Why is Britain trailing behind?
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ABOUT THREE WEEKS after CM published a list of all the trailer makers in the UK, we found we needed an additional extendable trailer for a new contract. We did not want to lose the work so we needed the trailer quickly.
As the last two trailers we had purchased were Crane Fruehauf, we rang them first. "Sorry. Sir, we haven't got one, but if you send us an order immediately we may be able to get one made for you before the works go on holiday in eight weeks."
I then range every trailer firm in the UK that CM indicated made extendable trailers, only to find that the earliest we could get a trailer was eight weeks.
I then contacted Broshuis Trailers of Holland. Within 24 hours their agent, who is based in Aylesbury, visited our premises and discussed the specification and promised us three weeks' delivery, which included painting in our own col our. • The Dutch trailer cost £6500 plus £100 for painting in our colours. The best UK price was £6500 plus £270 for painting in our colours.
Only one British firm sent us any details and that was Craven Tasker.
In CM of July 12, you stated that trailer makers were having a bad time and that Crane Fruehauf were laying people off at Dereham. If the British manufacturer wants to enjoy better times then it will need to
come up with a much better service.
Like many other people in the UK, we dislike being forced not to buy British.
J. SAN DERSON, S & S Services Tunbridge Wells, Kent