Four new Volvo FH-500 6×2 tractor units have joined the 22-strong fleet of IAE. They are the first new Volvo trucks to go into service with the Longton, Stoke-on-Trent-based company following an extended demonstration period arranged by the local dealer Hartshorne (Potteries) Ltd at Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The new Volvos, are equipped with AEBS (Autonomous Emergency Braking System) and LKS (Lane Keeping Support). They were also specified with the D13-500K engine rated at 500hp and I-Shift automated gearboxes.
As uptime and vehicle availability is a major consideration for IAE, the trucks will be maintained by Hartshorne at their Newcastle-under-Lyme depot on a five year Repair and Maintenance contract.
IAE, which was founded 46 years ago, in 1969, by Frank Klucznik senior, is the UK’s leading manufacturer of livestock and equestrian handling equipment, shelters and industrial steel fencing. The family-owned company has an unrivalled reputation for quality and exports their products to many markets, including Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and North America.
The trucks will be engaged in making deliveries to UK wholesalers of IAE’s extensive range of galvanised steel products. Annual mileage is expected to be in the region of 120,000Kms for each vehicle.
According to IAE Director Frank Klucznik junior, grandson of the founder, the decision to purchase the high-spec Volvo FH tractor units is in line with the company’s continuing programme of investment in the latest technology to meet its quality, efficiency and environmental objectives.
“We have worked hard over the last twenty years to build brand consistency for IAE,” he says, adding “As the market leader in agricultural, equestrian and fencing equipment, we owe it to the IAE brand to use top quality suppliers. As industrial and agricultural engineers, transport is not our core business. However, we are hopeful that the new Volvo trucks will help reinforce the importance of quality and environmental care to our customers and possibly the wider public too, on the road and also through their occasional presence at the many agricultural shows that we attend each year.”
