The enthusiasm often associated with the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors was demonstrated when Dextra Group plc, the largest and most successful privately owned lighting manufacturer in the UK, sent two of its most senior and experienced drivers to collect its latest curtainsider from Tiger Trailers’ Cheshire factory.
Featuring several bespoke options, Dextra’s new 9.6m tandem axle curtainsided double-deck step frame trailer aptly demonstrates Tiger Trailers’ tailored ethos to customer experience and its keenness to incorporate various technologies when specified by an operator.
As part of Tiger Trailers’ product personalisation, Dextra specified and chose a hot-dipped galvanized chassis, bearers and end frames. A metallic-painted aerodynamic front panel incorporating internal strap storage was included in the design solution, along with a Manitou fork-lift truck mounting kit, and recessed rear lights to reduce the risk of damage and therefore maximise fleet uptime.
Dextra’s other requested options comprised the fitment of Michelin XTA2+ tyres for energy efficiency gains, and the inclusion of the Tire Pilot active tyre pressure monitoring system from SAF, with disc brake axles complementing the trailer’s EBS braking system from Haldex.
“After contacting Tiger Trailers, Jack and Darren were very quick at visiting me to view our operation and understand our requirements. Tiger’s technical team listened to the quality and H&S issues we had been experiencing with our current trailers and re-engineered problems into solutions in our new design. One thing that really impressed me with the Tiger team was that they reacted to comments and criticism from our drivers and in part some of the new design features added were to make the trailers safer and easier to use whilst on the road”, comments Dextra Group’s Operations Director, Tim Pickford.
He adds: “We’re very happy to be working with such a customer-focused manufacturer, our Tiger trailers are superb and we’re looking forward to maintaining the innovative collaboration going forward.”
Of equally noteworthy attention, Dextra’s two new Mercedes Actros fleet units are the first in the country to be fitted with the German manufacturer’s Brake Assist and Drive Assist safety systems, encompassing car-like aids such as automatic distance control, electrically assisted steering, lane assist and autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and other hazards.
The lighting firm’s latest fleet additions also feature Mercedes’ new MirrorCam technology, which replaces conventional main and wide-angle mirrors with digital cameras and 15-inch HD displays, helping mitigate incorrect mirror positioning and resultant blind spots, while assisting drivers by automatically focussing the cameras in the optimum places during reversing and other manoeuvres.
Dextra’s wholly owned and fully liveried fleet is an integral part of the company’s industry-leading service – and having placed additional orders with Tiger Trailers is an indication of the close association the two companies have formed.
