Truck and Track Summer 2021

www.truckandtrack.com Summer 2021 Truck and Track 11 BUSINESS NEWS Continental Automotive has achieved IMI Centre status from the IMI (Institute of Motor Industry) with ambitious plans to deliver a full electric and hybrid electric vehicle training programme from its Birminghamheadquarters. “With a full range of courses already available, we feel we offer a comprehensive training solution for any garage or workshop“, explained Stuart West, Tachograph Product Manager and Training Centre Co-ordinator at Continental Automotive. “But, as the IMI has already pointed out, there is a serious deficit in the number of automotive technicians trained to work on electric and hybrid vehicles – latest data suggests just 5% are currently qualified. We have, therefore, invested in enhancing our training to bring these new technologies into scope to support automotive professionals who want to enhance their skills, and give motorists confidence that their electric and hybrid vehicles can be serviced and maintained safely. “We are delighted to be able to continue to support the automotive industry in offering courses that lead the automotive world into the future of transportation”, concluded Stuart West. Continental has introduceda full electricandhybridvehicle training program, delivered in person at the Continental Automotive headquarters in Birmingham to complement its current training courses. The courses range from one to three days covering Awareness, Routine Maintenance, Repair and Replacement and Diagnosis. There is the opportunity to attend the full set of courses or just one or two to suit the garage requirements. All the electric and hybrid vehicle training courses are regulated by OFQUAL and quality assured by the IMI as the Awarding organisation – once qualified, technicians receive a nationally recognised certificate. “Despite the current challenges in the market, the automotive sector must be ready for the zero emission targets being set – and that means there will continue to be a focus on those who have the capabilities to work on high voltage vehicles,” added Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI. “With IMI TechSafe™ accreditation, the new training being delivered by Continental Automotive will give the technicians a real opportunity to get ahead of the game.” IMI TechSafe™isastandardtohighlight those inthesectorwhohave achieved qualifications and accreditations to work on electrical systems in hybrid and electric vehicles. IMI TechSafe™ offers reassurance to motorists that qualified and accredited technicians can work safely and compliantly on high voltage electrical systems. Anyone working on high voltages must be competent (as per the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). www.vdo-fleet .co.uk Continental Launches New IMI Approved Electric Vehicle Training Courses High-endaccredited logistics areplaying a key role in maintaining Britain’s love affair with authentic Italian food as the UK’s biggest importer of pasta continues to experience record demand for the wheat-based staple. From lasagne to linguini, fettucine to fusilli, demand for southern Italian pasta from the Naples region where it originated has continued beyond the high watermark of the panic-buying months of the first lockdown, with orders not returning to pre- pandemic levels for Hertfordshire-based Specialist Foods, the UK agent for prestige brand Pasta Garofalo. The business, which also trades through the Gustalia name and imports coffee, rice and oils, as well as pesto and pasta sauces, continues to ship a wide range of pasta varieties into the country in 17 tonne containers ready for distribution to the UK’s retail sector, including independent outlets, food wholesalers and prestige online grocer, Ocado. The business, which has more than 25 years of food import experience and is exacting in its delivery of a wide range of Italian food products, has forged a long-term collaborative partnership with Aztek Logistics to manage its UK storage and onward distribution in the UK. Letchworth Garden City-based Aztek Logistics, part of the Pallet- Track network, recently secured two new major industry accolades recognising its ability to offer high-end services to the retail sector and top-level storage and distribution solutions for the growing organic foods market, factors that helped seal the deal with Specialist Foods. Managing director of Specialist Foods, Mal Pullan, was impressed by Aztek’s British Retail Consortium (BRC) AA Standard storage and distribution accreditation and the Organic Food Federation certification, both of which were achieved after extensive and far-reaching audits into its supply chain practices and procedures to guarantee the highest industry standards. “Aztek’s organic accreditation was an important factor – the partners we chose had to tick that box,” he said. “In Italy we have achieved the BRC higher accreditation and we also have recognition from the Soil Association, so recognised standards of high-quality storage were essential. “Aztek has built a brand-new warehouse close by, which was perfect for our requirements. They are also very easy to deal with – I have a dedicated team of account handlers with whom I maintain daily contact.” Managing director of Aztek Logistics, Stuart Charter, said: “Specialist Foods and the high-end brands it represents needed reassurance that their products are in good hands and will arrive at their destination in pristine condition. “We have a good relationship based on trust and expertise in the food market that can flex to the demands of not only securing supplies during a global crisis, but providing that level of response while maintaining the highest standards.” Aztek Logistics has also retained the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold standard for the fifth consecutive year as part of the annual root and branch compliance audit. This recognises Aztek’s proactive approach, including ongoing investment in nine new FORS Gold standard trucks, comprising MAN tractor units, newMAN 18-tonne rigids and its first 18-tonne Volvo rigids. This follows a series of investments across the business, including the opening of a fifth warehouse, taking its storage space to 140,000 sq ft. Passion for pasta goes beyond the pandemic as brits continue their love affair with the wheat staple Aztek Logistics’ support helps Specialist Foods as demand for pasta remains high TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk