irish trucker & light commercials magazine january 2012

40
Eamonn Barrett International Transport was established in 1998 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 40 T here are fewer lines of business tougher to be in than the international haulage game, but for the past decade and a half Eamonn Barrett and co have continued to make it work. Established by its current proprietor back in 1998, Eamonn Barrett International Transport has earned itself a strong reputation throughout Ireland, and indeed Europe, for providing a reliable service to its customers. “We’re based in Askeaton in County Limerick and we have 10 people working here full-time, including myself and my wife Helen,” explained Eamonn. “It’s a family run business and when we first started out it was with just one lorry Eamonn Barrett Transport has a list of customers all over Europe On the international trail Coming up on 15 years in business, Eamonn Barrett International Transport in Co Limerick are continuing to lead the way in international haulage. Irish Trucker spoke to the Managing Director himself to find out more.

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Page 1: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Eamonn Barrett InternationalTransport was established in 1998

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS40

There are fewer lines of businesstougher to be in than theinternational haulage game, but

for the past decade and a half EamonnBarrett and co have continued to makeit work.

Established by its current proprietorback in 1998, Eamonn BarrettInternational Transport has earned itselfa strong reputation throughout Ireland,and indeed Europe, for providing areliable service to its customers. “We’re based in Askeaton in CountyLimerick and we have 10 peopleworking here full-time, including myselfand my wife Helen,” explained Eamonn.“It’s a family run business and when wefirst started out it was with just one lorry

Eamonn Barrett Transport has alist of customers all over Europe

On theinternational trailComing up on 15 years in business, Eamonn Barrett International Transportin Co Limerick are continuing to lead the way in international haulage. IrishTrucker spoke to the Managing Director himself to find out more.

Page 2: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

on the road. And lots of help fromfamily and friends. It’s taken off fromthere really and we work all over thecontinent now.” While it sounds simple, EamonnBarrett International Transport had itfar from easy before establishingthemselves as a steady business.Many long hauls and late hoursearned Eamonn his customers earlyon and allowed him to eventuallyemploy more drivers to get hisbusiness off the ground. Now the company boasts a strongfleet which journeys all across Europeto ensure that its customers arecompletely satisfied. “Basically what we do is internationalhaulage to all European cities andbeyond. Romania is the furthest wehave gone to, And would be willing toeven further,” stated Eamonn. “I am a mechanic by trade and Ialways had an interest in trucks from avery small age. I have a very goodfriend Edward O Callaghan and Ibought my first truck from him whichwas an 1987 Scania 112 in 1998 andit all started up after that and thebusiness just grew from strength tostrength. We are sourcing work andmaking new contacts in many places.” Barrett International Transport nowhave a well-earned list of contentcustomers from all over the continent. However, with the economy in thestate it finds itself in, in this country atpresent, Eamonn’s company, like somany others in Ireland, have had totighten its belt to try and ride out therecession which has effected so manyin this country.“It’s tight at the moment. It’s reallyabout survival now and to hope for alittle profit to retain,” he admitted. “Profit margins are small and if youhave a new truck, you need two oldones to help pay for it. We have up todate technology systems here andwe’re looking to keep our fleet asmodern as we can, but as I said thingsare tight.” The rising cost of fuel has beensomething which has hit companieslike Eamonn’s quite hard over the pasttwo years. He admits that it’s nowtougher than ever for those in thehaulage industry, but he is keen toexplore whatever good options he can

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 41

Eamonn Barrett Transportis a family-run business

Eamonn Barrett puts hisfaith in the Scania brand

Barrett International Transportare always on the move

Page 3: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

to try and ride out the storm. “It’s a huge impact. I was onlytaking to our diesel supplier todayand it’s going up again tonight,” Asit does ever week; stated the MD. “With the work that we do, we buymost of our diesel abroad where itis cheaper and unless the heads ofstate do something here, there’snothing we can do about that.Companies all over in Ireland thatdo work abroad are doing the sameand it’s no surprise with the ratewhich diesel and petrol are at in thiscountry at the moment.” The Eamonn Barrett InternationalTransport fleet ensures that thecompany’s customers are satisfiedby getting from ‘A to B’ safely andon time, and Eamonn has done aterrific job down through the yearsto make sure that his trucks aremaintained to a very high standard. “We have 10 lorries, five of themare Scanias, three are DAFs andtwo Renaults,” Eamonn stated. “They would all be between 2000and 2009 and I think I’m going towork with what I have at the minute.If things continue to go the waythey are going, we’ll be downsizingrather than buying new I’m afraid.” Those are the tough choices thatface any business man, butEamonn is grateful to still have theloyal support of customers whichhave been with him from the verybeginning, as well as the ones heacquired soon after setting up anddown through the years. He acknowledged that there havebeen businesses in his local areathat have felt the heat more so thanhim in the last few years, and hasbeen thankful for their support andthe support of others over the last15 odd years.

“Our main customers wouldbe DSV Dublin, DFDS, andwe also do a good bit ofwork for other companiesboth National andInternational ,” he stated “There have been biglosses in the area, one ofwhich was Dell Computerswho we had been doingwork with since 2002. Westarted going out on thecontinent in 2001 andthankfully we still continueto do that on a weeklybasis.”The plan now for Eamonnand co is to try and weatherthe storm, hope thatbusinesses allacross Irelandcan enjoy bettertimes and fuelcosts will godown. Whilethings look setto get worsebefore they getbetter, the MD ofEamonn BarrettI n t e r n a t i o n a lTransport is asoptimistic asever andhopeful for thefuture. “We hope to beable to sustainthe hardshipnow andcontinue to bean employer in the area.Hopefully there will besomething there for our kidsin a few years if they want it,”he said. Eamonn BarrettInternational Transport is amember of the Irish RoadHaulage Association (IRHA)and is also part of the Smallto Medium Enterprise(SME). In recent years, Eamonnand co have also workedclosely with the RoadSafety Authority (RSA) indeveloping themaintenance program fortheir truck and trailer fleet.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS42

COMPANY DETAILS

Eamonn Barrett

International Haulage

KilbehaAskeaton

Limerick

Tel: 061-398 924A Scania 164

One of the extensiveScania fleet

One of the DAF truckswhich is part of the fleet

Page 4: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 43

Wishing Continued Success ToEamonn Barrett International Transport, From

Dismantling All Makes Of ModernTrucks From 3.5 ton upwards

Southlink Business Park, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick.M: Alan (087) 6880142E: [email protected]: Anthony (087) 6277152

TRUCKBREAK LTD

Best Wishes To

Eamonn Barrett International Transport

Best Wishes To Eamonn Barrett International Transport, From

O’MAHONEYCOMMERCIALS

The Rock, Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. TipperaryT: +353 50424290/24576 F: +353 50424298 M: +353 872597801

Email: [email protected] special offers on Scania brake pads, king pins and

shock absorbers fitted at O’Mahoney CommercialsIncluding FREE Tracking with every King Pin fitted

FREE winter pack with every service at O’Mahoney’s as well as 20% off all Scania Mirrors and Bulbs.

Call us today on 0504 24290 for these & more special offers or visit us on www.omahoneys.ie

Best Wishes To Eamonn Barrett International Transport, From

TIPPERARY TESTING CENTRE LTD.Prop: MATT KAVANAGH

Authorised DOE tester for Vans/Trailers/Jeeps & Heavy Vehicles

Have your light van, jeep, transit and all heavytrucks,trailers, buses DOE tested at our new modern

VTN Testing Centre onROSANNA ROAD, TIPPERARY

Tachograph Calibration •Vehicle PlatingTelephone: 062 51563 Fax: 062 80808

Best Wishes To Eamonn Barrett International Transport, From

Unit 8 Rosmadda Business Park,Ballysimon Road, Limerick

Tel: 061 437932

CONTINUED SUCCESS TO EAMONN BARRETT INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT, FROM

Specialists in Second-hand Scania Parts

Now BreakingR-Series & V8s!

IRELAND’S LEADING TRUCK DISMANTLERS

Best Wishes To Eamonn Barrett International Transport, From

Page 5: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS44

Delivering the goodsfor 75 years

Celebrating 75 years in existence, Vanfleet Transport Ltd. is one of Ireland’spremier distribution companies. Having expanded its fleet substantiallyover the past three years in line with favourable customer projections, thisstellar family business is in a stronger position now than it’s ever been. IrishTrucker popped into the company’s base on the Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 11for a chat with transport manager Paul Fitzsimons.

Page 6: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Part of the hugely-impressiveVanfleet Transport fleet

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 45

Page 7: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS46

From left: Paul Fitzsimons, Patsy Kealy (Hino),Thomas Fitzsimons and Shea Fitzsimons

Page 8: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

www.hino.ie

BEST WISHES TOVANFLEET TRANSPORT

Page 9: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS48

Vanfleet TransportLtd. is a family-owned and -

operated businessoffering a regulardelivery schedulespecifically to DunnesStores outlets throughoutIreland. The Fitzsimonsfamily has provided aquality service to itsvaried clients since 1936and they are still at theforefront of the transportindustry in Ireland 75years after thecompany’s genesis.

Paul Fitzsimons isparticularly proud of hisfamily’s history ofproviding distributionsolutions, going back to1936 when hisgrandfather JohnFitzsimons started out asJ Fitzsimons (and evenearlier!). The first

customers included thelikes of Cantrell &Cochrane, Jameson,Guinness, Smithwicks,Irish Meat Packers, SaxaSalt and British Rail witha range of productscarried including cement,turf, oil and lubricants,beverages, flooring,corn, meat and steel. Anumber of differentincarnations of the familybusiness followed beforeShay Fitzsimonsestablished VanfleetTransport Ltd. andFleetway Transport Ltd.(as a service provider toVanfleet) in 1983.

Shea’s son Thomassucceeded him as MD in1997 and his other son,Paul, is transportmanager, having beeninvolved in the familybusiness for 25 years.

The fleet comprises some 29 tractor unitsand nine rigids as well as 50 trailers

Page 10: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 49

www.tctrailers.comJohnstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin.

Tel: +353 (0)1 843 3752/3Fax: +353 (0)1 843 3749

Mobile: +353 (0)86 989 0445Email: [email protected]

SALES &RENTALS Best Wishes To Vanfleet Transport Flexible Finance Arranged • Rent-to-buy terms available

Continued success to all at Vanfleet, from

Block 526, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin

Page 11: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

The latter notes: “My father is 80now and he still keeps an eye onthings. He’s very much up to speedwith everything that’s going onaround here. The family traditionactually goes back to when mygreat grandfather started with ahorse and cart down the docks andhad his own company. It’s verymuch in the blood at this stage.”

Recent years have seen thecompany – which provides anexcellent distribution serviceexclusively to one client, namelyDunnes Stores - make tremendousstrides. Vanfleet decided to eschewthe warehousing side of thebusiness a few years ago and alsorelocated from Santry to its currentbase in Rosemount Park.

“In 2008, we completely re-jiggedthe fleet,” Paul continues. “We had

15 rigids and ten artics and weused a lot of subcontractors to fulfilour contracts. However, based onthe projections we got from ourcustomer we realised we didn’tneed to use subcontractorsanymore and that we could handleeverything ourselves in-house.

“We now have 29 tractor units andwe kept nine rigids. We also have a

fleet of 50 trailers and one dockspotter, which we operate aroundthe clock. We keep all the vehiclesrunning on a daily basis and wehave the capacity to turnover 1,200pallets per day.

“The distribution is nationwide andwould typically start from 2amonwards. We could have anythingup to 50 or 60 loads per day. At themoment, we’re mostly deliveringtextiles and homewares and we

also have a waste licence whichallows us to bring back all thecardboard for recycling.”

All the vehicles are fitted withsophisticated, state-of-the-arttracking technology which affordsthe customer access to every detailthey might wish to retrieve … at thepush of a button, including theexact real-time location of a

consignment, the departure and/ordelivery times, ETAs etc.

All Vanfleet drivers have full CPCtraining and a regular in-housesafety course is also organised tocomplement their skills andknowledge. Weekly checks arecarried out on all vehicles to seewhich are due a service and alltrailers are serviced three times ayear (four times per year for theolder ones).

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS50

The fleet has been completelyrejigged since 2008

Page 12: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 51

Unit 8, Millennium Business Park,Cappagh Road, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11Tel: 01-8649116 Fax: 01-8649129Email: [email protected] 1890 942 163Home - Office - Roadside - New Tyres - Batteries - PunctureRepairs - Balancing & 4 Wheel Alignment - Tyres for Cars -

Trucks - Vans - Stockists of all major Tyre BrandsOpen Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am-1pm

Continued Best Wishes to Vanfleet Transport, From

40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Tramoro LtdT/A Northroad CommercialsCommercial VehicleRepairs & SalesD.O.E. Test Centre

Unit 20E, Rosemount Business Park,Ballycoolin Road, Dublin 11.Tel: 882 9300, 882 9314

Wishing Vanfleet Transport continued success

EMMET MOTOR

SUPPLIES LTD.9A Emmet Street, Dublin 1.

VAN & TRUCK SUPPLIES

Tel: (01) 8365333 or 8364288 Fax: (01) 8550511

FILTERS • SUZIES COILSRUBBOLITE LAMPS • MIRROR HEADS

TRUCK MARKING• BOSCH LAMPSHELLA LAMPS• BATTERIES

Best Wishes To Vanfleet Transport, From

Continued Best Wishes To Vanfleet Transport From

LO CALL 1890 67 67 68Email: [email protected]

www.easytrip.ie

B.D.F. Commercials Ltd.

Diagnostic Service CentreWABCO, HALDEX & KNORR BREMSE

Trailer Repair DOE Preparation & Servicing

Secure Parking • Secure Container Storage

24 HOUR BREAK DOWN SERVICE

Johnstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin.M: (086) 2999054 • T/F: (01) 843 2046

E:[email protected] www.bdfcommercials.com

Continued Best Wishes To Vanfleet Transport, From

Approved B.P.W.,Kogel, SDC & Fruehauf Service Agents

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALSDon’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

53 Iona Crescent, Drumcondra, Dublin 9Tel: 01-8308417 • 8600208 • 8600209

8600210 Fax: 01-8600211 Email: [email protected]

Continued Success to Vanfleet Transport

Page 13: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

The entire fleet is maintained inexcellent condition, with automaticwarnings a month ahead of DOEsand everything is managed to thevery highest standards. “We alsohave our own wash team who washthe vehicles twice a week and weinsist on a twice weekly check ontyre pressure etc.,” Paul adds.

“We bought six new Cartwrighttrailers in 2010 and in 2011 we gotanother new Cartwright trailer withan aero kit. Customers always wantto know what savings can be madeand we always strive to give themthe best value for money possible,so we’re constantly investing innew equipment and newtechnology.

“Since we decided to expand thefleet and provide the fulldistribution service ourselves,there has obviously been a severedownturn in the Irish economy butwe review things month on monthto see where we can save our

customer money and we will makesuggestions, such as maybereducing deliveries to one hub fromfive times a week to three times.Most of this is taken on board.”

In terms of staff numbers, VanfleetTransport Ld. employs 37 full-timedrivers as well as six administrationstaff and would also use betweenten and 15 agency drivers in anygiven week. The company boastsits own workshop facility with apart-time mechanic who can handlesmaller jobs but most of the workgoes to the main suppliers. In 2008,a decision was made to use Hinotrucks as Harris Hino is located

nearby and Paul is delighted withthe brand new vehicles purchasedboth in ’08 and ’09. “It representeda significant investment but theHino offers exceptional value formoney,” he contests.

As for the future challenges facingthis long-running and extremelysuccessful family business, PaulFitzsimons is confident they willcontinue to maintain theirexceptional tradition in the Irishhaulage sector: “Our goal is toremain competitive in the marketand to keep our customer as happyas possible, especially by comingup with new ways to save them

money. We source the cheapestfuel and maintenance possible butyou have to keep safety in mind atall times, so you can’t afford to becutting corners. If you’re going toprovide a quality service, youcan’t scrimp on anything – andVanfleet has always provided aquality service.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS52

COMPANY DETAILS

Vanfleet Transport Ltd.Unit 1B,Rosemount Park,Ballycoolin Road,Blanchardstown,Dublin 11.E: [email protected]

TEXOILBest Wishes & Continued Success To All At Vanfleet

• Quality Assured Fuel

• Metered Bulk Deliveries

• Easy Payment Plan

• Nationwide Delivery

Free Phone1800 788777

Text087 6899214

Visit us onlinewww.texoil.ie

Page 14: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012
Page 15: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

McGrath Waste are marketleaders in Connacht

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS54

Leading the way inwaste management

Page 16: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Declan McGrath, thepersonable MD ofMcGrath Industrial

Waste – which provides atop-class industrial,commercial and domesticwaste management servicethroughout Mayo and Sligo– reflects on the genesis ofa successful familybusiness set up by hisfather Paddy: “My father setthe company up 35 yearsago. It was very hard workat the time; everythingwould have been done byhand back then.

“During the ‘80s, a lot oflads with tractors andtrailers decided to get out ofthe industry and he wouldhave acquired thosebusinesses. I’d say

McGrath Waste bought outabout nine companies overthe years, from smallenough lads to large wastecompanies. Each time hebought a company, thegoodwill stayed…”

With two facilities,McGrath Industrial Waste isone of the largestemployers in the wasteindustry in Mayo. The mainoffice and garage are inTurlough, Castlebar, withrecycling depots in bothCastlebar and Ballina. A fullwaste management /recycling service isprovided from collectionand segregation through totransportation andrecycling, with cardboards,plastics, metals, timbersetc. provided for as well asa full shredding service.Due to strict legislation, thisis now a very modernindustry and McGrathWaste is fully compliant withall national and EUlegislation.

As a professional andenvironmentally-consciouso r g a n i s a t i o n ,acknowledging the impactits operations couldpotentially have on theenvironment, McGrathIndustrial Waste Ltd. strivesat all times to minimise theimpact on the environmentthrough its provenenvironmental policy. The

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 55

Skip Hire is anotherspeciality of McGrath Waste

Headquartered in Castlebar, McGrathIndustrial Waste is one of the premierwaste management operators inConnacht. This brilliantly-managedfamily concern has forged a stellarreputation for itself since it wasestablished by founder Paddy McGrathin the mid-1970s. Irish Trucker poppedinto the Turlough base to get aninsight into the day-to-day running ofthe business and its substantial fleetfrom current managing director DeclanMcGrath.

Page 17: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

company is fully-permitted with allrequisite licences and permitsincluding waste collection permitsfrom Mayo and Sligo CountyCouncils, certification to collect,recycle and recover packagingwaste from Repak and full Re-Gen10 approval.

McGrath Industrial Wasteemploys 35 people and operates afleet of 20 waste collectionvehicles, which are a healthymixture of Volvo, Scania andMercedes. With their own garageand workshop, they carry out alltheir own fleet maintenance andservicing.

“We would move 25,000 tonnes ofwaste and recycled waste peryear,” Declan notes. “We’veintroduced our wheelie bin serviceto 8,000 homes in Mayo and 2,000homes in Sligo. The majority of thatwould be rural collection, down thebackroads, which is where westarted.”

McGrath Industrial Waste Ltd is alocal family-run business which hasbeen expanding successfully overthe past four decades. It isextremely well-established in thewaste industry, being involved thecollection, transportation, recoveryand disposal of residential andcommercial waste and recyclingwheelie bins, food waste andconstruction and demolition.

McGrath Industrial Waste alsooffers a number of other services,some of which include: loose andbailed cardboard collections, officerecycling boxes, a confidentialshredding service, skip hire, roll onroll off hire and compactors.

As a family-run business, it islarge enough to cope and smallenough to care, having evolved intoone of the leading providers ofwaste management services in theConnacht region. When asked tooutline the secrets of thecompany’s success, the managingdirector simply says: “If you providea good service at a good price –which we have always done – thenthe customers will stay with you.We run like clockwork and we areoutside houses to the minute, fromKiltimagh to Crossmolina toTourlestrane. We providecommercial waste managementservices to some of the largestfactories in Mayo, so we must bedoing something right.”

Whether your requirements areindustrial or domestic, large orsmall scale, a one-off or an ongoingcontract, McGrath Waste will useits experience and expertise tomeet your specific needs providinga fast, reliable and professionalservice.

Domestic customers are providedwith a comprehensive wheelie bin

and bag service, encompassinggreen bins (from 140L to 360L),blue bins for recycling and brownbins (for organic waste, which arecurrently being phased in), with bincollections taking place onalternate weeks. Pre-paid yellowwaste bags are also available fromshops throughout Castlebar andsurrounding areas (Knockmore,Crossmolina, Bofeenaun, Swinford,Foxford, Kiltimagh, CharlestownTurlough etc.

A waste collection service is also

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS56

The company offers a fulldomestic service

Page 18: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 57

TYRES • ALLOY RIMSWE STOCK ALL MAJOR TYRE BRANDS

OPEN 6 DAYS • MON-FRI 9-6.30 SAT-9-4.30Golden Mile Industrial Estate, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. MayoTel: (094) 9023531 Fax: (094) 9023992

Email: [email protected]

Best Wishes To McGrath Waste

TOGHER TYRES

CONTAINER SOLUTIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WASTE

Dereen, Durrow, Co. Laois. Tel: 057-8736262 Fax: 057-8736314Email: [email protected] Web: www.midland-environmental.ie

Best Wishes to McGrath Waste

Best Wishes To McGrath Waste

Tel: 028-30265432 Fax: 028-30269898

www.regenwaste.com

Continued Best Wishes to McGRATH WASTE

Continued Best Wishes To McGrath Waste, From

Johnson Manufacturing LtdSUPPLIER OF

FUEL & AIR PRESSURE TANKS TO TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

100, 60 & 40 It air tanks in stock & Some Fuel Tanks

Moneen Road, Castlebar • Telephone: 094 90 23755

Email: [email protected]

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com

Page 19: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

provided in the following Sligoregions: Tubbercurry, Gurteen,Ballymote, Collooney, Aclare,Tourlestrane, Banada, Riverstown,Coolaney, Curry, Lavagh,Bunanadden, Ballisodare andEnniscrone.

The skip hire service covers a fullrange of needs from a home or atticclean-out to full-scale demolition /construction jobs, with skipsavailable in a variety of sizes from 8or 12 cubic yards to 20 and 35cubic yards roll on roll off as well asportable and static compactors,which are ideal for high-volumecommercial users such as hotels,hospitals and shopping centres.

Declan McGrath has served asMD for the past five years while hismother Nora (who has been theresince the beginning and has beeninstrumental in the development ofthe business) and sisters Sineadand Geraldine are also heavilyinvolved.

There are obvious difficultiesfacing everybody in the industry butDeclan is determined to battle on:“The price of fuel and dumping feesare going up all the time and there’sno doubt times are tough, but wewill give a good service and willcontinue to keep prices as low aspossible for the customer. We prideourselves on providing a good priceand a good service.

“We also use excellent equipmentand have fantastic staff. We hopeto take on more employees soon.We have a five-year plan to growthe business out of Mayo andhopefully to take on ten additionallads. We always employ locally and

we have five members of staff whohave over 20 years’ service each.We like to think that the lowturnover of staff reflects the way werun our business.”

Over half a million Euro has beeninvested in fleet and machineryover the past four years. Regardingthe actual fleet, Declan continues:“Because of the very nature of theindustry, the work is very hard onthe trucks. The backroads wouldn’tbe in great condition at the bestof times and it takes its toll. Wecertainly go through a lot ofsprings! My father is amechanic by trade and wehave a good team ofmechanics who do a great job.You need to know a bit aboutfixing and maintaining trucksto survive in this business.

“Waste has changed fromjust hump-and-dump tobeing a veryp r o f e s s i o n a l

business. It has changedcompletely and is now veryadvanced. We keep up to speedwith all those developments.

“The last two winters have beenvery severe on both our staff andour trucks. It was -17 in Foxford lastJanuary but the lads got through itand we emptied the bins. The ladsstuck at it and did a great job. Wehave brilliant staff and they are partand parcel of our success.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS58

COMPANY DETAILSMcGrath Waste Ltd.Turlough,CastlebarCounty Mayo.Telephone: 094 9031610Email: [email protected]

Bales ready for recycling

Continued Best Wishes To McGrath Waste From

HARRINGTON CONCRETE & QUARRIESCloghvoley, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo

Tel: 094 9367072 Fax: 094 9367347

www.harringtonconcrete.ie

DOE TEST CENTREFor all Light & Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Tachograph Calibration • Speedlimitor • PlatingSERVICE & REPAIR

SAFE LOAD PASS FOR IPAPRESSURE TESTING • RESCUE SERVICET: (094) 9035105/9023514 • F: (094) 9035105Email: [email protected]

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO McGRATH WASTE

Ross West, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Page 20: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

All recovery vehicles undergoregular safety checks

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 59

Safety first forAlcorn RecoveryAlcorn Recovery in Co Tyrone provides an exceptional 24-hour recovery toa large customer base. Irish Trucker paid a visit to the Sixmilecrossheadquarters and met up with managing director Roy Alcorn to discuss theongoing success of this popular family business.

Breakdowns and worse,crashes are something thatall motorists strive to avoid,

but unfortunately they are an everyday part of life. The stress of these

can be very hard on people, butwhen you have a professional,reliable service like Alcorn Recoverylooking after your vehicle, then theycan make the burden that much

easier to deal with.Why did Roy decide to form the

recovery company? “I just felt thatthe opening was there. Our familyhas been involved in the repair sideof things for many decades andthis seemed like the logical nextstep.”

Specialising in the recovery ofcars and light commercials, thisTyrone based firm relies very muchon the family ethic. Roy's wifeMavis looks after theadministration side of the businessand he admits that the businesswould be nowhere without herassistance.

“Mavis basically looks aftereverything on the administrationside of the business and she justcouldn't be done without. “Mydaughter Lesley would also helpout with the administration side ofthings, while my son Peter, who isRoy has worked hard to

establish the business

Page 21: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

a civil engineering in Belfast helps out on his weekend's off.My brother in law Martin does some of the recovery work aswell, so family is everything to us as we are only a smalloperation.”

Another man that plays a huge part in the business isRichard Shortt, who use to work full time here, but now hekeeps one of our trucks full time on the A5.

Roy may think that it is a 'small operation' but his largecustomer base suggests otherwise, the majority of whichcome from the public sector and the MD admits that therelocation is key to the success they have sustained over theyears.

“We are only eight miles from Omagh which means we areideally placed to cope with breakdowns on the motorwaysaround us. The majority of our work would be done for thepublic sector with only about 5% coming from the privatesector.

“We are fortunate to have a very loyal customer base,many of who have been with us from the start. We haveworked hard to build the business up over the years and myonly regret is that I didn't start years earlier.”

A full 24-hour service is provided, seven days of the week,365 days per year. A professional, prompt and affordableservice is provided at all times and Alcorn Recovery isrenowned for getting the job done on time every time. As thecompany's stellar reputation spreads, they are benefitingfrom more and more business through word of mouth.Simply put, this business is now established as one of thepremier recovery / breakdown operators in Ulster. Acomprehensive service is provided under one roof and theavailability of a fully-qualified crew of mechanical repairtechnicians using the latest state-of-the-art equipmentmeans customers can be back on the road in double-quicktime.

“We're available 24 hours a day to recover anything from amoped to a light commercial. We are contracted to carryanything up to 3 and a half tonnes. We can recover a vehiclefrom literally anywhere - the roadside, out of a bog orwherever it might be stranded. Our equipment is veryversatile and for that reason the work can be quite varied.

Roy is pleased to report that he is reasonably busy at themoment. “We're tipping away. Things have picked up in thelast six months or so, which is encouraging. From '06 up to'09, it was booming. Things have been a lot quieter since,but we're still kept ticking over. This work can beseasonable, but in all honesty even though many might think

The company provides a 24 hour service 365 days of the year

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS60

Best Wishes To Alcorn Recovery From

CARBODY REPAIRSAND LIGHT COMMERCIALS

95 Killyharry Road, Castlecaulfield,Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 3BG

Tel/ Fax: 028 8776 7100Mobile: 07802 963006

F.McElhone

Page 22: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

that the winter is busier, I think thesummer can be busier at times aspeople are driving a lot faster.

With a fleet of four trucks at theirdisposal, Roy reveals that theybuild their own in order to ensurethat they are getting the recoveryvehicle that they want. “Yes wewould buy in the cab and chassisand build our own recoveryvehicles. That way we know whatwe are getting and it is to ourspecifications. It takes us aboutthree months to build it as findingthe time to work on it is the

hardest part.”In this line of business, no

corners can be cut and nochances can be taken. To thisend, Alcorn Recovery is fullycertified and does everything incompliance with existinglegislation andrecommendations. “Health &Safety are of paramountimportance,” Roy confirms.“You have to be clearly visiblewhen you're out on the roadand you have to keep all theequipment fresh, clean and inprime working order. Image iseverything so we look afterour fleet. All vehicles arechecked on a daily basis andmaintenance is key. Thedrivers must go on refreshercourses every two years toensure they are up to datewith the latest legislation.”

As for the future, Royconcludes: “We'll try to keep

our overheads down, keep themoney coming in and offer as muchhelp as possible to the people whoneed our service. We have nomajor plans to expand for the timebeing, but we are pleased with thedirection that the business isheading.”

Roy is well known to manyinvolved in the rallying circuit as hewas an excellent rally driver inyears gone by, especially in theUlster area, where he regularlypicked up honours on the variouscircuits.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Alcorn Recovery canrelieve some of the stress

that accidents cause

61

COMPANY DETAILS

Alcorn Recovery

57 Drumlester Road

OmaghBT79 9NW

Tel: 028-80758451

Best Wishes To Alcorn Recovery From

67 Gortin Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 7HT

Tel: 028 82245222 or 028 82246039

Best Wishes To Alcorn Recovery FromTrevor McFarland

Specialists In COMMERCIAL REPAIRS52 Drumduff Rd., Beragh, Co. Tyrone BT79 0SD

T: 028 80758413 • F: 028 80757227Mobile: 0777 4727 107

McFarland Ltd

Best Wishes To Alcorn Recovery

Page 23: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS62

J.N.K. Components Ltd.

Main Agents for:

SACHS CLUTCHES, EXCELUBE OIL, VARTABATTERIES, HELLA LIGHTS & DONALDSON FILTERS

Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 3HBTel: 028-256 48111 Fax: 028 256 42422

Email: [email protected]

www.jnkcomponents.co.ukBest Wishes To McBurney Transport

THE CAR, COMMERCIAL & TRACTOR PARTS PEOPLE

Best Wishes To McBurney Transport From

24:7 rentalsTruck & Trailer Rentals

74 Fivey Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, BT53 8JH

t: +44 (0) 28207 52074 e: info@24:7rentals.co.uk

www.24-7rentals.co.uk

Best Wishes To McBurney Transport From

FarranamanaghCashel, Co. Tipperary.

Phone: 062 61568Fax: 062 62183

E: [email protected]

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

from

THOMAS HARDIECOMMERCIALS

MAIN DISTRIBUTOR FOR VOLVOTRUCK, BUS & COACH IN THENORTH WEST OF ENGLAND & NORTH WALES

NEWSTET ROAD, KNOWSLEY INDUSTRIAL PARK (NORTH), LIVERPOOL L33 7TJ

T: 0151 549 3000 F: 0151 549 3070

MCBURNEY TRANSPORT

Page 24: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 63

Driven to succeedDriven to succeed

Page 25: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

“We offer a wide andvarying range oftransportation and

warehousing services 'tailored' tomeet each of our customer's needsthroughout Northern Ireland, UK,Republic of Ireland & Europe,”Norman told us.

“We have a diverse customerbase of over 200 companiesthroughout the entire range ofindustry sectors. Many of ourcustomers are blue-chipcompanies within the marketplace,most of whom have been with us

for many years.“Providing a good service has

been the key to our success and itis something that we strive to do ona daily basis.”

“We believe that the transportindustry is always evolving and wehave endeavoured to adapt ourservices to meet all our customer'srequirements. We have developedour 'one stop shop' capability overthe years and the McBurneyTransport group's main objective isto provide a 'complete transportpackage' for its customers.”

The experience that the companyhas built up over the years makesthem a leader in their field ofexpertise and the customer can berest assured that they will avail ofan excellent service.

Together with McBurneyTransport, the group also includesMcBurney Refrigeration Ltd andBondelivery. McBurneyRefrigeration specializes in thehaulage of chilled and frozen goodsand has a large cold storage facilitybased in Liverpool, which isconvenient for all shipping routes

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS64

McBurney Transport wasestablished in 1965

One of the leading hauliers on the island of Ireland is Ballymena basedMcBurney Transport. Since the company's formation in 1965 it has grownsubstantially from one lorry to become one of Ireland's largest independenthaulage and logistics operations with a fleet of over 320 tractor units. IrishTrucker speaks to founder and managing director Norman McBurney aboutthe success of the business.

The McBurney logo is well-known in the haulage world

Page 26: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

proud to support McBurney Transport

NI Trucks

· Leading supplier of Iveco commercial vehicles

· Full range of vans, tippers, trucks and artics

· 24 hours Parts and Service back up

SPECIALDEALS

Telephone: Mallusk: +44 (0)28 9083 3040Portadown: +44 (0)28 3836 2413 www.ni-trucks.co.uk

Page 27: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

between Belfast, Dublinand UK ports and the UKroad network.Bondelivery, which wasacquired in 1990, is thedistribution andwarehousing side of thegroup and providesgroupage servicesthroughout Ireland.

Norman is joined by hiswife Lynn and fivechildren, who are allactively involved in thedaily operations of thegroup. They all play vitalroles within the group toensure its continuingsuccess and growthwithin a market, which ismore challenging andcomplex than ever.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS66

The haulage firm operates throughoutIreland, the UK and mainland Europe

Best Wishes To McBurney Transport, From

Page 28: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 67

Technical Transport ProductsWoodside Ind Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 4HXTel: +44 (0)28 256 46481 Fax:+44 (0)28 256 40351www.technicaltransportproducts.com

Car, 4x4’s, motorbike,commercial and agricultural

Tyres from A One Tyres

A ONE SERVICESCar, 4x4 & Van • Truck/Commercial

Agricultural / Industrial Motorcycle Tyres & Services

MOT Preparation • PSV PreparationCallouts • Headlight Alignment

Vehicle Services WorkshopBatteries • Oil/Fuel Treatments

Household/ Leisure • Wholesale

139 Banbridge Rd Dromore, Co. Down BT25 1NF

Tel: (028) 9269 9107Email: [email protected]

www.aonetyres.co.uk

BestWishes

To McBurneyTransport

Page 29: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

“We believe investment isessential to ensure we can offer ourcustomers a reliable service. Wehave a range of depots andoperational bases throughout theUK and Ireland which enables us toprovide our customers with acomprehensive and efficientservice on both sides of the IrishSea and beyond into Europe. Wealso have a fleet of over 1400

vehicles and trailers together with700 staff employed and we haveinvested heavily in our computersystems to provide online realtime information to ourcustomers.”

The staff of the company wouldalso like to congratulate Normanas he was awarded Export &Freight's Transport Personalityof the year in September and

he was also presented with theCommitment to Ballymena awardby Ballymena Chamber of

Commerce in October.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS68

A new batch of Volvosfor the McBurney fleet

The company specialisesin all types of haulage

COMPANY DETAILSMcBurney Transport205 MoorfieldsBallymenaTel: [email protected]

Page 30: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 69

Derry Office

DCI Limited

176 Clooney Road

Greysteel County

Derry BT47 3DY

Tel 02871 812121

Email [email protected]

Galway Office

DCI Limited Unit 4,

2nd Floor Gray House

Galway Technology Park

Parkmore

Galway Tel 1890 242324

Email [email protected]

• 24 Hour All Ireland/UK Network• Card security - chip and pin with card restrictions• VAT Approved Invoices• E-bills – Invoices sent via email• Web fuels –Track and Monitor your own drawings• Competitive Commercial Pricing

http://dcicard.ie/Congratulations to Norman and McBurney Transport!DCI wishes you continued success for the Future!

Best Wishes & Continued Success To McBurney Transport From

International TransportRoad Haulage

Haulage Services • Local & National Professional Service

Tel: 028 67721033 • Fax: 028 67722164Mobile: 07785763234 • 07879494558Castlebalfour, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh BT92 0GN

Page 31: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Autocraft can caterfor the unexpected

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS70

The recoveryspecialistsThe recovery industry is a specialised area that needs great care andattention to detail in order to provide a safe service, one such companythat delivers this in abundance is Autocraft Recovery. For this month'sedition of Irish Trucker, we profile the Galway based company and speakto one of the founders Caroline Mulholland.

No job is too big for theteam at Autocraft

Page 32: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Autocraft can caterfor the unexpected

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS70

The recoveryspcialistsThe recovery industry is a specialised area that needs great care andattention to detail in order to provide a safe service, one such companythat delivers this in abundance is Autocraft Recovery. For this month'sedition of Irish Trucker, we profile the Galway based company and speakto one of the founders Caroline Mulholland.

No job is too big for theteam at Autocraft

Page 33: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

The company wasestablished in 1998 by SeanMulholland and his wife

Caroline and from humblebeginnings, this recovery firm hasestablished itself as one of theleading recovery specialists in thewest of Ireland. From its main officein Ardrahan, Co Galway, Autocraftoperates ten recovery vehicles andCaroline admits that they havemade it one of their priorities tomove with the times with regardstechnology.

“In latter years we have come tothe forefront within the recoveryindustry by its commitment tounderstanding its customer'sneeds, and by the use of the latesttechnology and procedures,” saidCaroline.

“With such accreditations asPAS43 and the 2007 HibernianBest Regional and NationalContractor Award, Autocraftcontinues to progress and growwithin a very specialised andintegral part of the Irish MotoringIndustry.”

Legislation is a massive part ofthis industry and Caroline admitsthat it is essential to keep up to datewith the latest changes in theindustry, while all drivers mustregularly undergo refreshercourses.

“We would deal with a number ofinsurance companies and the

regulations within the industryare very stringent. The driversare highly trained and go oncourses every year to ensurethey are up to speed with thelatest changes in the industry.

“Autocraft's missionstatement is to cater for theunexpected and surpasscustomer expectations on alloccasions. On request we canand do provide our clients witheffective reporting andstatistical support, telephonecustomer surveys and GPStracking of all assistances.”

Autocraft Recovery are certifiedby AVRO who are The Associationof Vehicle Recovery OperatorsLimited, established in 1977, as arepresentative on all mattersrelating to the vehicle recoveryindustry with a view to raisestandards in the recovery industry.AVRO operates throughoutSouthern Ireland and is the only

representative body with arecognised set of standards.

“We appreciate and take pride inthe appearance portrayed by ourstaff members in the eye of thepublic, we have introduced astandard uniform which includesshirt and tie and all our vehicleshave regular safety checks andcontinuous cleanliness standards.

“Through the use of our newcontrol room we can manage largevolumes of assistances very

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 71

The special MotorcycleRecovery Unit

The fleet is maintainedin striking yellow

Page 34: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

effectively. Thecontrol room boastsa computerisedphone managementsystem with 4incoming lines. TurboDispatch and fullGPS mappedtracking.”

Caroline points thec o m b i n e dexperience of theemployees at thecompany as one ofthe main reasons fortheir success.

“With a combined33 years ofexperience you canbe guaranteed thebest available service andprofessionalism. We provide a widerange of services and these includesecure 24 hour indoor and outdoorstorage of vehicles. We canrecover to and from anywhere inEurope; we are a subcontractedCorporate Taxi Service; we canrecover all types of trucks, cars,motorcycles, coaches, while wealso provide a fuel drain servicewhere we have a specialised vanthat caters for draining fuel fromvehicles, which is a commonenough occurrence.”

Autocraft's fleet is impressive tosay the least and it comprises ofthree 7.5 tonne Tilt and SlideTrucks, three 10 tonne Tilt andSlide Trucks (two with crew cab),one 12 tonne Tilt and Slide Truck,an 18 tonne Tilt and Slide Truck, aService Mobile equipped forspecialist motor cycle recovery anda Scania Heavy under lift with topboom plus twin 30,000lb wenches.

“All relevant vehicles have beenLOLER tested and all vehicles arefully legally

compliant and are comprehensivelyinsured. We are also certified by(RIES) who are the RecoveryIndustry Engineering Standardswho inspect vehicles, equipment,premises and they also providestaff training to prove satisfactoryentry for membership into AVRO.”

In 2007, Autocraft Recovery'sstatus in the industry wasrecognised when they were theHibernian Best Regional andNational Contractor award and thiswas just nine short years after thebusiness was initially established.

“We have come a long way sincewe started this. In truth, it was justby pure accident that we gotinvolved in recovery work as Seanstarted out doing repair work andhe started doing a small bit ofrecovery work before we diversifiedinto that completely.

“We are more than just a recoveryservice as we give the customersthe peace of mind that their vehiclewill be looked after by aprofessional team and that it will besafely secured at our compound ifneeded.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The weather won’tdefeat Autocraft

On the road torecovery

72

COMPANY DETAILS

Autocraft Recovery

RahealyArdrahanCo. GalwayTel: 091-635683

Mobile: 086-8468696

E: [email protected]

www.autocraftrecovery.ie

Another pick up forAutocraft Recovery

Page 35: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 73

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Autocraft Recovery From

LOUGHREA MOTOR FACTORS LTDStockists of

Liqui Moly Oils & Additives • Mann Filters • Car • 4x4 • Commercial • AgriFAI Steering Products • Full Range of Winter Lines Stocked

Prestone Decier & Coolant • Booster Cables, Batteries EtcAlso 5 Year Red Advance Anti Freeze Coolant With G12++

Gort Road, Loughrea, Co. GalwayTel: 091 841351/091 841 311 F: 091 841582 E: [email protected]

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Autocraft Recovery From

Galway Metal Company Co. Ltd.THE SCRAP PEOPLE

Oranmore, Co. Galway

WE BUY ALL FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS METALSTelephone: 091 794358 Fax: 091 790 218 Email: [email protected]

Bureau International de laRecuperation et du recyclage

The Metal MerchantsAssociation of Ireland

Best Wishes To Autocraft Recovery, From

PIRTEK GALWAY & LIMERICKUnit 20, Kilkerrin Park, Liosban Ind. Est.,

Tuam Road, Galway.Tel: (091) 730 530 • Fax: (091) 730 531

Email: [email protected]

FREEPHONE 1800 74 78 35

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR

COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHTCOMMERCIALS MAGAZINE

Call BARRY now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923

Best Wishes To Autocraft Recovery, From

Panel Repairs Spray Painting of Truck & Track Vehicles

Light Commercials • Fleet Changes To Company Colours

Tel: 087 7411178Email:[email protected]

Unit 7, Glenascaul, Oranmore, Co. GalwayJUST OFF JUNCTION 19 OF THE N6

SIGNS & SIGN WRITING • VEHICLE BRANDING • STICKERS

Page 36: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Lowes of Larne is one ofNorthern Ireland’s best known

car sales companies

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS74

Lowe’s of Larne hasthe car for youFrom humble beginnings, Lowe’s of Larne has grown into one of NorthernIreland’s leading car sales businesses. Founder and managing directorKenny Lowe explains more.

Looking for a new or used car orlight commercial? If so, Lowe’s ofLarne is certainly worth a visit.

Founded in 1989 by local man KennyLowe, this family-run business is nowrecognised as one of the mostsuccessful car sales companies in theNorth. Indeed, such has been its growththat several moves were required beforeKenny purchased a two-acre site on theoutskirts of Larne which is now home toa state-of-the-art auto complex.

While Kenny remains very muchinvolved in the day-to-day running of his

car sales business, which employs 15staff, he also runs the followingcompanies: Lowe’s of Larne FinancialServices (which provides financialpackages for cars and vans); Lowe’s ofLarne Car Repairs; Lowe’s of LarneBodyshop; Lowe’s of Larne CapriSpecialists; Lowe’s of Larne RecoveryService; Lowe’s of Larne Second HandSpares; Lowe’s of Larne ExecutiveVillas (Orlando, Florida) and Lowe’s ofLarne Tyre and Auto Complex.

It’s all a far cry from when he startedout with just £50 in his pocket 22 years

ago.“I still have that £50 note!” jokes

Kenny, whose wife Senga is also adirector in the car sales business.

“I saw an opening in the market fornew and second hand car sales and Idecided to go for it. We’ve come a longway in the last 22 years and attractcustomers from all over Ireland and theUK. We get a lot of business from theRepublic which is hardly surprisingconsidering there are some very gooddeals to be had by customers in thesouth, particularly when the euro is

Page 37: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

strong against thepound. It’s not unusualfor someone from Corkto take a flight up toBelfast and drive homein their new car.

“We pride ourselveson supplying highquality new and usedvehicles, and the factthat we get a lot ofrepeat business istestament to this.”

Over the past twodecades, Lowe’s ofLarne has established atradition of value-for-money, reliability andtotal dedication tocustomer service.Specialising in the saleof the leading Germanmakes, includingMercedes, BMW, Audiand Volkswagen, thecompany stocks up to100 vehicles at any onetime and is currentlyselling between 20 and30 cars a week.

“The cars we sell varyin age. We have noticeda growing demand forolder models becausemany people aren’t ableto afford newer models

in the current climate,” Kenny explains.If you are looking for a particular

model that isn’t in stock, Kenny willgladly source it for you. If you are notsure what you are looking for, there isan extensive range of models in stockto help you choose the right vehicle foryour needs. Customers can also usethe company’s website,www.lowesoflarne.co.uk, to search formakes, models, prices as well as theavailability of vehicles.

Every car sold by Lowe’sof Larne comes with a full60-point quality inspectionas well as a 50-pointservice report. Lowe’s arean AA warranty-approvedgarage and are also part ofThe Good GarageScheme. They are onlysourced from the mostreputable suppliers in theUK and Ireland.

Lowe’s of Larne canprovide you with acomplete repair packagefrom recovering your carand repairing it to repairingthe smallest of scratchesto your paintwork. Theirbodyshop can repair andfit new parts and panels asrequired. A free courtesycar will be provided whileyour car is being repairedby arrangement.

Lowe’s also carry out afull range of customisedwork such as body kits,spoilers and modified andcustom-built bonnet vents.Alloy wheels, motorbikes,Capri retro, audio systems,iPod, satellite navigationsand window tinting arealso a speciality. In recenttimes the Co. Antrim-based company hasstarted supplying andfitting new tyres andexhausts to all makes ofcars. They can provide acomplete service fromchecking your car over tobooking it in for MOT andtaking it to MOT for you. Afree MOT check overservice is provided by thegarage.

Lowe’s have up to 100 carsin stock at any one time

Lowe’s state-of-the-artshowroom in Larne

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 75

Ballymena

Tel: 0845 504 5399Mobile: 07719 913 279Continued Best Wishes To Lowes Of Larne

Continued Best Wishes To Lowes of Larne From

Larne MotorfaxSuppliers of

CAR PARTS & ACCESSORIES TOTRADE & THE PUBLIC

71-73 Pound Street, Larne BT40 1SDTel: 028 2826 0056

E: [email protected]

Lowe’s attracts customersform all over Ireland

Page 38: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

Lowe’s stock new parts for Volkswagen, Audi, Fordand Vauxhall. A service costs £145 (excluding VAT)including parts and service.

One of the company’s main selling points is itslocation just off the main A8 route between Belfastand the busy shipping port of Larne. From here,Kenny operates a large nine-bay workshop whererepairs and modifications are carried out by highlyqualified and experienced mechanics.

Kenny, whose 15-year-old son Jack looks set tofollow him into the car business, is very appreciativeof the support he receives from all his customers.

“We have customers from all over Ireland and theUK, and we’re grateful for all the support they havegiven us over the years. Regardless of the make ormodel, the bottom line is that our customers arealways assured of a top quality used car or vanwhen the visit us,” he concludes.

For more information, telephone 028 282 75298,mobile 07779 762 440 or email:[email protected]. Alternatively, you can callinto Kenny and his team at Lowe Business Park,Ballyloran Road, Larne, BT402SY. Opening hoursare from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays, 9am to 8pm on Tuesdays andThursday, and from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS76

Lowe’s of Larne Tyre and Auto Complex is justone of the companies operated by Kenny Lowe

COMPANY DETAILSLowe’s of LarneLowe Business Park, Ballyloran Road, Larne, BT402SY

Telephone 028 282 75298Mobile 07779 762 440E: [email protected]

Continued Best Wishes To Lowes Of Larne From

Ballymena EngineSpares Ltd

36 Railway Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 2AE

Tel: 028 2564 3161 (3 Lines) Fax: 028 2564 8184Email: [email protected]

www.ballymenaenginespares.co.uk

Best Wishes To Lowes of Larne From

frank beattie & co accountants

98B Main Street, Larne, Co. Antrim BT40 1RE

Tel: 028 2827 2040 • Fax: 028 2827 2040Email: [email protected]

The busy Lowe’s ofLarne workshop

Page 39: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

CLASSIFIED

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 77

Cork Dublin BelfastMob (087) 2835044 (087) 2597102 (0791) 2631524

www.hipower.ieHi Power for Quality Products & Service

G.T.E. Heavy DutyAutomatic Greasing forTruck, Trailer, Off Road

P.T.O. Systemsfor All Applications

Heavy Duty Axial PistonPumps for Crane and High

Pressure Applications

Superwinch and Husky Winches

• Also Top Speed Limiters • Reverse in Safety Devices

Full Range of Hydraulic Power Packs, Pumps, Motors,Control Valves, Oil Coolers, Filters

Page 40: Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine January 2012

CROSS WEAVE CONSTRUCTION

LEAD WIRE

MILES MORE VALUE!UNI-SEAL MAX OFFERS PERMANENT REPAIRS THAT OUTLAST THE LIFE OF yOUR TyRES!

Tech International’s new UNI-SEAL MAX repair system is the most advanced tyre repair system available. Exceeding all industry standards, the innovative system offers a unique multi-layer cross weave reinforcement and lead wire system - ensuring the best performance and fastest installation possible.

www.tech-international.com

TECH EUROPE SUPPORTING TECHPLUS - OFFERING A NATIONWIDE SERVICETechplus Ltd Tel: 0140 49060 www.techplus.Ie

6263_TECH_IRISH_TRUCKER_AD_v3.indd 1 5/11/10 11:06:08