Building system and cold-rolled steel manufacturer Hadley Group has said the decision to switch to Michelin rubber, replacing a competitor brand across its truck and trailer fleet, has proved invaluable.
The Smethwick-headquartered business, said the combination of MICHELIN X Multi tyres and data analysis from MICHELIN Connected Fleet, had delivered actionable insights, which had helped it identify and remedy low tyre-pressures. This, combined with the arrival of new vehicles into the fleet, delivered a 13% reduction in fuel consumption from October 2023 to October 2024.
James Hammond, Transport Director at Hadley Group, says: “I come from a haulage family and have always had full confidence in the Michelin brand. More recently I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the latest impressive technology contained in each tyre.
“In terms of safety, quality tyres are arguably even more important than brakes, and with Michelin rubber fitted across our fleet, it’s one less thing for me to worry about.”
Hadley Group supplies its products, which includes the modular HadleyFRAME pre-panelised system, to construction and building sites for use in properties including residential apartments, hospitals and care homes.
Its mixed fleet of 20 trucks and 60 flatbed and curtainsider trailers also undertakes general haulage, including backloads, negotiating roads but also rougher off-road locations, which makes physical damage along with wear a consideration.
“While the initial outlay with Michelin is slightly more than some other brands, the tyres are lasting longer, wearing well without running hot, and we’re no longer finding chunks of rubber missing as we did before,” says Hammond.
The haulier takes a range of tyre fitments across its fleet comprising 385/65 R22.5, 295/80 R22.5 and 315/70 R22.5 for its trucks and 385/65 R22.5 on its trailers with X Multi tyres fitted on a replacement basis. Hadley Group utilises Michelin’s multi-life policy to minimise its total cost of ownership. When a new set of tyres has reached the end of its first life, once regrooved they are retreaded as Michelin Remix tyres – which helps extract the maximum performance from each new Michelin casing.
MICHELIN X Multi tyres also come with an accidental damage guarantee. The offer covers accidental damage suffered before a fitment is 50 per cent worn. If the tyres are less than 10 per cent worn, a full refund is issued and if the tyre is 50-90 per cent worn, a 75 per cent refund is given back.
The firm’s requirements are overseen by service provider Tructyre.
“While I love the product, what’s impressed me even more is the care that Michelin gives to its customers. Kelly [Aitcheson] our Michelin contact and the team at Tructyre demonstrate great attention to detail. If I have a problem, I know they will get it sorted,” adds Hammond.
Hadley Group, which has 70 rolling mills and seven manufacturing centres globally, is about to begin trialling Michelin’s new fuel-saving X Multi Energy 2 tyre having been impressed with the first generation of the product.
