New HQ for truck firm aids growth
includes administration staff, electrical and mechanical engineers, parts and paint shop operatives.
The operations cover 4.2 acres of the 7.2-acre site near the junction of Lindley Moor Road and Crosland Road.
The company, founded in 1973 and led by Alexander McDade and his sons Adrian and Martin, was based at Outlane for about 35 years.
It started out dealing with removal vehicles.
The company launched its commercial vehicle rental business two years ago to run alongside truck sales.
In addition, the company has increasingly focused on building specialist vehicles to customers’ requirements on existing truck chas- sis – principally for the construction industry. They includes cranes and plant, tipper trucks, skip lorries and trailers worth up to £300,000.
Said Alex : “We have grown over the years and demand for our products is getting bigger.
“We used to out-source 60% of our work, now with the new site, we have ben able to bring it in-house to improve the quality and speed of production.
“A vehicle can take three months to complete – we hope to get that down to eight weeks.”
Adrian said after-sales service was also a key priority. “We are always there for the customer if there are any warranty issues or to do repairs.”
Among its achievements, Mac’s Trucks was the first company in the UK to achieve the gold standard for crane fitting from crane manufacturer Fassi UK.
It has put its workshop personnel through courses to demonstrate their skills. “We are constantly investing in our staff,” said Adrian.
“There is a skills shortage in the industry, but we have some longstanding staff who are good at their jobs.”
Said Alex : “We are the only company in Yorkshire where you come in with a chassis and go out with a finished vehicle.”
The new unit is part of developer Stirling Scotfield’s £15m Summit 24 Business Park scheme. Industrial springs supplier Lesjöfors has also transferred its operations to the location from Elland. LLAND company Decorative Panels Holdings has presented 25-year service awards to four loyal employees.
They were joined at the celebration by 32 of their colleagues who have previously achieved the milestone. Together, they have amassed more than 900 years of service. The awards were presented by group chairman Steve Gaunt and group managing director Guy Metcalfe at the firm’s headquarters at Lowfields Business Park.
The company is a leading manufacturer of sheet materials, wood based panel components and flat pack furniture.
Mr Metcalfe said: “A strong business can only be built on the drive and support of its employees and we are extremely appreciative to have such a hardworking and committed team.” LEADING carpet manufacturer in Kirklees has made two appointments. Heckmondwike, one of the UK’s leading commercial fibre bonded carpet manufacturers, based in Liversedge, has appointed Lincoln Chillman as area manager covering the West London, Tunbridge Wells, Hampshire, Berkshire and Dorset region and promoted Jason McKelvey to the role of works manager at the Liversedge factory following 12 years as quality control inspector.
Mr Chillman has 20 years experience in the flooring industry, working in flooring wholesale, retail, contracting and manufacturing.
Mr McKelvey’s role will include running production and despatch on site for Heckmondwike and Playrite, the company’s sports surfaces business.