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UK repair eckon Red
Page 110
Page 111
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• The repair/recovery operation marketed in the West Midlands as Red Triangle since 1987 has achieved a successful roadside repair rate in excess of 90% and is now running a night shift.
"The last thing a haulier wants is a tow-in," says workshop manager Brian Perrins. "He wants to get his truck mobile."
Nevertheless, Red Triangle has just added to its fleet a new recovery vehicle, based on an ERF, with an advanced Brimec projecting boom, which extends three metres to give six tonnes carrying capacity.
Red Triangle is part of the road transport group S Jones Garages, which has been in this field for many years.
Red Triangle has built up to 450 to 500 registered customers — representing around 4,500 vehicles. As a service, it is showing the way to other medium-size, quality operators who may find it profitable to move along similar lines.
"It is always in the back of our minds to fly the flag nation wide and join the big league — perhaps in conjunction with other quality operators," says Perrins. "Perhaps that is the way ahead."
"We offer a more personal service and must remain 'quality'."
S Jones is, however, agent for BRS/AA as well as National Breakdown and Octagon Recovery.
Red Triangle has another ERF, a 6x4 with twin-boom lift carrying capacity, a 7.5tonne Dodge with tilt and slide spectacle lift, and a number of breakdown vans.
The new recovery lorry is also equipped with a 15-tonne hydraulic underlift which, Brirnec claims, Oyes damagefree recovery and enables vehicles to be lifted from above or beneath. The lifting equipment includes hydraulic jacks and twin Ramsey 13-tonne winches. The ERF E-Series with 4x2 chassis has an NTE 400 Cummins engine with an RTO 11513 Eaton gearbox.
Every vehicle is fitted with a phone, giving access to the computer records of all customers, which include British Telecom, BoC and the Royal Mail.
The service operates from S Jones's commercial vehicle workshops at Aldridge and Coventry, where its base is adjacent to Junction Two on the M6.
Red Triangle has a staff of 46 to 48 mechanics and vehicle electricians with a permanent night shift, offering a 24-hour service all year. It offers allmakes assistance within the main West Midlands motorway and A-road network, including the M6 northwards up to Junction 14; M54/Spaghetti junction and Birmingham city centre; M42; M45; and M69; as well as the MI between junctions 21 and 17.
To join Red Triangle, freecall Linkline 0800 622950. Registered customers qualify for discounts.