Not impressed
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HINO lorries are "unimpressive" according to a group of Cheshire hauliers which visited the controversial Dublin plant of J. Harris (Assemblers) Ltd last weekend.
North Cheshire Training Association group training officer Fred Lagar told CM that he understood the Hino 32-tonner's five-litre engine was too small for the work expected of such a vehicle. It is not turbocharged.
He cast doubts also about the long-term saving to any haulier who buys a Hino.
"It might be £3,000 cheaper than a British lorry," he said, "but spares would cost three to four per cent more." He doubted also whether the company could establish a satisfactory spare parts service.
Ron Dobson of Dobson's Bulk Hauliers said after the visit: "I have seen nothing which will change our policy from buying ERF."
Mr Lagar said that Harris has not yet found any site for a British assembly operation. He understood that sites in Liverpool and Runcorn have been looked at, but no decision has yet been taken on where or whether a British plant will be built.
Harris fitters in Dublin are paid £140 per week after tax and only 50 per cent of the labour force is unionised.
The Cheshire hauliers were told that similar rates would be offered to British employees, but Mr Lagar doubted strongly any idea of non-union staff being employed here.
Current Irish production is said to be as high as 30 vehicles per week, and Hino is believed to have a 17 per cent share of the Irish market, "Almost every third lorry we saw over there was a Hino," said Mr Lagar.