Standing the test of time

Tullamore Vehicle Test and Repair Centre specialise in heavy and light vehicle testing, repairs and servicing, just as the name obviously suggests.

From its state of the art facility at Cloneally Industrial Estate in Tullamore, which is beside the Palfinger Ireland premises, the company provides a top quality service to a large customer base and managing director Kieran McManus spoke to Irish Trucker magazine about the company.
Kieran offers a one-stop facility for all vehicles. All types of repairs are carried out in house thus ensuring a fast and efficient service for all their customers.

“We offer the following services: Full tachograph and speed limit facilities, brake ABS, EBS diagnostics and repairs; Full workshop facilities for all truck, trailers, buses, 4X4’s and all van types,” said Kieran.
All Kieran’s staff are trained to a very high standard as is evident from all the certificates mounted onto the wall of the reception area of the facility.
“Gone are the days when my profession was looked upon as being a trade for people with basic electrical qualifications. Now our staff are more likely to use a laptop computer and various other technical diagnostic tools to repair vehicles.”
Kieran has been in business for the past 15 years, which is a testament to the experience he has obtained during that period, while his staff also have plenty of experience.

“We work a five and a half day week. We have two full time heavy and light vehicle testers, three technicians fully trained in tachograph and speed limit services and there are three full time mechanics here also.”
With the advent of the VTN, there has been many changes in that sector, full computerization of the vehicle test and the installation of the very latest equipment to ensure that the safety of all our vehicles are at the highest standards.

Now with our counties roads being so congested with vehicles, safety of these vehicles is of the utmost importance to all concerned. With this in mind Kieran has decided to offer what he calls a ‘special inspection service’ to all vehicle operators.
“From fleets to owner drivers every six or eight weeks a vehicle should undergo a special inspection (mini annual test, if you like) thus ensuring a number of things including that the vehicle is not going to break down and not incur cost and annoyance to the owner with more down time, while the vehicle’s safety will not be compromised as any wear and tear can be seen at an early stage and corrected.
“This will also ensure that come the time for the vehicle’s annual test that it may only need minor attention to pass the test on the day, causing less hassle for the owner.

“During our inspection, we call it our six week check, we will use the very same check list that we use when conducting the annual test. We will give a computerised printout of the brake readings and a copy of the inspection to the operator to keep for their own records.”
To minimise down time to operators, the vehicle service checklist and six week inspection can be done simultaneously. The cost of this service will be very appealing as Kieran realises the high cost and competitive times that vehicle operators work in.
“This service will ensure that vehicle operators will have less to fork out at annual test time and ensure that vehicles are productive all year round. This service will give operators the peace of mind and allow them to concentrate on their core business ‘Haulage’.
“As we are so well located in Tullamore and now with all our new roads and motorways we hope this new service as we all as the other facilities we offer will be of benefit to all.”

Kieran is not involved in vehicle sales and he has no allegiance to any marque. He sees this as being very important in his core business i.e vehicle testing as he believes he has to be uncompromised on all his decisions.
The company also maintains a very well stocked store of spare parts, truck accessories and general workshop tools, which enhances their reputation of being a one-stop shop.

Kieran and his staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all their customers for their support over the years, which he hopes will continue for a long time yet.