Johnsons Hotel Linen, one of the UK’s largest hotel laundry hire and service providers, has begun introducing to its fleet fifty-two rigids and three fixed double decks manufactured by Tiger Trailers, with an emphasis on durability to meet its demanding operations.

Following a visit to Cheshire-based Tiger Trailers’ purpose-built facility in 2022 by Leigh Anscombe, Johnsons’ National Transport Manager, the order for the trailers was placed initially, with the first delivered in October 2023, during which time the first twenty 18-tonne rigids were also manufactured.

Anscombe comments: “From our first introduction to Ignacio and Tiger Trailers we were impressed with the setup of the business and the attention we received as a potential customer. This has continued since placing numerous large orders through Tiger Trailers, with communication from Ignacio being fantastic and constantly keeping us aware of the situation and any changes. Issues that were encountered along the way and could have potentially arisen were communicated, headed off and dealt with before becoming a problem because of this.”

“The first batch of vehicles have been on our fleet for close to six months now during our busiest period and show no signs of wear and tear. This is what we would expect from a company such as Tiger and feel it is reflected in the overall finish and build quality of the product and service we have received”, he adds.

Due to the intense operation, strength was a primary requirement when identifying a supplier for the new fleet additions, and Johnsons’ Tiger-built rigids and trailers have been tailored with this in mind, each featuring Anchorfix steel plates impregnated within their GRP-faced sidewalls to provide enhanced protection for the load securing tracks, mitigating damage from frequent cage loading.

The initial twenty rigids are based on DAF LF 4×2 chassis and their specification includes a bespoke aerodynamic kit and a rear-sloping roofline for improved air flow, a full-closure Dhollandia 1,500kg cantilever tail-lift, and ventilators in the roof to combat damp laundry loads. Three different full-print liveries were applied across these vehicles, which have entered service throughout Johnsons’ nationwide fleet.

Tiger’s double deck solution comes in tri-axle box van step-frame guise, with these trailers providing support to the laundry specialist’s rigid fleet and regional hubs by transporting up to 74 cages during times of peak demand. The neck of the trailer offers additional storage space for loose laundry items, aided by an internal tail-lift. The fixed full-length upper deck is rated at 10,000kg and is constructed of steel overlaid with phenolic floor, with a steel durbar crash plate at the rear. The reversing spot lamps on each side have been fitted at a 45-degree offset behind the rear axle to elevate safety and visibility during low-speed manoeuvring around yards and hotel car parks. Completing the trailers’ specification is a gated Dhollandia 2500kg twin-tier column tail-lift.

Iggy Torres-Manzi, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “Tiger and myself are proud to have both brought on a new customer, and manufactured Johnsons’ latest fleet additions – it’s always exciting to develop two different products for a customer. The durability enhancements we have incorporated are sure to result in these new rigids and trailers becoming invaluable assets in their network, and they look fantastic in the company’s iconic blue, complemented by the different full-print wraps. It’s been a pleasure to work with Leigh, and we look forward to supporting the customer going forward, through the delivery of their future orders and beyond.”

Johnsons Hotel Linen’s additional thirty-two Tiger rigids will be introduced to the operator’s fleet in Spring 2024, comprised of sixteen DAF and sixteen Mercedes-Benz Trucks chassis. Tiger is also manufacturing a brace of 7.5-tonne rigids for the laundry specialist’s Northern Ireland operation.

Tiger Trailers is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of articulated semi-trailers and rigid bodywork. Based in Cheshire and soon celebrating its 10th year in business, the firm builds the complete range, from curtainsiders, box vans, fixed and moving double decks and flatbeds, to temperature-controlled trailers, specialist vehicles and demounts. The company is home to Tiger Finance, Tiger Parts, and Tiger Rentals divisions. Its ESG initiatives include a tree planted for each product sold, solar panels on its factory roof, and EV chargers for staff and visitors. Tiger’s CSR activities include working with The Prince’s Trust, Women in Transport, the RHA, emergency services, and Cheshire Community Foundation, while the Tiger Safety Team delivers its ‘STOP, LOOK, BE SEEN’ road safety programme into schools.

Tiger Trailers

About the Author: John Loughran