The rise in demand for lorry tension curtains
Lorry tension curtains are big business and Structure-flex is one manufacturer that sees a bright and colourful future equipping the UK’s HGVs with this important and flexible bit of kit. CVW spoke to Paul Reeve, its managing director.
Question: Why has there been such an increase in demand for lorry tension curtains?
PR: Demand has risen and stayed high because of a consolidation in suppliers and increasing awareness in the power of lorry tension curtains for marketing.
A number of our fellow suppliers have ceased trading because they weren’t in a position to offer what was required. Service, quality and value have become more important than ever as more operators invest in their fleets.
The majority of curtains we supply are liveried, either with the operator’s brand or the brand they’re working with.
Manufacturers and retailers increasingly ask hauliers to brand their trailers and vehicles accordingly. These vehicles do tens or even hundreds of thousands of miles each year and they value the opportunity to get their names out there! With our investment in technology, we can not only produce brighter, clearer and longer-lasting lorry curtains but assist with matching rear door and cab decals too.
Question: What are the most common types of trailer/curtain combinations?
PR: We’ve been producing lorry tension curtains since 1970 – one year after they were first introduced – and are producing a great variety of shapes, sizes and applications than ever before.
We supply a wide range, including welded fixed strap style and pocket strap style, for everything from small rigid vehicles to large step-deck trailers.
An increasingly popular option is our Smoothside buckle-free system, principally because its clean lines help branding stand out. We also offer the Re-flex system and Adaico’s Ada-slider.
There is also rising demand for insulated tension curtains for temperature sensitive loads and anti-vandal security mesh options to ensure everything arrives untouched.
We also manufacture coil carrier covers and rollover sheets.
Question: What is the typical turnaround from order to delivery?
PR: The typical lead time is four to eight weeks, often dependent on whether it is a replacement, new vehicle or fleet rebrand.
Many customers will provide us with all the necessary dimensions and artwork. Others may ask us to take measurements and work with them to choose the right type, colour, livery, wear band positioning and other specifics.
We’re always working hard to keep lead-times as short as possible. We’ve recently made significant investments in technology, including grand format digital printers and extra-long high-frequency welding equipment which enables them to produce curtains up to 16m long with greater ease.
We stock around 60 different colours of thermoplastic reinforced fabric. Our design team can provide visual mock ups and print samples so we can ensure colour matching with existing branding.
Question: Does a curtain require specialist fitment or can a workshop install them?
PR: Many workshops do fit their own. It’s not complex but it does take experience to ensure there are no creases when it is tensioned. For those who need assistance, we have several partners across the UK who can fit curtains on-site.
Question: What are the maintenance requirements to ensure the longest life from lorry tension curtains?
PR: To keep curtains looking their best, they should be washed regularly, ideally with a soft brush and traffic film remover. Rollers, buckles and curtain poles should also be checked for ease of operation.
Beyond that, the life is mostly dependent on the quality of the curtain, which is why we use hard wearing materials and the latest printing and high frequency welding technology.
About Structure-flex
Structure-flex is the UK’s largest producer of lorry tension curtains from their operations in Norfolk. As well as independent hauliers, they supply some of the biggest fleets and most recognisable brands in the UK.
