Don-Bur Quarterly Newsletter September 2015

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2015 is arguably proving to be the most exciting year in Don-Bur's history. Not only have we seen the largest order intake, we have also committed significant investment to the production line to cater for the already growing interest for builds in 2016!

April marked an important milestone for us as well when we returned to the CV Show after 6 years of absence. Even we were surprised with the response when the stand was full to capacity on several occasions and we were chatting to clients in the surrounding walkways with lunches and drinks in hand. So successful was the event for us that, the day after the show, we reserved the same location for the 2016 CV Show. Needless to say, it was the ideal platform to launch several innovations including the "Aeris"; an aerodynamic first to bridge the air gap between tractor and trailer.

Our new conference facilities have proven to be a huge hit across the board. Open to both clients and non-clients alike, the new rooms have been in almost constant use over the past 6 months and we continue to reserve the large 22 seater meeting room for those all-important gatherings.

It seems the UK market continues to add diversity and specialisation to increase efficiency and reduce operational cost. Below are some of the more recent and interesting projects we've produced since our last newsletter.

We would all like to wish you well and remind you that we're always here to help.

Best wishes

David Burton

Managing Director, Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd

Don-Bur Launch New HD Website

Don-Bur has just launched an exciting new website which includes cutting-edge 3D technology never before seen in the industry.

As well as full-screen HD graphics and compatibility with all mobile devices, the new site has taken a giant leap further. The new 3D technology allows the viewer to watch animated products and features in a fully virtual 3D environment. This means you can zoom in to view details on a coupling box, rotate it round to view underneath a tail-lift or pan the model to see how a trailer would be loaded from a bay. The latest web-GL technology sets a new standard in website design and we invite you to visit the site to see what all the fuss is about.

Homebase Turn Up The Heat With New Teardrops™

It seems that plants and flowers are just as susceptible to cold as they are to heat.

Homebase were keen to ensure that, when carrying horticultural loads, the 23 new aerodynamic trailers would circulate warm air to prevent cold damage. This was achieved by introducing an Eberspacher heating system supported by a network of under-floor ducts and vents.

Among other things, the fuel saving trailers feature the award-winning LowGlide MK2 Safe Ground Coupling System and a full width compression buffer at the rear.

Don-Bur To Purchase Another Lasercutter

Following the success of the first lasercutter installed in 2014, Don-Bur are to invest another £1 million in an identical machine to complement the first.

Handling sheet sizes up to 6.5 x 3.1m, the laser cutter can process sheet steel up to 20mm thick at an astonishing accuracy of 0.05mm per metre. Due to the constant beam length system, cut quality is maintained over the entire cutting surface and the edge function produces clean corners without burring. Cut speed is also improved as the head can travel at up to 85m per minute and can switch accurately between pieces to allow for cooling time.

Carlsberg Stay Extra Safe With Latest Draw Bar Combination Design

Don-Bur has supplied Carlsberg with more bodywork including prime mover and draw bar trailer designs.

Both are accredited with the EN12642-XL load containment standard but also fitted with Don-Bur’s “LoadFix” load restraint solution. They are also shaded by a 25mm insulated roof panel.

A particular challenge for Don-Bur was to force in several sub-chassis brewery features such as sack truck stowage, CO2 racking, barrel skids and storage boxes; a tall order on the latest Euro 6 setups.

Supplied to Carlsberg January 2015

Rob Coombes Joins Don-Bur as Operations Director

After gaining a HNC in Production Engineering at Birmingham Polytechnic and gaining a wealth of experience for the likes of Boalloy, Galloway Group and API, Don-Bur has welcomed Rob into the fold as Operations Director.

Rob will oversee all key production operations at Don-Bur, including Engineering, Procurement and Manufacturing.

C S Ellis Order Double Deck LSTs

Palletnetworks too are benefitting from LST's. The latest 15.650m longer semi trailers were manufactured for C S Ellis and contain a secondary 11m long fixed deck fitted with expanded mesh flooring. Built to a 4.85m overall height and running on 19.5" mini single tyres, this gives them plenty of headroom on both decks.

The total UK Pallet capacity is 52 and to provide unhindered side access, the rear curtain wraps fully behind the rear panel when opened.

FTA Fleet Engineer Conference

On 10th June, Don-Bur again spoke at the annual FTA Fleet Engineer Conference at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Subjects covered were Load Securing, Aerodynamics, Innovation and Safety.

IRTE Conference 17th September

Don-Bur have also been asked to present at the IRTE conference on 17th September at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth. The session will focus entirely on aerodynamics to raise awareness of not only available technology but the effective arguments for and against various solutions.

DHL City Quiet CNG Vehicle

In partnership with DHL, Don-Bur developed and built an urban delivery vehicle to aspire to.

Powered solely by compressed natural gas, the quiet running, low entry Scania P chassis was fitted with an aerodynamic 8m long Teardrop™ body and a host of quiet and safe features.

• PIEK-approved tail-lift
• Full perimeter conspicuity markings
• Quiet treated flooring
• Low-slung side guards + intermediate guard rail
• Birds-eye camera system for all-round visibility
• N/S cab door visibility panel
• Cyclist high visibility warning tape
• Air-operated shutter with low noise locks
• Front, rear and side proximity detectors

The new vehicle has been received well by TFL and the Noise Abatement Society.

Engineering Team Grows

Don-Bur already has one of the largest engineering teams in the industry. Due to continued growth, Don-Bur welcomes Luke Beard to the family. With a background in engineering and trailer building, Luke has already fitted in well and we wish him the best here.