The publisher of newspapers such as The Sun, The News of the World, The Times and The Sunday Times has invested in an innovative paper unloading system for its two-tonne triple width newsprint reels. Altirncham-based Cartwright's has built the specially designed trailers for the system, which are being used to transport reels between newsprint company UPM Shotton and News International.

The Cartwright Group Director Steven Cartwright said, "The Cartwright Group is delighted to be involved in this exciting and innovative project. At Cartwright's we enjoy the challenge of devising new approaches to situations.

"We are set to supply between eight and ten of these trailers for this order. This has been a very successful example of partnership between a number of companies and we are sure that UPM and News International will gain great benefit from the work that has been put into turning their ideas into reality.''

The initiative came about when UPM and News International started looking at how to ensure the safe and secure transportation of new width (2211mm) reels from the production site to the print room.

Ceri Jones, Logistics Technical Manager for UPM, said, "A series of research tests were commissioned to assess the stability of the larger reel loads.

“The results demonstrated that the traditional method of 'on end' loading was not suitable for the larger width reels, and an alternative method of ensuring stability in transportation was necessary.  Furthermore, News International required the unloading method to be fully automated."

The findings led to a high-speed unloading dock and trailer system being devised for deliveries between UPM Shotton's North Wales base and News International's fully-automated printing plant at Knowsley, Merseyside.

C&H Hauliers contributed to the project as main hauliers for News International's new site at Broxbourne.

UPM's contracted hauliers, The Malcolm Group have also contributed to the development of the new trailer system.

Mr Andrew Malcolm, Group Chief Executive said, "The Malcolm Group is delighted with the innovative trailer solution which further demonstrates our successful partnership with UPM and News International."