12 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Logistics
January / February 2022
Freeway boosts Abbey ’ s fleet maintenance
New tankers for Chemical Express
Italian chemical transport specialist Chemical Express has expanded its international fleet with a series of Van Hool road tankers . Earlier this year , a series of chassis for transporting tank containers were also delivered . For Van Hool , the delivery is a further step in its partnership with Chemical Express , confirming a long-standing business relationship .
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Abbey Logistics is rolling out a new fleet maintenance system across its 4 workshop locations to help improve vehicle reliability and utilisation . Supplied by Freeway Fleet Systems , engineers and technicians are being equipped with rugged tablets for digitally recording time and work activity . Synchronised in real time through a Freeway central asset maintenance system , the mobile devices and management software will give Abbey 24 / 7 visibility of the status of all maintenance work and costs associated with parts and labour . Abbey had previously implemented a system to manage compliance and maintenance but with the business expanding , a more integrated and comprehensive system was required that would provide better management information and a platform for future expansion . A key feature of Freeway is that it extends digital working into the hands of staff in the workshop and Abbey is equipping technicians with tablets to digitally record their timesheets , inspections and job cards . “ When it came to managing the fleet , our previous system was
LogiChem Europe @ LogiChem fine for monitoring vehicle and parts costs but that was only giving us half the picture . Missing was any information on arguably our most important single asset and that is labour ,” said Paul Jamieson , head of finance at Abbey . “ With Freeway ’ s tablets in the workshop , we have visibility of all work in real-time allowing better co-ordination with the workforce , improving uptime . We also gain vital insights such as an accurate cost allocation per asset . That allows us to make properly informed decisions on how to improve the way we work .” As well as the core functions of managing services , inspections , defects and compliance , Abbey is implementing Freeway for managing stores for digital parts issuing and stock control , with automated replenishment on impress stock . Abbey will also be using Freeway ’ s driver app so drivers can use their mobiles to record their walk-around safety checks . This gives the workshop immediate visibility of any issues so decisions can be made immediately on the urgency on the rectification of any reported defect .
Whale opens in Scotland
Whale Tankers is strengthening its position in Scotland having invested in a permanent base there . Whale is one of Europe ’ s largest manufacturers of liquid waste vacuum tankers and jetting equipment . Managing director Mark Warmington stated : “ Having serviced a customer base in Scotland for more than 30 years , we believe the time is right for us to invest in the ongoing growth opportunities that exist in what is a key geographic market .” Situated in the Fife town of Inverkeithing , the new location will become a service , repair and parts centre that will meet the needs of both private and public sector customers , not just within Scotland but also northern England . Located on Belleknowles Industrial Estate , with direct access to the M90 , the recent facility features a three-bay workshop – equipped with the latest service equipment and technology – an extensive parts stock , offices and meeting rooms . Responsibility for developing Whale ’ s new Scottish home and the person tasked with overseeing its strategic development and day-today running is recently appointed depot manager Ken MacLeod . Together with an initial team of four service engineers , one permanently located onsite and three operating in the field , MacLeod is also joined by a service and parts administrator , all of whom will be responsible for delivering a full range of aftersales service and parts provision . Enjoying full integration with the suite of support systems deployed by Whale Tankers at its main head office and manufacturing site in the West Midlands , the team will manage and oversee the provision of a service offering onsite that includes routine maintenance and repairs , tank testing , as well as managing fixed price maintenance packages available through the company ’ s WhaleCARE programme . The latter serves to ensure that all customer equipment is fully compliant with current legislative requirements .
. whale . co . uk
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