TOOMEBRIDGE manufacturer SDC Trailers has won the innovation award at the UK-wide Motor Transport Awards held in London.
The awards, which were attended by more than 1,500 people were organised by Motor Transport magazine, now in their 30th year.
The innovation award was presented to SDC Trailers’ managing director Mark Cuskeran, who described it as a testimony to the skill of the companies’ innovation team and the close working relationship with the client, Malcolm Logistics in the development of a hugely successful new product.
“Like many operators with a fleet of more than 500 vehicles, Malcolm Logistics was concerned about its effect on the environment. While rail offered a reduction in CO2 emissions and road congestion, the operator faced a problem either side of the rail journey when it would have to unload the contents of a 50ft rail container into a 45ft road container, adding another road journey into its operation," he said.
"To overcome this, Malcolm Logistics and SDC Trailers teamed up to develop a 15.65m skeletal trailer that would accommodate a 50ft rail container. The rear end of the trailer can be extended and retracted to accommodate containers of different lengths, but still be compliant under the DfT’s longer semi-trailer trial.”
Judges praised the entry for its practicality and clear benefits to the environment. They also liked the fact that cost savings were being passed on to Malcolm’s customers and said it was brave to pioneer the new equipment.
