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.

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

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

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.

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

Mobile HGV Trailer Controller – 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.

Administrators (Various levels) – Joining an established team you will be responsible for ensuring all documentation is received, processed and reported on to our internal and external customer requirements within the prescribed timescales.  Attention to detail and excellent IT skills are key to this position. 

Workshop Engineers – Previous experience of servicing and carrying out MOT preparations on HGV trailers is essential.  Applicants must be self motivated, and able to work on their own initiative.

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

Steve has been involved in vehicle & trailer maintenance with Royal Mail for over thirty years.  He started his working life as a  vehicle technician and he progressed to managing a variety of motor transport workshops throughout England and Wales. Over the last six years Steve had responsibility for the fleet maintenance for the Royal Mail fleet for the East, Midlands, London & South East areas.

Within this he had responsibility for thirty five workshops and this included the two largest trailer maintenance workshops operated by Royal Mail.  Steve also had a  responsibility for trailer maintenance control for the 2000+ trailer fleet and liaison with Royal Mail distribution management.  

On joining Bullwells, Steve said “Having experienced the excellent service given by Bullwells Trailer solutions during my time with Royal Mail, the opportunity to join the company was an easy decision. Since I have taken up my new role I have been impressed with the teams willingness to try to support their existing customers, whether the trailers are on contract maintenance schemes or where they are ad hoc maintenance customers. I can see that there is great opportunity for development of the Bullwells product and I look forward to being a part of that growth”.

MOBILE HGV TRAILER ENGINEERS IN THE NORTH EAST (NEWCASTLE)

Working from a modern, fully equipped vehicle, the successful applicants will have a proven working knowledge of air brakes, suspensions, electrics and minor body repairs; applicants must be fully experienced in the general maintenance, service and repair of HGV Semi-trailers. In addition, experience of MOT preparation to VOSA standards is essential for this position as is a high level of literacy and customer liaison skills.

MOBILE CONTROLLER  TAMWORTH

Working from the head office in Tamworth you must have previous experience of managing a remote workforce along with technical knowledge of HGV Semi Trailers.  The right candidate with have excellent organisational and planning skills and must be very computer literate.

CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR TAMWORTH

Working from the head office in Tamworth you must have previous experience of scheduling and planning.  As part of the contracts department which is responsible for planning , managing and reporting  for over 1000 trailers  all the servicing and MOT’s for over 1000 trailers, attention to detail is imperative along with previous experience in this area.  This is an ever developing position and requires all suitable candidates to have excellent Microsoft Exel skills

ADMINISTRATOR TAMWORTH

Bullwell Trailer Solutions Ltd has a vacancy at Tamworth for an administration assistant to join its team of administrators. 

 The main duties and responsibilities will be:-

Verification and checking of engineers work via the in house computer system, Liaison with both customers and engineers via telephone, e-mail and fax, Obtaining order numbers from Customers, Producing customer invoices, Extracting and verifying customer reports, Answer enquiries and Assist in the resolution of queries, Ensuring all legal documentation is received and filed in line with legislation

 The successful applicant must have,

 Experience of working in a busy office environment, Good Knowledge of Microsoft Exel and knowledge of other Microsoft applications, Excellent attention to detail, A good confident telephone manner. A ‘can do’ attitude

To apply for any these vacancies please forward your CV clearly stating which position/s you are applying for to IAN.ASHMAN@BULLWELLTS.CO.UK

Children all over the UK need to learn to be safer and with their unique approach Kidsafe help to get this message over to children in a fun way with the help of P.C. Peacey and his friend Ray Dio.  The aim of this campaign is to provide safety posters, leaflets and games to every primary school in the country.

In order to provide this important educational material free of charge Kidsafe need the help of businesses across the UK.  Bullwell Trailer Solutions is proud to help in this campaign and has become a member of the Kidsafe Supporters Club to provide the ‘Get Home Safely’ boardgames and other material to a local primary school in Tamworth.

Managing Director, Gary Bulley said ” we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to support such an important initiative and while we offer nationwide trailer servicing and repair facilities to our customers it is important to also support our local community”

For more information on the products and services that Bullwell Trailer Solutions offer from ‘pay as you go’ to full maintence contracts for HGV trailers please visit us at www.bullwellts.co.uk