Michelin lays waste to budget competitor in Fairport Containers tyre trial

Steel waste container specialist Fairport Containers has binned its budget tyre policy and switched to Michelin, after a set of premium Michelin fitments achieved almost three times the mileage of a budget competitor in a tyre trial.

The Michelin 315/70 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D XDE drive tyres clocked up 382,708 km – travelling more than 250,000 km further than the budget tyres’ approximate runout figure of 132,000 km at Fairport Containers’ 3 mm replacement policy – which Service Manager Lee Cunliffe describes as “miserable mileage, compared to Michelin”.

The original Michelin tyres have since been regrooved and are now on their second life, which should see them deliver up to 25 per cent more miles before being sent back to Michelin for retreading.

Cunliffe says: “The concept of budget tyres makes you think you are saving money, but it was actually quite the reverse. They were hitting us hard in the pocket, and after comparing the trial data, a switch to premium was a no-brainer.

“Fitting Michelin tyres also means we are unlocking additional benefits, as they offer improvements in uptime, fuel efficiency, traction, and safety. Plus, the accidental damage guarantee means our investment is protected.”

As a direct result of the trial, the Michelin policy is being rolled out across Lancashire-based parent company Fairport Holdings’ 50-strong Mercedes-Benz truck fleet, which is operated jointly by Fairport Containers and sister company Andrew Porter – a business relocation and removals specialist. A combined fleet of 51 trailers is also covered by the policy.

The company also intends to take advantage of the multiple lives built into its Michelin tyres, regrooving, retreading, and regrooving again, to maximise mileage and reduce tyre bills.

In addition to regular visits by Account Manager Ian Fitzpatrick, Michelin’s technical team is also helping the customer get the most from its premium tyres.

Over the course of several visits, Michelin Technical Manager Dan Lamb weighed each different vehicle configuration in the company’s joint fleet, suggesting appropriate tyre pressures to maximise traction, longevity and fuel efficiency.

“Having the support of Michelin’s technical team has been fantastic. We’re not a huge outfit, but Michelin has taken the time to really understand our exact requirements, and is giving us five-star service,” says Cunliffe.

As well as the tyres’ mileage potential, Michelin’s accidental damage guarantee was a key factor in the decision to go premium.

The X Multi Guarantee promises to refund operators for any accidental damage suffered before a tyre is 50 per cent worn, provided it has been registered on the Michelin MyAccount web portal within one month of purchase. Service provider ATS Euromaster supplies Fairport Holdings’ Michelin tyres under the policy.

Established in 1983, Fairport Holdings’ brands also include Fairport Construction Equipment, and warehousing arm Fairport Storage. Fairport Containers has been in business for more than 20 years, and is an expert in the refurbishment, remodelling, resale, and rental of steel waste containers.

For further information on the Michelin commercial vehicle tyre range visit http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/

Ends

Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing, distributing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle. It also offers innovative business support services, digital mobility services and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 112,300 employees and operates 68 production plants in 17 countries. The Group also has a Technology Centre, responsible for research and development, with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)

For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341      Email:
d.johnson@michelin.com

James Keeler or Beth Laws, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467   E-mail: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com or beth.laws@garnettkeeler.com

MICHT/312/17


About Michelin

Michelin’s ambition is to sustainably improve its customers’ mobility. The leader in the mobility sector, Michelin designs, manufactures, and distributes the tyres best suited to their requirements and uses as well as services and solutions to improve transport efficacy. With its offers Michelin allows its customers to enjoy unique moments when traveling.
Michelin also develops high-technology equipment intended for multiple fields. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin is present in 175 countries, employs 132,200 people and operates 67 tyre factories that, together, produced approximately 200 million tyres in 2022. (www.michelin.com)


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