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CASE STUDY: Quayside Frozen Foods and Global Brands
Page 58
Page 59
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The trouble with fancy liveries is that they often show the dirt. It is a problem that has affected the bright yellow Volvo FM9
26-tonners operated by frozen produce distributor Quayside Frozen Foods of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. The firm has reacted by having Michelin XFN2 Anti-Splash tyres fitted to its steer axles. As their name suggests, these tyres are designed to reduce the amount of water that splashes up from wet road surfaces, keeping the vehicles cleaner. The height of water projection is reduced by a factor of four compared with standard tyres, says Michelin. They also help to keep the windows and exterior mirrors cleaner, improving the driver's vision and enhancing safety.
"Our drivers have also reported that the tyres significantly improve grip which, in turn, leads to shorter stopping distances," says transport manager Peter McDermott. "Initially we had them fitted to only one vehicle, but they proved so successful that we're now rolling them out across all eight on the fleet."
The reduction in splash is made possible by the inclusion of a small, horizontal rib on the shoulder between the sidewall and the tread. This deflects the splash back towards the road surface rather than spraying the sides of the truck and other road users' windscreens, says Michelin.
Better grip is achieved through the use of patented 'double-wave' sipes (the small slits in the tread blocks) which make the tread block more rigid and durable.
The tyres have been supplied by ATS Euromaster, now busy implementing a Michelin tyre policy across a fleet of 24 CVs operated by Chesterfield-based drinks company Global Brands.
Global makes VK Vodka Kick, a range of ready-mixed fruity vodka drinks, as well as importing beers from around the world.