Supplied by Sean Merrick, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, the rigids join a predominately Volvo-supplied 101-strong vehicle fleet, replacing older FMX tippers of a similar spec. Operating within Hillhouse Quarry Group’s 24/7 quarrying, construction and surfacing operation, the vehicles will be used to transport a wide range of materials including road surfacing products, quarried whinstone, sand, gravel and road planings across Scotland.
Caroline Woodburn, Operations Manager Transport & Distribution, Hillhouse Quarry Group, says: “Our fleet faces some demanding environments, so we need vehicles that can handle tough workloads day in, day out. Whether operating in quarries, on construction projects or supporting road surfacing contracts, the trucks provide the capability and versatility we require to maintain high levels of service for our customers.
“Driver feedback has also been encouraging. Comfort is increasingly important when recruiting and retaining drivers, and the response from those using the new vehicles has been very positive. Combining driver appeal with operational performance makes the FMX an asset to our business and an important part of our fleet replacement strategy.”
A specification built to last
The rigids have been equipped with insulated Thompson bodies and Hardox floors, designed for demanding tipper applications. Additionally, Hillhouse Quarry Group has also opted to specify the new trucks with brushed alloys rather than steel to improve payload capacity.
They will typically work a minimum of five days per week, with additional weekend and nightshift duties undertaken where required to maximise fleet utilisation and support customer demand.
The 15 new tippers form part of Hillhouse Quarry Group’s nationwide logistics operation, serving customers across Scotland from a network of quarries, asphalt plants and contracting locations. While the fleet is based across the company’s Ayr and Glasgow depots, the vehicles are deployed flexibly throughout the country, ensuring capacity is available wherever customer and business requirements arise.
Expected to remain on the fleet for at least five years, the trucks are also covered by a full Volvo Gold Contract for maximum uptime and peace of mind.
Founded in 1907, Hillhouse Quarry Group is one of Scotland’s largest independent suppliers of quarry and construction materials. Headquartered at Hillhouse Quarry near Troon, the family-owned business operates multiple sites across Scotland, supplying aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, concrete products and recycled materials to customers in both the public and private sectors.
