help customers out in any way possible.

As Ann says: “People in the south are definitely feeling the pinch. We realise we’re not exactly on their front doorstep, but we’ll look after anybody who goes to the trouble of dropping in to look at our offers. We have vehicles of exceptionally high quality here and we are prepared to strike a fair deal on all of them.

That’s how this business works. We’re getting better value in the market than we did five years ago and we’re prepared to pass those savings on.”

How is business?

To what extent is Scotts of Antrim feeling the pinch?

“We are ticking over nicely and we’re happy enough with the business we have but, having said that, we could do with a little more. We have a wonderful product here but people are scared to make the decision when it comes to parting with cash. They want to get trucks as cheaply as possible, and this is perfectly understandably, but I suppose www.pippen.co.uk - Airbrush the reality is that artist to Scotts of Antrim they have to

With finance harder to come by than at any other time in living memory, it has never been more difficult to find a commercial vehicle at an affordable price. However, with over 40 years’ experience in sourcing superb vehicles and providing unrivalled deals, Scotts of Antrim have a solution to meet every need. If you’re in the market for a quality pre-owned truck or van - at a sensible price - look no further.

A truck that won’t be forgotten in a hurry

www.pippen.co.uk - Airbrush artist to Scotts of Antrim

Scotts of Antrim is a third generation family business

www.pippen.co. uk - Airbrush artist to Scotts of Antrim

Scotts of Antrim’s stunning livery

75

spend something or the economy will collapse.”

Scotts go so far as to provide an unconditional guarantee to customers that they will provide a great deal. “If anyone from the south wants a lorry or a van, they can give us a ring and we will sort them out. It’s really just a matter of giving us a call - and there are no obligations. We have unbelievable value here and the products have to be seen to be believed. They can also be viewed on

our website. I know it’s hard to raise money these days and that a lot of people haven’t got it, but a quality truck at the right price could be a great investment for any business. We’re a bit further across the border than some other dealers but it’s well worth making the extra journey. The lorries are clean and in great nick and every customer who makes the effort is more than happy.

“We have been in the transport business for years and we use the

vehicles ourselves. We wouldn’t want any rough stuff around the yard. We do all our own servicing and all the lorries are certified and are 100% safe when leaving here.”

And what about the future? “We have been doing this for 40 years and will continue to do so. We work around the demand at any given time. At the moment, there’s huge demand for vans and that’s one of the areas we’re focusing on.”

Pippen McGrath Owner/Artist

AIRBRUSH ART PLASTIC WELDING

www.pippen.co.uk 0779 3564 954

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0779 3564 954 www.pippen.co.uk pippen@pippen.co.uk

Continued Best Wishes To SCOTTS OF ANTRIM

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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