Representing an investment of £20,000, the new technology will allow the fast-tracking of road-side diagnosis
and repair, including the latest Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Braking System (EBS).

The technology works by being able to communicate with the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in both the trailer and tractor unit of a HGV. Any problems are then transmitted digitally to the computer used by Bullwell’s engineers.

Bullwell reports that problems commonly associated with HGVS are related to the EBS and ABS braking systems within the vehicle. Repairing a brake valve requires a specialist technician and tailored programming equipment for the specific braking  ystem, but by using this latest technology and the company’s own highly-trained staff, Bullwell is able to provide immediate EBS and ABS repairs; eliminating the need for an air brake specialist to attend the vehicle.

Additionally, the diagnostic technology can pinpoint where the exact problem lies. In a recent case the brakes of a trailer were continually over-heating, yet there were no problems with the EBS – instead the new technology highlighted that the sensors in the vehicle weren’t working correctly, forcing the brakes to work twice as hard and cause the over-heating. Using the computerised system, the diagnosis time-scale was more than halved.

Steve Pye, company engineer at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says: “Trailers are far more complicated than people think, with many electronics involved and sophisticated systems which communicate to all areas of a HGV through the ECU. It is often the case that a warning light can come on but the driver of the vehicle is unable to determine the exact problem. With this latest technology however our engineers are able to pinpoint exactly what needs doing and can fix the problem there and then.

“Investing £20,000 in this latest technology is a very exciting time for the team at Bullwell, ensuring that through continuous improvement we keep up to date with all the latest technology, staying ahead of the competition and delivering the highest quality service to our customers. Our mobile engineers can now respond to all the technical problems that may arise within trailers and tractor units, ensuring that we continually meet all of our customers’ needs.

“At Bullwell we pride ourselves on providing a nationwide repair and maintenance service, with more than 100 different customers across the UK. Our engineers are strategically positioned to enable us to reach all our customers within the hour and this latest technology will yet again improve the speed with which we repair both trailers and tractor units.”

In May this year (2011) the Transport Committee revealed that £280 million a day was lost in transportation distribution during Winter 2010 and now, with Exacta Weather online forecasting frequent and significant snowfalls in November, December and anuary, it’s predicted vehicles will face similar problems in 2011.

In response to these predictions, Lichfield based Bullwell Trailer Solutions is encouraging goods vehicle operators to make the required pre-winter checks and ensure vehicles are serviced regularly to help prevent any unnecessary disruptions.

Steve Pye, company engineer at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says: “When looking back to the main issues that were recorded during services at Bullwell Trailer Solutions last year, the presence of snow on the ground really caused the fewest problems. In fact, the main challenges that goods vehicle operators faced were the cold temperatures and wet weather, thus in winter months, it becomes increasingly important to have regular services, alongside conducting independent periodical checks to both trucks and trailers.”

Bullwell reveals that the most common faults recorded during November to February 2010/11 were within the braking system, with HGV brakes being affected by the changing temperatures.

Steve continues: “When water in the air drops below zero degrees it is possible for this to cause the braking system to freeze.  As well as putting anti-freeze down the braking lines to prevent this, it is vitally important that the vehicle’s air drying system is defect-free.

“Additionally, as the nights draw darker, it is also vitally important that drivers ensure all lights are fully functional, especially the marker lights on their trailers. Without such lights, it becomes much harder for smaller vehicles to make out the outline of the trailer and as such, road safety is greatly reduced.

In response to conditions experienced on the roads in previous years, many companies are now encouraging drivers to install winter tyres, which have a heightened aggressive tread. These tyres are typically designed for Alpine regions which receive much more severe snowfall than is experienced in the UK.

“After last year’s harsh winter there has been much discussion about whether winter tyres should be encouraged on HGVs in the UK,” Steve continues.  “With the snowfall the way it is in this country there is not actually a huge demand for these tyres, which can often add a great expense onto the management of a fleet.

“Tyres however, really do need to be at the forefront of drivers’ minds as a worn down tread or incorrect axel positioning can greatly reduce a vehicle’s safety. I would recommend that tyres on trucks and trailers are inspected before the colder temperatures and heavier rainfall becomes the norm. Drivers must remain vigilant in maintaining the standard of the tyres – all of which should be fitted to the manufacturer’s specification.

“Ultimately, if a HGV receives regular servicing and testing to the standards set by VOSA and outlined in the manufacturer’s specification, there is no reason why the trailer or truck, should experience severe problems during the winter. It is for individual drivers and fleet managers to ensure such standards are adhered to and it becomes ever more important as the weather gets worse.”

Last year (2010) 100 per cent of Bullwell’s mobile engineers remained operational during the winter months; an achievement which is credited to the high level of service and maintenance that each vehicle received.

You will form part of a successful team managing over 50 engineers and sub contractors nationwide.  Communicating directly with our customers, your role will be to ensure we maintain the highest possible standards of service, delivered on time every time.  Engineering and IT skills are required.

Applicants must have previous experience and a positive can do attitude with the determination to succeed.

To apply please e-mail your c.v. clearly stating which job you are applying
for to Ian.Ashman@Bullwellts.co.uk.  NO AGENCIES.

Following an initial trial period,the training scheme will now be rolled-out to all 54 of the company’s mobile and on-site engineers. The internal accreditation programme aims to ensure that all Bullwell employees work to a minimum criteria approved by their blue chip clients.

Bullwell reports that this is the first training scheme across the UK which is targeted specifically at trailer engineers. Consisting of three tiers of training – bronze, silver and gold – the scheme will train all employees, irrelevant of previous qualifications and experience, to a minimum of bronze level by the end of 2011.

At bronze level, all employees will be assessed on their understanding of the testing criteria outlined by Vehicle and Operator services Agency (VOSA) and follow the obligatory safety standards enforced at the Bullwell site. The aim is for all operators to work to a consistent level that is reflective of trailer manufacturer’s standard of service. The training is mainly theoretical and requires a 75 per cent pass rate in a final exam.

Steve Pye, mastermind behind the training scheme and company engineer at Bullwell Trailer Solutions comments: “Working alongside our key clients means that we were able to focus our training scheme around the specific requirements of blue chip companies. Ensuring staff keep their skills and knowledge up to date and that they remain working to the best of their ability is vital for our business. This comprehensive training programme has already proved beneficial to Bullwell in its initial trial period
and we are delighted to be expanding the programme so that it incorporates all trailer engineers.

“Providing training for employees not only helps them develop their skills and knowledge, but it is also motivational and a building block for our continued success. Training plays an important role in ensuring Bullwell continues to provide a consistent high level of service and is something the company takes very seriously.”

Steve Pye has been employed as a company engineer at Bullwell for the last three years, having previously worked as a research and development engineer at Trans America Leasing and a fleet engineer at White Arrow. He has been training engineers for the past 25 years.

24 employees have successfully completed the bronze level of training during the trial period and will now move onto the silver level of training, at which point engineers are sent on manufacturer’s training schemes to specialise in their varying servicing criteria. At gold level engineers will acquire a class I HGV license.

Gary Bulley, managing director at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says: “This training scheme has the potential to be recognised by the industry at large. Steve Pye was instrumental in developing the standard times the industry uses today and we are very priviledged to have him working within our team. Looking forward, we can all see the potential for this training scheme to become a nationally
accredited programme.”

Independently owned Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd, which employs 90 people, has experienced a sustained period of growth and expansion in both operations and service capability, increasing turnover by 20 per cent from £5.6 million in 2010 to a projected £7 million by its November 2011 year end. For more information visit www.bullwelts.co.uk

Representing an investment of £173,000, the ATF has been installed as a result of VOSA reviewing its estate requirements and the success of the ATF strategy, which has led to the announcement of the closure of some of its testing stations. Bullwell’s ATF will allow VOSA representatives to test up to three HGVs in the 1.6 deep, 18m long, pit at any one time.

Bullwell’s facility, the first ATF in the Lichfield area, will be open for bookings from members of the public with larger vehicles such as camper vans and trailers, who will incur VOSA’s standard testing fees. However, by installing an in-house test lane, Bullwell anticipates cost savings of £60,000 per annum across the 5,000 strong fleet of HGVs that are serviced and maintained by the company.

The decision to install an ATF means Bullwell engineers can service, repair and test trailers and tractor units in one go, reducing journey time and down time incurred travelling to the nearest VOSA site 20 miles away in Garretts Green, Birmingham, which ceased testing on 1^st July.

Gary Bulley, Managing Director at Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd said: “With the VOSA site ceasing testing at Garretts Green in east Birmingham, it made both financial and environmental sense to introduce a significant test lane facility on site at our Lichfield headquarters. More tests than ever before are being carried out by VOSA staff at privately owned facilities, reducing the time and money incurred transporting large fleets such as our own to government operated test sites.

“Since establishing our business in 2007, our entire philosophy has been based on ensuring that the HGV trailers we maintain under contract undergo minimal movement. This creates the most practical and economical solution for trailer repairs, maintenance, and now testing, whilst reducing our carbon footprint and that of our customers.”

Trailers and HGVs are required to be inspected on a regular basis to comply with operator licensing and road safety commitments. With carbon reduction being an intrinsic business policy for Bullwell, by utilising its own ATF, the company is anticipating a reduction of circa 1,776,000kgs of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This is based on an average return journey to the current VOSA centre in Garretts Green of 40 miles, where a HGV would use 33.3 litres of fuel and produce 88.7kgs of carbon dioxide emissions.

The growth in ATFs has been fuelled by VOSA’s drive to reduce the burden on industry and take testing to the customer as part of its Testing Transformation Programme (TTP). TTP aims to ensure that testing is carried out at or near where vehicles are maintained.

Alistair Peoples, Chief Executive of VOSA said: “I’m really pleased to see the 100^th test lane facility in the country now open for business here in Lichfield. Bullwell’s testing bay will help us meet our target to open 75 new non-VOSA sites across the UK by the end of this financial year. It shows that the industry has confidence in the changes we are implementing to the system, and that ATFs are the way forward.   We have been working tremendously hard to provide an efficient, modern service for our customers which delivers convenient, high quality testing, whilst reducing costs, down-time and mileage.”

Independently owned Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd, which employs 90 people, has experienced a sustained period of growth and expansion in both operations and service capability, increasing turnover by 20 per cent from £5.6 million in 2010 to a projected £7 million by its November 2011 year end.

Bullwell’s testing facility will be open for use by the general public from 18^th July. The facility is suitable for all larger vehicles that cannot be tested in regular MOT testing facilities, such as camper vans, trailers and low floor buses. To contact Bullwell regarding the ATF, telephone 0845 6024130.

As the UK’s leading HGV trailer maintenance & repair providers, we have opportunities in various key locations UK wide for experienced HGV trailer technicians/fitters.

This is your chance to join an established yet expanding organisation, whose clients include some of the UKs leading distribution & blue chip companies.

Based from home, you will work in a region from a modern, fully equipped service vehicle carrying out work on a range of manufacturer’s trailers.

You will be experienced in the general maintenance, service and repair of HGV Semi-trailers, while experience of MOT preparation to VOSA standards would be an advantage and customer liaison skills.

The remuneration package includes a performance based highly attractive hourly rate averaging £17.50ph – leading to an OTE of £35-45,000, fully expensed company vehicle/mobile workshop and associated benefits.

To apply please forward your cv to Ian.Ashman@Bullwellts.co.uk

Bullwell Trailer Solutions purchased its new two acre premises in Streethay, Lichfield for £615,000 and immediately embarked on a state of the art fit-out.   A further £50,000 has already been invested in two specially commissioned double-decker repair and maintenance pits for vehicle maintenance.  

Offering a full range of repair and maintenance services from MOT preparation to trailer refurbishment, the company’s relocation follows a continued growth in its client base which includes DHL, Royal Mail, TK Maxx, UK Mail, plus one of the largest trailer manufacturers in the UK, The Cartwright Group. The company currently maintains some 5000 trailers across the UK and Ireland 1,400 of which are on their unique Fixed Price Maintenance package. There is a predicted increase to 2,000 vehicles on contract by the end of 2011. In order to service this level of growth, Bullwell predicts its team could grow by as much as 25 per cent to reach 100 office-based staff and mobile engineers by the end of 2011. 

Click here for more details.

Click here to view an article published by Truck and Track

Pictured above: (l-r) Kevin Tomlinson, financial director and Gary Bulley, managing director for Bullwell Trailer Solutions at the company’s new premises in Streethay, Lichfield

This was the first shake down event in order to prepare the all new car
and well seasoned crew for the HRCR 2011 Championship.
Running the classic car in a modern event proved to be very successful and
has helped to identify some area’s for development.

That said a 14th overall and second in class shows that the car has great
potential and should be a serious contender for the 2011 championship.

Bulley said:  Four years away from Championship Rallying appears to have
had very little effect and although it took us a while to get into the
flow of the things the stage times improved consistently throughout the
day.  The Ascona is a totally different car to the Tiger and as such
demands a completely different driving style.

All agreed it was a great first event on what turned out to be a lovely
day……

However you can reduce the risk of disruption to your company’s delivery schedules by taking up a contract with the UK’s premier trailer repair and maintenance company – Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd.

Click here to find out more.

In partnership with DTZ, Bullwell has recently purchased the industrial premises on Burton Road, Streethay in Lichfield.

The newly refurbished 11,025 sq ft warehouse will be used for repair workshop operations and offers growth opportunities due to its strategic transport links and close proximity to the A38 and M6 Toll.

Raising the profile of the company, the new facility will enable Bullwell to realise its full potential as the UK’s largest mobile trailer repairer.

Click here for more details.

On the picture: (l-r) John Sambrooks, Associate Director, DTZ with Gary Bulley, Managing Director of BTS Ltd outside the Burton Road premises in Lichfield.

Please update your records, our new telephone number is 01543 416665 and the new fax is 01543 440881.

Also note the new address; Bullwell Trailer Solutions, 100 Burton Road, Streethay, Lichfield, WS13 8LN.