Global tyre technology provider Michelin Tyre Company South Africa launched South Africa’s first Michelin Truck Service Centre (MTSC) in Villiers, in the Free State, in partnership with tyre distributor Multi Tyres.
“The MTSC will offer truck and bus owners a one-stop shop for maintenance, tyres and repairs,” Michelin partnership programme manager Jaco Venter tells Mining Weekly.
He says that the MTSC was established in Villiers as it is located near the N3 high- way. Various services are available to trucks travelling through Villiers: pressure checks, wheel alignment, nitrogen infla- tion, tyre repairs and quick vehicle surveys.
He adds that the centre can also perform a few quick mech- anical checks to ensure the vehicles are in good condition before they continue their journey.
Venter points out that Villiers provides an important stopover point for bulk materials handling vehicles travelling to or from the mines, such as those located near Bloemfontein, Kroonstad and Theunissen, all in the Free State, as well as mines in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.
These areseveral coal, diamond and iron-ore mines in the Free State and the Northern Cape.
Further, he notes that truck and bus owners are under constant pressure to operate and supply goods on time at the best price for customers.
“This results in vehicle owners having to choose products, tyres and maintenance services that carry the lowest costs, which often results in vehicle owners increasing their costs for every kilometre, exposing them to lower-quality products, which can, ultimately, compromise safety,” he laments.
He stresses that Villiers MTSC customers will be given the right advice, offered the best products and service and experience the fastest turnaround times.
“Less downtime means that more deliveries can be made and this will increase operational efficiencies and allow companies to remain competitive in the market,” Venter enthuses.
Villiers MTSC co-owner Sean Smith states that MTSC has state-of-the-art tyre and mechanical equipment and can cater to all types of trucks and buses, including 22 m interlinks.
The Villiers MTSC services include alignment, balancing, fleet inspections, stripping, fitting, tyre repairs, regrooving, pressure surveys at the point of sale and on-site services.
The service centre will also stock a range of products, including tyres, batteries, rims, valves and extensions, nitrogen and stock retreads.
Venter highlights that MTSCs operate in other emerging economies, including India, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, with about 40 points of sale.
He says Michelin South Africa plans to extend the MTSC network across the country by opening more branches and will offer a complete breakdown service.