Avery Weigh-Tronix has introduced a scrappage scheme for old weighbridges to help industry invest in new infrastructure.
Says Dave Webb, director at Avery Weigh-Tronix: "In the current climate investment in major infrastructure like weighbridge systems can sometimes be delayed. There comes a point however, when such an investment must be made."
"We have seen scrappage schemes work in the car industry and we have decided to see what input Avery Weigh-Tronix can afford to make to help the market be better placed for the economic recovery."
In the 'cash for clunkers' scheme, Avery Weigh-Tronix will remove the old weighbridge, dispose of it free of charge and offer a further £500 redeemable against a new weighbridge. In addition, the company will reduce the price of a new weighbridge, complete with a five-year fully comprehensive service package, by 30 percent. The scheme will run until the end of November.
Says Webb: "Weighbridges have a long life, but like anything else as they get older they require more service and maintenance, especially if they are used frequently and have to operate in aggressive environments.
"It is not just the weighbridge that needs servicing, years of heavy trucks driving onto the structure and then braking will damage the restraints and the pit walls. This means there is more lateral movement on the weighbridge, which causes further damage. From here the costs spiral upwards as more movement also means that the loadcells will fail more frequently.
"Quite simply there comes a point when the cost of maintenance and downtime means it is no longer economic to run an old weighbridge. As the economic recovery gains pace, it is those that have invested in infrastructure who will be best placed to take advantage."