Yorkshire tipper firm controls operating costs with Vacu-Lug

North Yorkshire bulk tipper operator M Kettlewell (Melmerby) has signed a fixed price contract with Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres for the supply and management of tyres for its fleet of vehicles and trailers.

Ripon-based M Kettlewell currently runs 33 units and 36 trailers, transporting raw materials, such as wheat and barley, for animal feed processors nationally.

As part of the tyre deal with Vacu-Lug, the company has fitted 295/80R22.5 Pirelli steers, 235/75R17.5 Pirelli lift, 295/80R22.5 Duramold WDE2+ drive and 385/65R22.5 Westlake AT557 for trailers.

The tyres are managed through Vacu-Lug’s advanced tyre fleet management system VMS, while all fitments and breakdowns are supplied and covered by ATS Euromaster.

The VMS system is designed to ensure that operators get the most out of their tyres and that the best practice is adhered to, in a bid to control costs and boost operational efficiency.

Managing Director Paul Kettlewell said: “I am very happy so far with the Vacu-Lug tyres supplied and believe that they will help the company keep a lid on costs which is so essential in our type of business.”

Vacu-Lug Sales Manager Dave Benton said: “I would like to thank M Kettlewell for choosing Vacu-Lug Tyres and having the confidence in both our products and fleet management services, to reduce their overall running costs.”

M Kettlewell is part of the Kettlewell Group which also includes fuel oil supplier Kettlewell Fuels and Kettlewell Commercials, a registered DAF service and repair centre.

M Kettlewell took over long-standing competitor Allen Brown Transport, based in Knayton, near Thirsk, in April 2011. This enabled the company to expand its fleet and customer base. At the time M Kettlewell revealed that the acquisition would take staff numbers from 39 to 54 and its turnover from £3m to £7m and this remains the same in 2014.