Michelin has expanded its partnership with Ainscough Crane Hire, taking on full responsibility for the crane operator’s tyre requirements across its truck, trailer, van and mobile crane fleets.
The long-term deal builds on a relationship that began in 2023, when Michelin – whose UK headquarters is based at Keele – started handling the Lancashire-based company’s truck tyre requirements.
Its Connected Solutions division (CXS) will now oversee around 1,000 tyres a year through a national service network, covering more than 350 cranes, 135 trucks and trailers, and 199 vans operating from 30 UK locations.
As part of the expanded agreement, Ainscough – which operates across sectors including manufacturing, defence, telecoms, energy and emergency response – is upgrading its heavy crane fleet to MICHELIN X Crane 2 tyres as existing stock reaches the end of its life. The manufacturer says the tyres offer improved braking, grip and fuel efficiency.
The new contract also includes sustainability reporting and support for regrooving and retreading through Michelin’s multi-life policy, with used casings processed at its Remix plant in Stoke.
Chris Britton, head of operations support at Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “Michelin has become our latest highly valued strategic supplier relationship. Being the number one operator in our field, we only go with trusted and number one brands as our suppliers.
“The fuel savings of £130 per 10,000km will save us £100,000s across the lifetime of the machines, and reduce their environmental impact. Likewise, the increased load factor of the fitments and the 20 per cent improvement in braking distances really impressed us. It means safety margins will increase, and safety is at the heart of everything we do.”
