Surface World December 2019 Surface World December 2019 | Page 18
INDUSTRY NEWS
New livery helps to galvanize nationwide fleet
Wedge Group Galvanizing
Ltd is rolling out a new look
for its fleet of more than
100 trucks.
The business runs a collection and delivery
service at each of its 14 plants across the UK
and is keen to modernise the livery across the
entire operation.
Some 70 rigid HGVs and 42 articulated
lorries will have the new livery on the
company’s fleet renewal programme.
The move is part of a major overhaul of the
nationwide fleet, which is also being switched
from Mercedes to DAF chassis.
An initial batch of 12 new vehicles, each
featuring the new livery along with additional
safety messaging, joined the £5m-a-year
logistics operation this month with the
remainder of the existing assets to be
introduced on a rolling replacement basis.
Paul Thompson, Fleet Transport Manager
for Wedge Group Galvanizing, said: “Our
vehicles are our shop window in many ways,
so it’s vital that they stand out and are
consistent with our brand guidelines.
“The new modern livery will make each of
our trucks instantly recognisable and that
improves our visibility.”
Wedge Group, which purchases all HGVs,
trailers and materials handling equipment
outright, is sourcing Euro 6 compliant
CF480FTG tractor units and LF230FA trucks
from DAF dealers Ford and Slater, based in
Leicester, while bodies for rigids are being
supplied by Bevan Group in Wednesbury,
West Midlands.
Paul added: “We’re switching to DAF for
several reasons, but largely because they
produce great trucks which have an excellent
aftercare service.”
Each of the plants within the Wedge Group
network, which stretches from Glasgow to
Devon and from Newport, Wales to East
Anglia, runs its own collection and delivery
service with trucks based on site.
Paul, who is based at the company head-
quarters in Willenhall, West Midlands, said:
“Some operate more vehicles than others,
depending on workload, and some will have
more artics than others, depending on the
type of work they’re typically carrying out.
“We also have around 100 of our own
drivers and will supplement that, as and
when necessary, so it’s certainly a major
operation.
"We have also invested in new systems and
technology, including increasing the number
of load lashing points and developed two
new dedicated Driver CPC courses
specifically for the Wedge Group.
“Collection and delivery has been an integral
part of the business for many years and
we’re making sure it’s a service that’s fit for
the future.”
Visit: www.wedge-galv.co.uk
LIVE 2020
16
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DECEMBER 2019
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read online: www.surfaceworld.com