Now here's a story that Biglorryblog thinks should appeal to the 'Keeper of the Flame'. A 'stone-slinger' ... and on a Volvo! Word reaches BLB that Aardvark Concrete (great name and first in the Yellow Pages too) has consolidated its position as one of the UK's leading building suppliers by clinching the sole distribution rights for specialist material placing vehicle, the MultiCat Spreader. The Stockport-based company, which up till now has specialised predominantly in volumetric concrete supply, will become the only company in the country to sell the vehicle to UK and Republic of Ireland-based customers. Aardvark intends to extend distribution to mainland Europe in early 2009 too, growing turnover to £15 million within the next five years, as a result of the licensing agreement.
The specialist kit, manufactured in the US and worth a cool £165,000, can unload and spread up to 20 tonnes of stuff, reaching up to 30 metres from the rear of the truck. This enables material such as stone, topsoil and sand to be deposited in difficult to reach sites, eliminating double handling. Mick Duignan, general manager of Aardvark, tells me: "We've taken delivery of two vehicles and have had the first of these up and running since November. The decision to buy the sole UK distribution rights was made for two reasons: firstly, it will allow us to extend our own fleet of specialist vehicles, increasing the company's capabilities; and secondly, by becoming the sole UK supplier of the MultiCat Spreader we will gain a strong foothold in what is already a large market in the US." Now click through here for more...
Duignan adds: "With only four MultiCat manufacturers in the world - two in the US and two in Canada - the market is ripe with opportunity. Aardvark has established itself as the North West's leading specialist concrete supplier, but we're confident that the latest business move will prove even more successful." The move follows Aardvark's first acquisition since launching in 2002 of the ready-mix concrete division of Middlewich-based business, Cheshire Concrete Products.
Thanks for the kind thoughts Brian. Yes, it is quite the machine! I had heard a while ago that one was due into the country but had since forgotten about it. Great shots anyway.
Dunno where to post this, but I saw this picture on Lorryspotting and I noticed something:-
http://www.lorryspotting.com/newsArticle.asp?nID=1123958265
Is the Maguire driver looking at a laptop whilst driving on the M5?
I bet Health and Safety Officials will have a field day with this.. This machine has taken off in America big time but in the uk we cant even Fart without someone pointing out the DANGERS! I totally agree its a good piece of equipment if you have the use for it but sadly i think H&S will kill it!