Tiger Trailers and Ford & Slater are supplying Elis with 140 additional rigid vehicles and an extra double-deck trailer as the laundry and workwear specialist continues to grow its fleet.
Elis has placed a major order for 140 new rigid body vehicles to be delivered through DAF dealer Ford & Slater and manufacturer Tiger Trailers over the next two years.
The agreement covers 53 vehicles in 2026 and a further 87 in 2027, with the fleet comprising 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne and 18-tonne rigid trucks in a variety of body lengths to support a wide range of distribution tasks.
Elis Group Compliance and Fleet Manager, Peter Kelly, said the company’s positive experience with Tiger Trailers had influenced the latest investment.
“This is our second year working with Tiger after the first two trailers and a trial rigid they supplied previously, and we continue to be very pleased with the end products,” he said.
“Tom and the team listen to our requirements, and we are proud to welcome these ongoing Tiger vehicles to our fleet. Thanks also goes to Stuart and his colleagues at Ford & Slater for continuing to look after us as our choice of chassis dealer.”
As part of the fleet renewal program, Elis has transitioned from DAF XB chassis to the flagship DAF XD 260 FA from the second quarter of 2026. The move is intended to achieve a three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating while providing drivers with the latest safety and technology features.
The Tiger-built bodies have been tailored to Elis’ operational requirements and include high-impact side raves for protection in confined delivery environments, Anchorfix load-securing systems, heavy-duty Dhollandia tail-lifts with power closure and steel platforms, and Tiger’s aerodynamic ‘Tiger Tale’ sloping rear body design aimed at improving fuel efficiency.
Additional safety equipment includes BackWatch rear radar detection systems for DVS compliance, Durite Red Halo warning lights to improve pedestrian awareness, and specialised wet-lay flooring combined with an internal sanitiser system for transporting damp hospital laundry.
Ford & Slater National Account Manager, Stuart Morley, said the project highlights the long-standing partnership between the dealer and trailer manufacturer.
“These large quantities of Elis rigids we’re collaborating with Tiger on this year and next are part of the larger partnership we have with the manufacturer, working together to deliver tailored solutions for a variety of end users,” he said.
“We’re delighted that our mutual long-term customer Elis has chosen the DAF XD 260 FA model for the next phase of its fleet expansion. Thank you to Peter at Elis and Thomas at Tiger for your ongoing trust in Ford & Slater.”
Alongside the rigid vehicle order, Tiger has delivered a third double-deck straight-frame trailer to Elis. The trailer features a full-length moving deck with non-slip flooring on both levels and is designed primarily for transporting 1,700mm-high roll cages secured using LoadLok tracks.
The upper deck can be unloaded while the tail-lift remains raised, while Tiger’s hydraulic four-ram direct-drive system powers deck movement. A solenoid safety system monitors power supply consistency to enhance operational safety.
Tiger Trailers Key Account Director, Thomas Stott, said the latest order reinforces the strong relationship between all three companies.
“We’re grateful for and proud of our ongoing partnership with both Ford & Slater and with Elis, one of the leaders in their sector,” he said.
“It’s always a pleasure to collaborate closely with their respective teams who are passionate about having the best-suited vehicles in place for busy daily operations often in urban areas.”
In other news, SAF-Holland expanded its trailer suspension range.
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