Pneumatic Components (PCL), the Sheffield-based manufacturer and distributor of pneumatic and tyre inflation systems, has launched a new and improved mobile nitrogen generation and inflation cart range.
Leading national tyre retailer Kwik Fit found itself subject to investigation by the BBC’s Watchdog consumer programme on 5 November, with presenters asking: “They sell 5 million tyres a year, but are they inflating bills by charging for thin air?” Following that less that auspicious introduction, based on customer complaints and the testimony of a whistle-blower that still works in Kwik Fit branches, Watchdog went on to suggest the national fast fit chain is charging customers £1.50 per tyre for nitrogen inflation without asking.
Tyre Bay Direct has celebrated 10 years in business. Now a family run business, Tyre Bay Direct was formed in 2005 by Roger Stote, becoming a name associated with nitrogen tyre inflation systems. With the growth in popularity of nitrogen inflation, Tyre Bay Direct has since had successful relationships with some of the largest and most recognised companies in the industry, including Kwik Fit, Selecta Tyre, Merit Tyre and Halfords. Today Tyre Bay Direct have nitrogen tyre inflation systems installed in over 1,200 tyre shops and fast fit centres across the UK and Europe.
Just because a tyre looks correctly inflated, it doesn’t mean it necessarily is. I was reminded of this the last time my car’s tyres were treated to a pitifully infrequent air pressure check. But at least I’m in good company when it comes to tyre pressure sloppiness. Tyre Bay Direct shares that a recent roadside survey performed by Sussex Police found 73 per cent of all inspected cars to have tyres at least 5psi above or below their recommended handbook pressure.
PCL has named PC Products International Co Ltd as its new distributor in Thailand. PC Products, is primarily a manufacturer of wheel balancing weights, but is now also PCL’s official local partner in Thailand servicing the automotive and tyreshop markets.
According to PCL, the Sheffield-based firm’s Nexus nitrogen generation and tyre inflation unit is fast becoming “the top choice for users looking for a superfast solution, with visitors to this year’s Brityrex impressed with its flexibility and benefits”.
Following the news that PCL couplings will now no longer be gold in colour, Tyres & Accessories visited the company’s Sheffield manufacturing. After this – in order to get a more global perspective – T&A visited PCL’s China operation and interviewed local general manager Robert Wang. China is, of course, a key growth market for many in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries who are seeking to capitalise on the country’s strong manufacturing base, huge population and growing middle class. PCL is no-different, having relatively recently established its Shanghai operation as a means of getting a foothold in China. However it is also a complex market where market saturation and counterfeiting are barriers to entry and development.
Sheffield-based Pneumatic Components Ltd – better known as PCL – says its nitrogen inflation equipment is making hefty inroads into the South African market. The company shares that it is enjoying particular success with its Nexus Compact model. PCL says this inflator is unique in that it can be fitted to the inside or outside of mobile tyre service vehicles while covering every tyre inflation application, from passenger cars to large commercial vehicles, including trucks and OTR tyres.
