New Volvo’s aid Besblock’s environmental objectives

In line with the Shropshire-based Company’s environmentally aware approach to their business, building block manufacturer Besblock has taken delivery of five Euro 5 compliant Volvo trucks - four FM-400 eight-wheel rigids and one Globetrotter-cabbed FM-480 6x2 tractor unit.

Of the company’s decision to purchase Euro 5 compliant trucks, Besblock Director Andrew Huxley says. “The building industry is going green and using Euro 5 vehicles is one way we can demonstrate our commitment to that ethic.”

Andrew also explains that, as part of their commitment to the environment, Besblock has also reduced the amount of potential waste going to landfill by not using any packaging on their block packs. Furthermore, in a move to reduce its carbon footprint, the family-owned and managed company has successfully halved power consumption in a major part of the manufacturing process at its two state-of-the-art facilities in Telford.

Supplied by Volvo Dealer Hartshorne Motor Services at Walsall, the specification of the 13-litre trucks includes I-Shift automated transmission, ‘Comfort’ trim with air-con, alloy wheels and Dynafleet telematics.

The FM-480 artic’s tipping hydraulics were supplied by Hartshorne’s own Hy-Parts division and the 8x4 delivery vehicles are equipped with custom made block-carrying bodywork by Fred Smith of West Bromwich and Atlas cranes. The cranes are centre-mounted for maximum efficiency and all the trucks feature air-suspended drive-axles. Tare weight of the 8x4’s is 13,800 kgs and the artic provides a competitive 29 tonnes payload. AdBlue top-ups are currently made every four days.

Unlike nets, the drop-down sides of the 8x4’s bodywork are designed to be higher than the load – thus virtually eliminating its sideways movement and the possibility of shedding.

Besblock control the whole manufacturing process, from the collection of raw materials, up to and including the delivery of the finished blocks to builder’s merchants in the Midlands. As it can be coupled to either a tipping trailer, when collecting stone, or a platform trailer with crane, when delivering, the FM artic provides a useful degree of flexibility in meeting customer’s needs, says Andrew. All the vehicles carry around four loads per day and will cover in the region of 150,000 kms each year.