For two decades, Thwaites has fitted their market-leading site dumpers with tires supplied by KENDA. The long-standing partnership is built on three essentials: high-performing dumper tires that match the quality of Thwaites’ machines, close engineering collaboration that supports innovation, and a reliable supply chain that keeps production moving. This is the story of how these elements ensure Thwaites can deliver dumpers that meet the toughest demands of the market.
Tire and wheel solutions that reflect the quality of Thwaites’ dumpers, while managing supply pressures and an evolving product portfolio
KENDA’s STARCO dumper tires backed by reliable partnership
Satisfied customers and seamless adaption to market changes and product innovations
Thwaites is a manufacturer of forward tipping dumpers based in Leamington Spa, UK for almost 90 years.
Employing around 300 people, Thwaites controls its full manufacturing process on-site, so that every component reflects the company’s high standards of quality and reliability.
Industry: Site dumper manufacturing
Solution: Complete tire and wheel solutions using STARCO Dumper AS and STARCO MP Dumper
As the only part of the dumper in contact with the ground, the tires help define how it performs. They must carry heavy loads and grip reliably across every terrain. For Thwaites, it is therefore essential that the quality, passion, and durability associated with their machines also run through the tires.
“When the customer is buying a Thwaites dumper, they’re buying it because it’s the best in the marketplace. And every product that we bolt to our dumper has to reflect that.”
Beyond a durable product, Thwaites requires a tire and wheel supplier that delivers consistently. From evolving performance standards and new legislation to the introduction of innovations, such as electric dumpers, Thwaites needs partners who adapt and grow with their business.
“We choose our suppliers with great dedication. We take a long time making sure we select them – part of that is the vigorous testing we do on our on-site test ground.”
Thwaites first began fitting their machines with STARCO dumper tires in 2005. These tires combine traction, stability, impact-resistance, and long life to deliver the performance Thwaites and their customers require.
"Once we started talking with KENDA (formerly STARCO), they ticked the boxes for us and we knew they ticked the boxes for our customers. It was an easy decision to make."
Since then, the partnership has only grown stronger. Close collaboration between both companies’ engineering teams and KENDA’s operations site in the UK means technical issues are resolved quickly, new product developments are supported, and supply stays consistent even under pressure.
“One of the biggest challenges we have encountered during our partnership was COVID. Supply in this country jumped sky high. And I can safely report that KENDA met every single one of the demands we put on their business. There wasn’t any late delivery, there wasn’t any inability to supply.”
The STARCO MP Dumper is a proven performer for dumpers, compact loaders, backhoe loaders and more. Designed to handle heavy loads and tight manoeuvring in arduous terrain while maintaining excellent lateral stability.
The STARCO AS Dumper tire provides durability and high value for dumpers, loaders, diggerloaders and more. It features good sidewall impact resistance and improved handling, with self-cleaning tread for better traction and stability.
The dependable supply and consistent quality of KENDA tires let Thwaites focus on innovating and growing. With new products like their three-tonne electric machine, a two-tonne high-tip variant, and the recently launched ROPS+ dumper, KENDA’s tire and wheel solutions are an important part of Thwaites delivering quality machines to happy customers:
“It’s the strength in partnership that helps us deliver a robust, reliable product – synonymous with the quality we expect. We look forward to fitting KENDA tires for the foreseeable future and many, many years to come.”
Nearly 20 years on, the collaboration between Thwaites and KENDA shows the value of trusted supplier relationships. With a shared passion for quality, reliability, and innovation, the partnership remains central to delivering dumpers that perform in the toughest conditions.
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