The wider ADR Group was started in 1954 in Ulboldo, near Milan, by Giovanni Radrizzani and Antonietta Airoldi, who specialised in manufacturing pipettes with brass coverings for gas stoves.
Throughout the 1960s, the company expanded into the production of wheels, as well as wheelbarrows, trolleys and accessories for the construction industry.
Notably, the company would also start developing and building semi-axles for the crane transportation.
This would become the core of the ADR Group, with axles, semi-axles and complete suspension systems being manufactured for construction, agricultural and transport applications.
By the 1970s, the company had started to export products across Europe, including to Germany, Holland and France.
Over the next two decades, the company developed its product range further and expanded its position in the market.
Moving into the UK
The relationship between ADR and the UK market started with the acquisition of French manufacturer Colaert Essieux in 1990.
ADR was actively expanding into other markets, while the French company sought to separate itself from axle manufacturing, making the purchase mutually beneficial.
At the time, Tyremart UK was importing axles from Colaert, supplementing its position as a tyre and wheel wholesaler.
Established in 1979 by Rod Watson, and based just off the A1 near Newark, the company was founded to supply agricultural trailer and implement manufacturers in the UK with wheels and tyres. Its relationship with Colaert saw it expand its offering to full axle systems and accessories.
The purchase by ADR led to Tyremart working closely with the Italian group, diversifying its product range further in line with developments from the wider brand.
In 2000, Rod made the decision to sell the company to the ADR Group, which two years later invested in the construction of a new headquarters, maintaining its central position but increasing the area to 3,500sq m, with a further investment increasing the premises to 5,000sq m in 2007.
Rod oversaw the expansion of the business until 2008, when he made the decision to retire. In 2011, the name was officially changed to ADR UK Tyremart Limited, honouring both the Italian and UK sides of its heritage.
A changing focus
While the change of ownership has seen a significant increase in the size of ADR UK Tyremart, it also saw a change in focus.
Where wheels and tyres had previously been the core of Tyremart’s business, as part of the ADR Group it became a key supplier of axles, suspension systems and braking systems for trailer manufacturers across Great Britain, with the wider group handling sales and distribution in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Today ADR Tyremart UK offers a wide range of agricultural products, their product lineup includes axles with capacities ranging from 500kg to 30,000kg, special and custom axles, mechanical and hydraulic suspensions, and advanced control systems for agricultural and industrial applications.
They also offer air and braking systems, with customisable kits tailored to specific customer needs. The company states that it emphasises quality and customisation, catering to industries like agriculture, construction, and forestry.
Its key product is now the Teknoax range of agricultural axles, available in various track lengths and a range of braked and unbraked specifications, with rounded or square bodies. The range has been engineered to reduce overall weight by around 50%.
Central tyre inflation
The new design has enabled various features to be integrated into the axles, including a co-designed central tyre inflation system (CTIS) from ADR and German manufacturer PTG.
According to Liam Lund, technical sales adviser for ADR UK, the ability to send out axles ready for CTIS is a form of future-proofing.
“It’s one of the advantages of being part of a multinational company like ADR, a lot of our systems are ready for any market shifts.”
Alongside the Teknoax range, the company can provide a comprehensive selection of standard axles, as well as stub axles from 35mm up to 150mm for low-weight trailers and implements, available in different track lengths and with a choice of brake sizes.
Customisation
With a broad market presence, ADR UK possesses a level of flexibility and adaptability for their products, enabling them to accommodate even the most unique and specific requirements.
They have capability to support customers in developing their desired products through the entire process, starting from concept creation and extending to certification.
ADR UK states that it is committed to guiding customers through every step of this journey, ensuring their needs are met with precision and expertise.
Braking and suspension
One of the major sellers in recent years has been the range of braking systems available. Provided in kit form, ADR supplies air and hydraulic brakes to OEMs and end users, alongside additional kits for load-sensing valves and anti-lock systems.
“We like to say that we can provide everything a customer may need, from the chassis down to the floor,” Liam adds. “As regulations and homologations have changed, we’ve seen a lot of demand for air braking systems.”
Another popular solution offered by the company has been its mechanical suspension kits. Supported by adjustable rubber bushes and tie rods, the K suspension is said to offer greater simplicity and efficiency.
Furthermore, the advantages of the K suspension are that it offers a greater robustness while being maintenance free, with no greasing required.
Accessorising
While the bulk of the turnover is generated by OEM customers, ADR UK still targets aftermarket customers with a range of components and accessories.
“We wouldn’t see a lot of high-ticket items, such as axles, full suspension or braking kits, go direct to farm,” Liam says.
“These would generally be handled under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, smaller parts such as bearings, hoses and components from our larger kits can be sourced by growers.
“We can also offer a full series of drawbars, with spring suspension, as well as hitching eyes to fit any machine.”
In fact, the company is actively looking to increase its aftermarket presence, with a new range of jacks and stands available. ADR UK plans to showcase these at the Lamma show in January.