Changes

'''Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd''' is one of England's biggest haulage company of commercial trucks, buses and coaches in the [[UK | United Kingdom]].

'''Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd''' is one of England's biggest haulage company of commercial trucks, buses and coaches in the [[UK | United Kingdom]].

==History==

== History ==

Thomas Hardie Commercials was founded in 1985, it came from a former truck company under the name of "Lancashire Trucks", which was owned and controlled by Rylands under the Midlands Motor Group shareholding company. Thomas Hardie Commercials was founded in 1985, it came from a former truck company under the name of "Lancashire Trucks", which was owned and controlled by Rylands under the Midlands Motor Group shareholding company. It consisted of one depot based in [[Knowsley]]. It consisted of one depot based in [[Knowsley]].

Thomas Hardie Commercials was founded in 1985, it came from a former truck company under the name of "Lancashire Trucks", which was owned and controlled by Rylands under the Midlands Motor Group shareholding company. It consisted of one depot based in [[Knowsley]].

In 1986 a second depot and service station opened at [[Queensferry]] and later on in the following year, a third depot was developed at [[Preston]]. In 1986 a second depot and service station opened at [[Queensferry]] and later on in the following year, a third depot was developed at [[Preston]].

In 1986 a second depot and service station opened at [[Queensferry]] and later on in the following year, a third depot was developed at [[Preston]].

Ken Strolin was appointed Managing Director of the entire company in 1988 along with Tony Timmins, they were both promoted to this position from their previous work as service managers. Ken Strolin was appointed Managing Director of the entire company in 1988 along with Tony Timmins, they were both promoted to this position from their previous work as service managers.

Ken Strolin was appointed Managing Director of the entire company in 1988 along with Tony Timmins, they were both promoted to this position from their previous work as service managers.

In December, 1988, both Ken and his partner Tony Timmins, decided to negotiate with [[Volvo]] to purchase a percentage of the assets of Thomas Hardie Commercials. In December, 1988, both Ken and his partner Tony Timmins, decided to negotiate with [[Volvo]] to purchase a percentage of the assets of Thomas Hardie Commercials.

In December, 1988, both Ken and his partner Tony Timmins, decided to negotiate with [[Volvo]] to purchase a percentage of the assets of Thomas Hardie Commercials.

It was soon recognised that Thomas Hardie's customer base was being threatened by a few other large Truck Rental companies, such as the [[Stobart Group]] and a few other [[Scania]] companies in the Northwest. It was soon recognised that Thomas Hardie's customer base was being threatened by a few other large Truck Rental companies, such as the [[Stobart Group]] and a few other [[Scania]] companies in the Northwest. To counteract this threat, a decision was made in 1989 to form "Thomas Hardie Rentals". To counteract this threat, a decision was made in 1989 to form "Thomas Hardie Rentals".

It was soon recognised that Thomas Hardie's customer base was being threatened by a few other large Truck Rental companies, such as the [[Stobart Group]] and a few other [[Scania]] companies in the Northwest. To counteract this threat, a decision was made in 1989 to form "Thomas Hardie Rentals".

In 1990 work began on a £[[1 million]] investment to construct a brand new, purpose-built depot, at [[Deeside]], [[North Wales]]. In 1990 work began on a  £ [[1 million]] investment to construct a brand new, purpose-built depot, at [[Deeside]], [[North Wales]]. By February, 1991, this was completed and was fully operational. By February, 1991, this was completed and was fully operational. This new facility replaced the former depot at the old Queensferry site. This new facility replaced the former depot at the old Queensferry site.

In 1990 work began on a £[[1 million]] investment to construct a brand new, purpose-built depot, at [[Deeside]], [[North Wales]]. By February, 1991, this was completed and was fully operational. This new facility replaced the former depot at the old Queensferry site.  

In 1995, the conception of "Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales Limited" based at [[Middlewich, Cheshire]]. In 1995, the conception of "Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales Limited" based at [[Middlewich, Cheshire]]. In the following year, 1996, Commercial Systems Engineering Limited was formed, this is commonly known now as "Thomas Hardie Engineering", where many engineers are trained and work, with high quality [[welding]] skills required. In the following year, 1996, Commercial Systems Engineering Limited was formed, this is commonly known now as "Thomas Hardie Engineering", where many engineers are trained and work, with high quality [[welding]] skills required.

In 1995, the conception of "Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales Limited" based at [[Middlewich, Cheshire]]. In the following year, 1996, Commercial Systems Engineering Limited was formed, this is commonly known now as "Thomas Hardie Engineering", where many engineers are trained and work, with high quality [[welding]] skills required.

The first four months in 1998 saw progressed growth within the group, the acquisition of Manchester Truck and Bus Limited helped with the companies growing status. The first four months in 1998 saw progressed growth within the group, the acquisition of Manchester Truck and Bus Limited helped with the companies growing status. With effect from February 1st, depots at [[Trafford Park]], [[Wigan]] and [[Stockport]] commenced trading under the name "Thomas Hardie Commercials". With effect from February 1st, depots at [[Trafford Park]], [[Wigan]] and [[Stockport]] commenced trading under the name "Thomas Hardie Commercials".

The first four months in 1998 saw progressed growth within the group, the acquisition of Manchester Truck and Bus Limited helped with the companies growing status. With effect from February 1st, depots at [[Trafford Park]], [[Wigan]] and [[Stockport]] commenced trading under the name "Thomas Hardie Commercials".

Further growth by acquisition was apparent in 1999, when Thomas Hardie purchased the assets of "Gilbraith Parts and Service" in [[Chorley]]. Further growth by acquisition was apparent in 1999, when Thomas Hardie purchased the assets of "Gilbraith Parts and Service" in [[Chorley]].

Further growth by acquisition was apparent in 1999, when Thomas Hardie purchased the assets of "Gilbraith Parts and Service" in [[Chorley]].

This essentially meant Thomas Hardie became one of the largest [[AB Volvo|Volvo Truck, Bus & Coach]] distributors in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], which is now recognised as the "North West Regional Distributor Group" for Volvo, because of its size. This essentially meant Thomas Hardie became one of the largest [[AB Volvo | Volvo Truck, Bus & Coach]] distributors in the [[United Kingdom | UK]], which is now recognised as the "North West Regional Distributor Group" for Volvo , because of its size.

This essentially meant Thomas Hardie became one of the largest [[AB Volvo|Volvo Truck, Bus & Coach]] distributors in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], which is now recognised as the "North West Regional Distributor Group" for Volvo, because of its size.

August 2002 saw a ^^^^^^ of changes to the key management personnel. August 2002 saw a ^^^^^^ of changes to the key management personnel. Ken Strolin became Thomas Hardie Group [[Chairman]] followed by the promotion of David Dewhurst and Paul Manning to their positions as joint [[Managing Director|Managing directors]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials. Ken Strolin became Thomas Hardie Group [[Chairman]] followed by the promotion of David Dewhurst and Paul Manning to their positions as joint [[Managing Director | Managing directors]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials.

August 2002 saw a number of changes to the key management personnel. Ken Strolin became Thomas Hardie Group [[Chairman]] followed by the promotion of David Dewhurst and Paul Manning to their positions as joint [[Managing Director|Managing directors]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials.

Furthermore, Graham Smith was appointed as [[Executive Director]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials. Furthermore, Graham Smith was appointed as [[Executive Director]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials.

Furthermore, Graham Smith was appointed as [[Executive Director]] of Thomas Hardie Commercials.  

From January 2003 "Thomas Hardie Marketing Solutions" or THMS as it is mainly referred to, starts marketing its desired services to four target departments: From January 2003 "Thomas Hardie Marketing Solutions" or THMS as it is mainly referred to, starts marketing its desired services to four target departments:

From January 2003 "Thomas Hardie Marketing Solutions" or THMS as it is mainly referred to, starts marketing its desired services to four target departments:

* Thomas Hardie departments * Thomas Hardie departments

* Thomas Hardie departments  

* Key Thomas Hardie customers * Key Thomas Hardie customers

* Key Thomas Hardie customers  

* The Volvo dealer network * The Volvo dealer network

* The Volvo dealer network

* Volvo Truck & Bus UK * Volvo Truck & Bus UK

* Volvo Truck & Bus UK  

In February, 2003, the MBO's successfully completed a management [[buyout]] of Thomas Hardie Group Limited. In February, 2003, the MBO's successfully completed a management [[buyout]] of Thomas Hardie Group Limited.

In February, 2003, the MBO's successfully completed a management [[buyout]] of Thomas Hardie Group Limited.

This buyout involved Ken Strolin selling his shares in the company to the MBO Team, consisting of the company directors includes: Steve Kenyon, David Dewhurst, Paul Manning, Graham Smith and Mark Woosnam, each of which have an equal share-hold in the company. This buyout involved Ken Strolin selling his shares in the company to the MBO Team, consisting of the company directors includes: Steve Kenyon, David Dewhurst, Paul Manning, Graham Smith and Mark Woosnam, each of which have an equal share-hold in the company . Ken remains in his position as Chairman of the entire company still. Ken remains in his position as Chairman of the entire company still.

This buyout involved Ken Strolin selling his shares in the company to the MBO Team, consisting of the company directors includes: Steve Kenyon, David Dewhurst, Paul Manning, Graham Smith and Mark Woosnam, each of which have an equal share-hold in the company.  

In 2003 and 2004, the following changes to the company were made: In 2003 and 2004, the following changes to the company were made:

Ken remains in his position as Chairman of the entire company still.

New Managing Director, Steve Kenyon who was formerly Finance Director continues to retain his responsibility for Finance & IT, whilst being the main figurehead & contact between the dealership & the Volvo Trucks division in the UK. New Managing Director, Steve Kenyon who was formerly Finance Director continues to retain his responsibility for Finance & IT, whilst being the main figurehead & contact between the dealership & the Volvo Trucks division in the UK.

In 2003 and 2004, the following changes to the company were made:

David Dewhurst is now responsible for the East Side of the Region, covering [[Preston]], [[Trafford]], [[Stockport]] & [[Middleton]], including Thomas Hardie Engineering Ltd. David Dewhurst is now responsible for the East Side of the Region, covering [[Preston]], [[Trafford]], [[Stockport]] & [[Middleton]], including Thomas Hardie Engineering Ltd.

New Managing Director, Steve Kenyon who was formerly Finance Director continues to retain his responsibility for Finance & IT, whilst being the main figurehead & contact between the dealership & the Volvo Trucks division in the UK.

Ian Farnworth, a long serving service manager, then depot manager, is promoted to the head Manager for the entire [[Preston]] depot and [[Chorley]] depot. Ian Farnworth, a long serving service manager, then depot manager, is promoted to the head Manager for the entire [[Preston]] depot and [[Chorley]] depot. In 2004, he was managing over 250 staff. In 2004, he was managing over 250 staff.

David Dewhurst is now responsible for the East Side of the Region, covering [[Preston]], [[Trafford]], [[Stockport]] & [[Middleton]], including Thomas Hardie Engineering Ltd.

Paul Manning was given the responsibility for the West Side, covering [[Wigan]], [[Liverpool]], Deeside, [[Middlewich]], Stretton & [[St Helens]]. Paul Manning was given the responsibility for the West Side, covering [[Wigan]], [[Liverpool]], Deeside, [[Middlewich]], Stretton & [[St Helens]].

Ian Farnworth, a long serving service manager, then depot manager, is promoted to the head Manager for the entire [[Preston]] depot and [[Chorley]] depot.

Mark Woosnam continues to be the sole Director of "Fleet Sales & Driver Development" and Graham Smith carries on in his position as Managing Director of Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales. Mark Woosnam continues to be the sole Director of "Fleet Sales & Driver Development" and Graham Smith carries on in his position as Managing Director of Thomas Hardie Used Vehicle Sales.

Paul Manning was given the responsibility for the West Side, covering [[Wigan]], [[Liverpool]], Deeside, [[Middlewich]], Stretton & [[St Helens]].

In 2005, Ian Farnworth left the company for other work, the staff motivation was slightly negative shortly after he left, due to his skills in management, punctual and business skills, which many respected. In 2005, Ian Farnworth left the company for other work, the staff motivation was slightly negative shortly after he left, due to his skills in management, punctual and business skills, which many respected. He was replaced by new depot manager Neil Crook. He was replaced by new depot manager Neil Crook. Neil Crook serves at the Preston branch mainly, with some work at the Chorley depot. Neil Crook serves at the Preston branch mainly, with some work at the Chorley depot.

 

In 2005, Ian Farnworth left the company for other work. He had worked there for 15 years and at the time of his leave, was the manager of the Preston, Chorley and Deeside branches. It was considered a big loss to the business, due to his skills in management and business skills, which many respected.

 

Neil Crook took over as depot manager, he serves at the Preston branch mainly, with some work at the Chorley depot.

== UK locations ==

== UK locations ==

Thomas Hardie Commercials currently operates out of five towns in England: Thomas Hardie Commercials currently operates out of five towns in England:

Thomas Hardie Commercials currently operates out of five towns in England:

 

In addition, "Thomas Hardie Engineering" is located at [[Chorley]] and the Used Sales Centre is based at [[Middlewich]]. In addition, "Thomas Hardie Engineering" is located at [[Chorley]] and the Used Sales Centre is based at [[Middlewich]].

* [[Liverpool]]  

* [[Preston]]

* [[Trafford Park]]  

* [[Deeside]]  

* [[Middlewich]]

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