Page 8 - CTB n6 - 2014-02

NEWS
Alcoa Expands Hungarian Wheel Plant to Meet Surging European Demand
Checkpoint Highlights the Critical Nature of Wheel Security
Detachment of wheels from vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, has been a cause of concern for many years. Detached wheels can just come to rest and cause little or no damage. However, in worst cases they can collide with other vehicles causing accidents and even fatalities.
Research from TRL (formerly the Transport and Road Research Laboratory) has indicated that there are 7,500-11,000 wheel fixing defects in the UK every year in the UK alone, resulting in 150-400 wheel detachments, 50-134 of which result in damage-only accidents, 10-27 injury accidents and between 3-7 fatalities.
TRL’s report also shows that there is a broad range of causes from insufficient tightening and over- tightening to incorrect lubrication, but that failed or worn studs are responsible for most incidences of defective wheel security (45% and 23% respectively).
Checkpoint has championed wheel safety and protection for over 25 years. As the leading global manufacturer, supplier and inventor of the original wheel nut indicators and retainers, it has recently developed the Checkthread Tool Kit, designed to allow service staff and engineers to check and monitor the quality and integrity of the actual wheel studs, wheel holes and wheel nuts.
“The product should be used when servicing wheels,” said Mike Marczynski, Checkpoint MD and inventor of the Checkpoint Original. “The thread tester highlights problems with stud threads such as stretching, distortion, damage, cracks and corrosion,” he continued, “and the stud elongation tool (SHET) identifies elongation and damage to wheel stud holes. Finally the spherical/conical tool is used to determine the type of stud hole seat on a wheel rim.”
Michelin Launches
Nationwide Breakdown
Sailun Europe has announced the appointment of Michael Eckert to the position of Senior Product Marketing Manager. With over
18 years tyre industry
experience in various roles
with Michelin and Hankook, Eckert brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the expanding Sailun Europe team.
At Michelin and Hankook,
Eckert carried out a variety of senior roles related to truck
tyres, racing and motorsport teams and responsibility for
OE. One of his primary roles
at Sailun will be the ongoing enhancement and continuous improvement of the European Sailun truck tyre pattern and
size portfolio. This will include the development of specific solution-led applications, driven by the local needs and demands of both Sailun’s professional truck tyre distributor network and major European truck fleet operators.
Martin West, Managing Director, Sailun (Europe) commented: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Michael to the Sailun team. As our growth continues, we need to face the additional challenges and make sure we
have the best people. We have been seeking someone of
Alcoa has announced that it is investing US$13 million to expand its wheel manufacturing plant in Europe, to meet growing demand for its lightweight, durable, low- maintenance aluminum truck wheels.
The expansion of the Székesfehérvár, Hungary facility will enable Alcoa to produce twice as many Dura-Bright® EVO surface-treated wheels in Europe by early 2015, compared with current production levels. “Demand for Alcoa’s forged aluminum wheels continues to grow in Europe, as emissions regulations drive up the need for stronger, lighter and easier-to- maintain wheels that increase payload, reduce maintenance costs
and enhance sustainability,” said Tim Myers, President, Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products. “Additional capacity at our manufacturing facility in Hungary positions us to capture this growth.”
Construction on the production line expansion began in January 2014, with completion expected in early 2015. It will create 35 new permanent jobs and approximately 215 temporary jobs during construction. The Hungarian Government will contribute US$4.4 million toward the construction through its Regional Operative Programme, a government-led economic development initiative.
Sailun Appoints New Senior Product Marketing Manager
Service
Michelin has announced the launch of a new 24/7 breakdown service for truck, bus and coach operators which uses audited and approved Michelin Certified Centres to provide comprehensive nationwide coverage across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The new Michelin ONCall service was officially launched on the opening day of the CV Show. It draws upon the combined strength of all independent Michelin Truck Professional (MTP) dealers and ATS
Euromaster centres to offer a rapid-response network of more than 300 commercial vehicle- ready service points.
Fleets benefit from competitive fixed pricing, a two hour response window and Michelin policy fitment rates which will exceed 90 per cent. Additional benefits for ONCall customers include a 12 month guarantee on all new Michelin tyres fitted, full access to their individual Michelin Remix casing bank and 30-day payment terms.
Michael’s capability and experience for a long time – to bring him on board represents a great coup for the Sailun brand and will only enhance the overall offering and support we provide to our channel partners. We wish him every success with Sailun.” Michael Eckert will be based in Germany, where he lives with his elementary school teacher wife, Julia.
8 Commercial Tyre Business