News from Volvo: As part of a multi-million pound investment programme in 2014, Preston Plastics Limited has invested in three high specification Volvo trucks, two of which are Euro 6 compliant.
The renewal of the transport fleet is a key part of the investment programme, says Preston Plastics Limited Director Edgar Wallace.
“We operate 24/7 and export 60% of the company’s production to Europe. We provide our customers with a total package that includes not only road transport, but also the supply of compactors, shredders and balers. As a recycler and an environmentally responsible company, we operate the latest emissions compliant transport fleet. Just as we deliver a complete package to our customers, we are pleased that Thomas Hardie Commercials and Volvo have supplied us with what is effectively a total transport solution comprising vehicles specified precisely to our needs and a top level maintenance contract tailored to fit with the requirements of our business.”
The company, which specialises in recycling polypropylene, collects production scrap and waste from large industrial companies and printers. Around 300 tonnes is processed each week, using brand new, state-of-the-art machinery. Pellets are manufactured from the recycled material.
These go for remoulding and re-use in interior components, particularly by major European automotive companies.
A Euro 6, new series Volvo FM, supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, Preston, is the most recent acquisition. It joins a ‘14 plate, Euro-6 FH-460 tractor unit and a ‘61 plate Euro-5 spec FM 8×4 rigid.
All the vehicles are maintained at weekends by Thomas Hardie Commercials Preston Dealerpoint on a Volvo Gold Repair and Maintenance contract. “Thomas Hardie does a great job of looking after us,” reports Edgar Wallace.
Working closely in partnership with the customer, the new series Volvo FM 8×2 was carefully specified to provide ultimate flexibility for the business and for the driver. The air-suspended, tag-axle FM is powered by Volvo’s 13-litre, D13K-420, Euro-6 engine rated at 420hp and matched to the I-Shift automated transmission.
The chassis of the new FM was factory-fitted with a VBG drawbar coupling, together with preparation for air and electrics..
Fuel economy of the Euro-6 trucks is being closely monitored, with the new series FM currently returning around 9.3 mpg, comparable, with the Euro-5 compliant FM, which is engaged on similar duties.
