After experiencing problems with his wheeled loaders, James Greenwood needed something more reliable to cope with higher production levels. Liebherr provided it…twice
James is managing director of Ready Mix Tees Valley and with a move to a new yard on the banks of the River Tees enabling a step-up in production, keeping the batching plant supplied with material was crucial. But there was a ‘but’.
“We had used a number of shovels for stocking the plant since we started operations,” he explained. “Both manufacturers’ products had caused us some issues with reliability and build quality. That was something we couldn’t afford with the increase in production from the new batching plant.”
That was the cue for Michael Atkinson, Liebherr GB’s wheeled loader product specialist, and area sales manager Carl Longhorne to step in. They suggested a trial of an L 550 XPower, and its miserly fuel consumption of less than 6 litres per hour, cab comfort and productivity all provided a convincing argument to seal the deal.
The human element was also important. “We have been extremely impressed with everything about the deal,” said James. “The interaction we’ve had with everyone in Liebherr has been excellent from day one. They have been honest and open, something we don’t always see in this industry, and as a family company like ours, the way they approached the deal was refreshing.”
Tees Valley has joined forces with another local family-owned firm, Shire Aggregates, which occupies part of the large yard area. It imports aggregates by ship from around the UK from which are then screened, with more than 80% used by Tees Valley for concrete production.
As the largest concrete supplier in the area – 50,000m3last year – the introduction of the Liebherr loaders has made a real impact on the its operations.
The company was launched in 2008 when James gave up his position with a major pharmaceutical company to invest in concrete. He’s now running two depots on the banks of the Tees with another just getting underway in Leeds where his equipment demands are similar. Guess what he’s bought for that site? Yes, a second Liebherr L 550.
