NEW MEMBERS We are delighted to welcome the following companies into CEA membership: MULTIDRIVE LTD TINSLEY GROUP - CHESTERFIELD PLANT TOWERLIGHT UK LTD

MULTIDRIVE LTD - Into production with the M8-35 - The New Generation ADT

Multidrive Ltd was formed by its Managing Director, David J B Brown, as a division of the Brown Group of Companies - which also included BDE Ltd, Artix Ltd and DJB Ltd.

With the exception of Multidrive, the companies, along with designs, were sold to Caterpillar Inc in 1996. Multidrive was retained by David Brown to fulfil his vision of developing a ground-breaking range of commercial and military vehicles which would provide leading-edge on/off highway solutions to 21st century requirements.

Emerging from a four-year research, development and testing programme the robust M8-35 tractor/trailer unit and the 35 tonne capacity Multi Load Ejector (MLE) body, capable of a 15 second safe, controllable ejection, are just two of the results.

The 55mph and 8hp/tonne M8-35 with MLE has entered production after extensive trials and testing at home and in South Africa. BulkMech, the country’s leading coal discard contractor, has proved that productivity increases of over 40% are sustainable, derived from the lighter weight MLE and its on-the-move spreading capability, eliminating the need for spreading vehicles. The huge versatility of the complete unit from rock to concrete, combined with its fuel efficiency, low operating costs and highway legal dimensions add to its profitability.

OFF-HIGHWAY RESEARCH ON THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Leading construction equipment industry analysts Off-Highway Research have reported to the DTI on Sector Competitiveness in the UK Construction Equipment Industry. This supports the CEA Promoting Performance initiative in looking at ways in which we can encourage and facilitate competitive improvements. OHR Director of Research, Chris Barrow-Williams, presented the key findings to the Promoting Performance conference. The report backed a CEA involvement in an Industry Forum style initiative together with a list of other projects which the Association could tackle. These included, the development of new market strategies, training for SMEs in market development, web-based marketing, publicity of SME support services, improved market data and encouragement of foreign language skills. The CEA Management Council and supporting Committees will be assessing the recommendations and preparing an Action Plan.

OFF-HIGHWAY RESEARCH HAVE MOVED

We wish David Phillips and his team at Off-Highway Research every success in their new premises:

35 Great James Street London WC1N 3HB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 1128 Fax: +44 (0)20 7404 1129 E-mail: mail@offhighway.co.uk

CEA WEB SITE

The CEA’s web address is www.coneq.org.uk  - however, www.fmcec.org.uk  can still be used for the time being.

"BRIDGESAFE"

Low Bridge Alert Warning Detection System

GKD Technik Ltd, well established designers and suppliers of electronic safety systems for commercial and passenger vehicles, launch an innovative device to advise bus drivers on approaching a low bridge. The system, known as BridgeSafe detects a low bridge automatically from a considerable distance, then automatically gives an initial warning by a light and audible intermittent sound to inform the driver that the bus is approaching a low bridge.

Contact: Edward Spiteri Tel: +44 (0)1202 861961 - Fax: +44 (0)1202 861361

CEA COUNCIL REPRESENTATION

Component Suppliers need to elect a new representative for future CEA Council meetings after Terry Hawthorn, Prolec Ltd, stepped down at the 2001 AGM. Thanks are extended to Terry for his contributions over the years. A meeting will be held shortly to increase Council representation.

CONGRATULATIONS