Nestlé reports fleet-wide growth for Michelin tyres 25 January 2013

Four years after trialling its first Montracon trailer with Michelin's X One MaxiTrailer tyres, Nestlé Customer Logistics reports that 25% of its 200-strong tri-axle Cooliner fleet is now operating on is special size 455/45 R 22.5 tyres.

Nestlé's fleet operates on trunking routes between its production facility in York – which makes 6,000,000 Kit-Kats a day – and distribution hubs throughout the UK.

Its experience of X One MaxiTrailer tyres has proven so successful that vehicle engineering manager Ralph Defty says he now specifies the tyre on all new standard length trailers joining the fleet.

Defty explains: "Previously, we were getting an average of 130,000km from new trailer tyres, but with the X One MaxiTrailer we're projecting more than 200,000km; the equivalent of four years in service.

"The worn casings can then be returned to Michelin for remoulding, with the Remix tyres expected to deliver the same performance again," he adds.

Defty concedes that an X One MaxiTrailer tyre costs £100 more than a regular trailer tyre, but makes the point that it delivers nearly double the life.

"It's been an absolute game-changer for our fleet," he says.

Key to the performance of this tyre is said to be its Infinicoil architecture, consisting of a 400m-long steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown.

Compared to a regular 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2 trailer tyre, the tread band is also 120mm wider and has 35% more usable tread rubber, which contributes to the increased tyre life.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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