HIGH PROFILE
Generations of haulage
Russia is a key market for Terex Trucks
operational efficiencies to drive down total cost of ownership.
Paul Moore made a visit to Motherwell, Scotland to find out how Terex Trucks has managed to maintain and grow its industry position and how it is faring in key developing world markets
Terex Trucks has one of the most impressive lineages in the industry. Its heritage can be traced back to 1934 when the Model 1Z truck was built by then Euclid- considered to be the first true off-highway rear dump truck. This pioneering new machine offered a straightforward, no-nonsense solution for every hauling application, from mining to construction work. Euclid Great Britain was formed at Motherwell, Scotland, in 1950, as a subsidiary and began the development and manufacture of off-highway trucks.
Euclid Road Machinery Company was bought by General Motors in 1953 and by 1954 the 1,000th truck had already been built in Scotland. The next big change came in 1968 when General Motors divested the Euclid brand and the remaining earthmoving division was renamed Terex- from the Latin‘ Terra’( Earth) &‘ Rex’( King), and 33 Series trucks were introduced. In 1974 Terex developed new products including the Terex Titan and the world beating R17, then 1982 saw the launch of the first ever Terex articulated dump truck- the 3204, which was designed, tested and manufactured in Motherwell. In 1987, Terex became independent from General Motors before in 1992, Terex was bought by North West Engineering from General Motors and Terex Corporation was formed. In 1998; the TA and TR ranges were launched which also saw the introduction of the new white Terex colour scheme.
Moving into the 21st century, 2002 saw the introduction of the Generation 7 articulated trucks, followed in 2009 by Generation 8 and the change in the nomenclature of the TA25 to the TA250; TA30 to TA300; and TA40 to TA400. In 2011; now fitted with world class Scania engines, the 9th generation of articulated dump truck was launched around the world.
The major ownership change in recent years came in 2014 when Volvo Group acquired the off-highway truck product line from Terex Corporation, and Terex Trucks, a division of Volvo Construction Equipment, was formed. Finally, in 2016, the flagship Generation 10 series of haulers were launched with the 38 t TA400 ADT showcased at Bauma in Munich, spearheading a significantly upgraded new generation of dump trucks. Featuring new livery and frontal design, the new series delivers improved operator comfort and
The factory still employs a number of specialist welders, so having the right apprentice training program in place is a major focus
Company overview
IM spent a day at the factory getting acquainted with the culture of the company, which despite several different owners remains true to its roots, manufacturing all seven of its models( three ADTs and four rigid haulers) in Scotland on two distinct lines; with a firm customer focus, making robust and reliable trucks; but in service and maintenance terms producing simple machines and being a specialist in that it only makes haulers, and still does a lot of the metal forming / cutting, parts machining and welding in-house giving it a unique control over quality, unlike many other mining equipment“ factories” which are now essentially final assembly halls having outsourced all the components and parts to other companies. Other capabilities include a one coat paint system and final fitting and testing on-site using its own extensive test track. The company also has a long established trainee programme to ensure that it has access to skilled workers such as welders and specialist mechanics for the long term. Currently the workforce stands at about 290 to whom extensive training is also given. Training is also offered to mining customers for service / maintenance. A unique aspect of new apprentice training has been the stripping and refurbishment of a 1972 Terex dump truck that was being used in a quarry close to Aberdeen and various other applications during its long life. It was still running but in a very poor state. Once completed it will take pride of place in the Terex Trucks factory. At the other end of the experience scale, there are some employees with very long careers at the site. Archie Easton,
NOVEMBER 2016 | International Mining 59