en.Wedoany.com Reported - Elis is supporting its logistics operations through a major fleet investment, introducing 140 new DAF rigid trucks supplied by Ford & Slater and manufactured in partnership with Tiger Trailers; additionally, Tiger will provide a third double-deck trailer for the fleet.
The deployment will be completed over two years, with 53 rigid body solutions entering service in 2026 and 87 in 2027. The new vehicles cover 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne, and 18-tonne classes with varying body lengths, designed to enhance fleet flexibility and support the efficient collection and distribution of workwear, linen, mats, and washroom products across Elis's UK network.
Peter Kelly, Group Compliance and Fleet Manager at Elis, stated that this is their second year working with Tiger, following the initial provision of two trailers and a trial rigid truck, and they are satisfied with the final product. Tom and his team listened to their needs, and they are proud to welcome these Tiger vehicles to the fleet. He also thanked Stuart and his colleagues at Ford & Slater for continuing to look after them as the chassis dealer of choice.
Since the second quarter of 2026, Elis has switched from the DAF XB to the flagship DAF XD 260 FA chassis, not only to achieve a three-star DVS (Direct Vision Standard) rating but also to equip drivers with the latest technology and safety features to date.
To meet the unique needs of end users, Tiger's customized rigid body solutions for Elis include: impact-resistant side rails for protecting the body in confined environments; Anchorfix within side panels to reduce internal load securing damage; new heavy-duty tail lifts from Dhollandia with electric closing and steel platforms; and a "Tiger Tail" sloping rear body for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Specifications for these rigid trucks also include: BackWatch rear radar detection systems as part of London Direct Vision Standard compliance; Durite's innovative Red Halo warning lights projecting a red light arc to the rear to protect users and pedestrians; and wet-laid flooring combined with an internal disinfection system for transporting wet hospital items.
Stuart Morley, National Account Manager at Ford & Slater, commented that their high-volume Elis rigid truck collaboration with Tiger this year and next is part of a larger partnership with the manufacturer to provide customized solutions for various end users. They are delighted that the shared long-term customer Elis has chosen the DAF XD 260 FA model for its next phase of fleet expansion and thanked Peter at Elis and Thomas at Tiger for their continued trust in Ford & Slater.
Elis's latest Tiger-manufactured trailer is an additional double-deck straight-frame trailer, featuring a full-length moving floor and anti-slip flooring consistent with the lower deck. The primary cargo consists of roll cages 1700 mm high, secured by LoadLok tracks, and designed to be removable from the upper deck with the tail lift in the raised position.
The moving floor is powered by Tiger's hydraulic four-column direct drive system, and Tiger's electromagnetic safety system warns of low or unstable power supply to enhance operator safety.
Thomas Stott, Director of Major Accounts at Tiger Trailers, stated that they appreciate and are proud of their ongoing collaboration with Ford & Slater and Elis, one of the industry leaders. Working closely with each team is always a pleasure, as they are keen to equip the most suitable vehicles for busy daily operations, typically in urban areas.
Tiger has arranged a contract lease for the additional double-deck trailer transaction through its internal finance division, meaning the manufacturer is responsible for maintaining these vehicles, while PACCAR Financial UK provides funding for the DAF chassis.
Elis's business covers workwear, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, and these rigid trucks and trailers feature various eye-catching liveries depicting the industries involved.
To date, Tiger has supplied approximately 150 rigid body solutions through Ford & Slater DAF to numerous end users, including Elis.
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