MAN TGE Flatframe Chassis Cowl reaches new heights delivering the right ingredients for Henllan Bakery of Denbighshire
Henllan Bakeries new MAN TGE's are all based on the Flatframe Chassis Cowl variant which was showcased at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show, Birmingham. Sitting a full 190 mm lower than the standard frame TGE chassis and specifically designed with ease of use and bespoke body build in mind, this reduced height chassis platform offers the ideal base for operators who require a low height walk-in walk-out box body.
Ed Moore, Director at Henllan Bakery, said: "When looking for new fleet additions we took a long and thorough look at the requirements of our busi-ness, not just at today's fleet needs but into the future too. We required a robust, payload efficient and trust worthy chassis, ideally it needed to be low allowing easy access and exit throughout the day, and, we needed support and understanding from a trusted vehicle manufacturer.
"We'd heard a lot of positive comments about the MAN TGE, the MAN brand and our local MAN dealer A.N. Richards of Llangollen and upon ini-tial conversation it was apparent that not only was the TGE Flatframe the ideal chassis for us, A.N. Richards were also willing to go the extra mile working with our needs to secure our business. They offered a great level of knowledgeable understanding"
Based on front wheel drive TGE models all three vehicles are powered by the reliable, robust and efficient MAN 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine, capable of producing 340 Nm. They all feature 6-speed manual gearboxes and the ergonomically designed two man TGE cab. Two of the vehicles use the Standard 3640mm wheelbase, the third is the longer 4490mm Long wheelbase model. The three new Chassis Cowls join three TGE panel vans which went into service earlier in the year.
Bodied by Truckcraft Bodies Limited of Manchester, Henllan Bakeries new vehicles feature UK premium manufactured low entry Luton bodies on both the 3640mm and 4490mm wheelbase TGE chassis. The low entry design brings great efficiencies to the loading and unloading process and the two wheelbase chassis allow bodies of 3600mm and 4500mm. The bodies offer payloads of around 1200kg (4490mm wheelbase) and 1100kg (3640mm wheelbase) respectively which is a huge benefit for Henllan Bakeries and their transportation needs.
Widely known for their extensive range of high quality, freshly made and scrumptious produce, including traditional Loaves and Breads, Pastry and Pies, Crumpets, Muffins, Tea Cakes, Soft Rolls, Cakes and Treats, Henllan Bakery has been both situated and manufacturing on the same Denbigh site for over four decades.
Ed Moore continued: "To fulfil the needs of our broad and growing customer base our bakery operates on a 24/7 basis and we employ 102 members of staff and due to popular demand we have recently started to export products, such as Bara Brith Cake, Mince Pies, Christmas cakes and Fruit Tarts across the Atlantic to the USA and as far away as the Middle East.
"Our fleet of 22 delivery vans, now bolstered by the three new MAN TGE's, delivers our range of freshly baked produce six days a week and for this to happen it's vital that we operate trustworthy vehicles and have the support of a reliable and partnering vehicle supplier and service provider. Our vehicles leave the yard between 03.00 am and 05.00 am, returning late morning, so if we do have any issues A.N. Richards, who operate extended opening hours, are always on hand."
All of Henllan Bakeries MAN TGE's are covered by the comprehensive standard TGE three-year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty. Vehicle maintenance is catered for by A.N. Richards of Llangollen a franchised and dedicated MAN Truck & Bus Commercial Vehicle dealer. A.N. Richards offers extended opening hours and around the clock servicing, designed to meet and service the needs of the customer.
Fellow Director, Harvey Moore, added: "We regularly travel down to South East and West Wales, delivery trips of over 300 miles per day, mainly travelling on A and B roads.
"The TGE's are very comfortable, relaxing and easy to drive, they are very well laid out with a good fit and finish, vision is excellent and the lights are bright and clear. On the road you get the feeling of safety and I can honestly say that it's the best van I have ever driven."
MAN TGE's come equipped with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard. The EBA system issues a visual and audible warning in the event that a driver doesn't react to an approaching hazard and if necessary, activates the brakes. ABS and ESP are also standard, as is both Crosswind Assist, which ensures the vehicle stays in its lane in case of a side wind or on a laterally sloped road surface, and Multi-collision Brake which ensures the vehicle fully brakes when a collision is detected to prevent further accidents.
The entire MAN TGE range benefits from MAN's Mobile24 24-hour breakdown service, which in the unlikely event of a breakdown, guarantees 24/7 emergency roadside assistance 365 days of the year.