The agreement marks the first procurement contract negotiated by Charlotte West, age 20, since being appointed Procurement Administrator at ATS Euromaster six months ago.  Commenting on the deal, she explains: “The new water coolers use an improved filtration system which will deliver even fresher, better tasting water in our head office.  But the payback in knowing we are helping ensure a clean supply of water in rural Africa takes the overall benefits to a whole new level.

“In many of these communities water has to be carried from open water sources and wells, where the water is often contaminated with bugs that arise from the unhygienic conditions and which can prove lethal,” adds Charlotte.

The elephant pumps are being installed through the Shakespeare Coffee Company’s association with Pump Aid, a registered charity that works in the rural communities of Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique.

Pump Aid has designed the elephant pump to bring water from a depth of 30 metres, with the pump being fully enclosed so the water can't be contaminated by decomposing matter, dirty hands, ropes, animals or any other hazards.  The elephant pump has far-reaching benefits as it provides safe water to drink and makes water so much simpler and easier to collect.  The pumps can also make it possible to irrigate gardens and grow food crops.

The two elephant pumps being built will both carry the ATS Euromaster name on the water tanks.  They have been developed and tested by Pump Aid and are based on a 2,000 year old Chinese design, which  is constructed from basic materials, using a simple design.  The pump is very durable, to ensure a long life, and can be maintained by local people.

As an additional bonus, the supplier has also agreed to make a donation to Christian Aids’ Third World Water Projects, with 40p per bottle of water supplied for ATS Euromaster’s bottled water coolers going directly to this good cause.  Over the course of the three year contract, this donation is expected to total in excess of £650.

Based in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, the Donnell & Ellis fleet operates across the UK, Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe carrying abnormal loads and is supported by ATS Euromaster’s local truck centre, which is situated just half a mile from the company’s headquarters in Derry Road.

Commenting on the new agreement, William Donnell, Managing Director, explains: “Since ATS Euromaster took over responsibility for our trailer fleet at the end of 2007 we’ve noticed a 50 per cent reduction in the number of tyre-related breakdowns we experience, which adds up to a huge saving in terms of time and money.  On the back of this positive performance we’ve appointed them to supply and service the tyres across our tractor fleet as well.

“Whenever one of ATS Euromaster’s mobile technicians is on-site changing a tyre, they also take the opportunity to inspect other tyres on the vehicle and carry out any maintenance which is required.  This proactive support includes turning tyres on the rim, adjusting pressures and repairing minor damage, whilst helping to ensure tyres across our fleet remain in optimum condition, which reduces the chances of punctures and helps to further protect our O-licence,” he adds.

As part of its agreement with ATS Euromaster, Donnell & Ellis benefits from access to the Euromaster Group’s extensive network of service centres which span 10 European countries, with a dedicated fleet of rapid-response vehicles available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to attend roadside emergencies.

The new tyre policy will see all Michelin tyres fitted across the 6x2 and 6x4 tractor unit fleet regrooved by ATS Euromaster once the tread depth has worn down to approximately 3mm.  This ensures Donnell & Ellis enjoys the maximum mileage performance from each new tyre, using the additional layers of rubber moulded into all new Michelin truck tyres as standard.  Once the regrooved tyre has worn, ATS Euromaster will fit a new Michelin tyre and the original casing is sold back to Michelin for processing through its remoulding factory in Stoke-on-Trent – with the casing value offset against the cost of the new tyre.

Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage was founded in 1990 and has developed into one of the most successful transport companies of its kind in Ireland. The Omagh based company operates a distinctive fleet of vehicles customised in a striking livery and purchased its first truck back in 1990.  From there the company has expanded at a rapid rate and now operates a fleet of 30 tractor units and over 60 trailers of differing specification, from flatbeds to step-frames that can extend up to 44 metres through to multi-axle low loaders. All trailers are supplied by leading manufacturers including Andover Trailers and Nooteboom.