NFC backs repair switch
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• A new nationwide autoelectrical repair network, offering a 24-hour service, has been set up with the backing of the National Freight Consortium.
Eighteen months ago, Tankfreight — the NFC's road tanker company — continued its diversification by acquiring P J Preston Auto-Electrical, a Grimsby-based business with a 30-year track record in the auto-electrical field. Combining the experience of P J Preston with its own collection of engineering workshops, Tankfreight has now established a network of 16 auto-electrical outlets nationwide, employing over 60 specialists.
Operating under the banner of P J Preston, the outlets offer a range of services which can be grouped into four categories. The first is the general servicing and repair of the electrical systems for all sizes of vehicle, with perhaps 80% of this work involving an autoelectrician going out to a stranded vehicle. The second category is the conversion of specialist vehicles, such as road tankers to meet pet regs and ADR approval.
Fitting ancillaries, such as mobile phones, makes up a third grouping, with the final service being that of an autoelectrical factor. The services are aimed at all operators of CVs and PSVs, from large fleets on a contract basis, to individual owners for one-off work.
With electrical faults responsible for a large proportion vehicle failures or breakdowns, and the increasing sophistication of electrical systems, autoelectrical services will be in increasing demand. The new network offered by P J Preston could make the established electrical companies look at the service they offer. With the current emphasis on minimising down-time, a 24-hour back-up system may be the least that some operators demand.