Scottish sawmiller James Jones has won a research and innovation prize for introducing technology to its fleet of haulage vehicles.
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Research and innovation was awarded to the company for introducing a system which allows drivers to set and constantly monitor the optimum tyre pressures for road and load conditions from their cab.
The project increased safety, vehicle life and driver comfort, reduced road damage and resulted in an annual £8,000 fuel saving per lorry.
The presentatiton was made by parliamentary under secretary of state for Scotland David Mundell MP at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry’s Highlands and Islands annual dinner and business excellence awards.
“The system is simple in concept, but delivers great benefits to both the company, in terms of savings in fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear, and to the forest environment in which we operate, in terms of protecting roads and tracks,” said James Jones’ harvesting and haulage manager Jonathan Ritchie.
