Features & Interviews

Five minutes with…..Richard Owens, Marketing Manager & Technical Support Specialist, Don-Bur

27 June 2024 #Features & Interviews

Describe what products Don-Bur offers?

Established in 1981, the Don-Bur Group has become internationally recognised for its innovative development of trailers and rigid vehicle bodies, designed to minimise operational costs and increase efficiency. The company has committed to research and develop solutions with primary focus on aerodynamics and optimum utilisation of available cubic capacity.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands, we have a 550 strong flexi workforce and generate a group annual turnover of £70 million. Vertically integrated divisions include a 24-acre primary manufacturing site, curtains and load restraint division, graphics house, parts division and three after-sales service sites (repair, servicing, refurbishment and ATF Station), one of which is dedicated to light commercial vehicles. The comprehensive structure provides a complete and fully accountable solution for clientele, catering for all commercial vehicle needs throughout their lifespan.

Tell us about your new trailer designed for Marks & Spencer?

We have created a batch of 44 Lifting Deck trailers, purpose-built for industry giant Marks & Spencer.

With a history of collaboration spanning decades, Don-Bur has been a trusted partner in Marks & Spencer’s transportation operations. The introduction of the latest Lifting Deck trailer design marks another milestone in this enduring partnership, demonstrating Don-Bur’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of the M&S fleet.

How will Marks & Spencer benefit?

The benefits include increased capacity as the Lifting Deck trailer’s design maximises cargo space, optimising capacity for efficient transportation of goods. The upper deck, with a usable load width of 2.44m, allows for the addition of two extra cages or three additional dollies. This innovative design not only streamlines logistics operations but also contributes to cost savings and sustainability efforts by minimising delivery frequency and carbon emissions.

With a focus on safety, the trailer ensures the protection of both goods and personnel, while the trailer’s design caters to all transport divisions, accommodating both clothing and ambient freight, providing flexibility and efficiency for Marks & Spencer’s diverse transportation needs.

Safety and sustainability are paramount to Marks & Spencer, and this trailer’s advanced features align perfectly with its commitment to ensuring the highest standards in transportation.

What are the key features of the new Lifting Deck trailer?

Key features include Leg-Safe, a landing Leg Safety System, that prevents trailer damage and reduces the risk of accidents.

It ensures the correct landing leg position by alerting the driver if legs are not lowered during de-coupling.

There is also Deck-Talk – a verbal feedback system for upper decks providing practical safety and status information in line with ISO hazard guidance.

The trailer features EBS-Safe, an electronic Braking System warning system to ensure compliant ISO 7638 ABS/EBS connection, enhancing safety and compliance, as well as the Haldex TEM Parksafe valve which helps prevent rollaway incidents, enhancing overall safety.

A 3.3m long pneumatic ramp provides easy access from the lower deck to the swan-neck area while the LowGlide coupling system allows the driver to couple from ground level, eliminating risks associated with climbing onto the catwalk.

In addition, banksman downlighters enhance visibility around the trailer in poor light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.

Finally, an Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) provides real-time insights into the trailer’s braking efficiency, enhancing safety and compliance.


Richard Owens, Marketing Manager & Technical Support Specialist, Don-Bur

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