Directory:Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd
| Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd | |
| Slogan | For all your sales, servicing and repair needs for your Volvo Truck. |
|---|---|
| Type | Private Company |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Template:Country data UK Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom |
| Key people | Ken Strolin, Chairman |
| Industry | Trucking Haulage |
| Employees |  600 (2010) |
| Contact | |
| Reference | |
Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd is one of England's biggest haulage company of commercial trucks, buses and coaches in the United Kingdom.
History
Thomas Hardie Commercials was founded in 1985, it came from a former truck company under the name of "Lancashire Trucks", which was owned and controlled by Rylands under the Midlands Motor Group shareholding company. It consisted of one depot based in Knowsley.
In 1986 a second depot and service station opened at Queensferry and later on in the following year, a third depot was developed at Preston.
Ken Strolin was appointed Managing Director of the entire company in 1988 along with Tony Timmins, they were both promoted to this position from their previous work as service managers.
In December, 1988, both Ken and his partner Tony Timmins, decided to negotiate with Volvo to purchase a percentage of the assets of Thomas Hardie Commercials.
It was soon recognised that Thomas Hardie's customer base was being threatened by a few other large Truck Rental companies, such as the Stobart Group and a few other Scania companies in the Northwest. To counteract this threat, a decision was made in 1989 to form "Thomas Hardie Rentals".
In 1990 work began on a £1 million investment to construct a brand new, purpose-built depot, at Deeside, North Wales. By February, 1991, this was completed and was fully operational. This new facility replaced the former depot at the old Queensferry site.
In 1995, the conception of "Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales Limited" based at Middlewich, Cheshire. In the following year, 1996, Commercial Systems Engineering Limited was formed, this is commonly known now as "Thomas Hardie Engineering", where many engineers are trained and work, with high quality welding skills required.
The first four months in 1998 saw progressed growth within the group, the acquisition of Manchester Truck and Bus Limited helped with the companies growing status. With effect from February 1st, depots at Trafford Park, Wigan and Stockport commenced trading under the name "Thomas Hardie Commercials".
Further growth by acquisition was apparent in 1999, when Thomas Hardie purchased the assets of "Gilbraith Parts and Service" in Chorley.
This essentially meant Thomas Hardie became one of the largest Volvo Truck, Bus & Coach distributors in the UK, which is now recognised as the "North West Regional Distributor Group" for Volvo, because of its size.
August 2002 saw a number of changes to the key management personnel. Ken Strolin became Thomas Hardie Group Chairman followed by the promotion of David Dewhurst and Paul Manning to their positions as joint Managing directors of Thomas Hardie Commercials.
Furthermore, Graham Smith was appointed as Executive Director of Thomas Hardie Commercials.
From January 2003 "Thomas Hardie Marketing Solutions" or THMS as it is mainly referred to, starts marketing its desired services to four target departments:
- Thomas Hardie departments
- Key Thomas Hardie customers
- The Volvo dealer network
- Volvo Truck & Bus UK
In February, 2003, the MBO's successfully completed a management buyout of Thomas Hardie Group Limited.
This buyout involved Ken Strolin selling his shares in the company to the MBO Team, consisting of the company directors includes: Steve Kenyon, David Dewhurst, Paul Manning, Graham Smith and Mark Woosnam, each of which have an equal share-hold in the company.
Ken remains in his position as Chairman of the entire company still.
In 2003 and 2004, the following changes to the company were made:
New Managing Director, Steve Kenyon who was formerly Finance Director continues to retain his responsibility for Finance & IT, whilst being the main figurehead & contact between the dealership & the Volvo Trucks division in the UK.
David Dewhurst is now responsible for the East Side of the Region, covering Preston, Trafford, Stockport & Middleton, including Thomas Hardie Engineering Ltd.
Ian Farnworth, a long serving service manager, then depot manager, is promoted to the head Manager for the entire Preston depot and Chorley depot.
Paul Manning was given the responsibility for the West Side, covering Wigan, Liverpool, Deeside, Middlewich, Stretton & St Helens.
Mark Woosnam continues to be the sole Director of "Fleet Sales & Driver Development" and Graham Smith carries on in his position as Managing Director of Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales.
In 2005, Ian Farnworth left the company for other work. He had worked there for 15 years and at the time of his leave, was the manager of the Preston, Chorley and Deeside branches. It was considered a big loss to the business, due to his skills in management and business skills, which many respected.
Neil Crook took over as depot manager, he serves at the Preston branch mainly, with some work at the Chorley depot.
UK locations
Thomas Hardie Commercials currently operates out of five towns in England:
In addition, "Thomas Hardie Engineering" is located at Chorley and the Used Sales Centre is based at Middlewich.
Statistics
Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd employs about 600 people throughout the UK, with a turnover of £85 million.
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