Companies operating in the textile services sector rely on extensive transport networks to collect, process and redistribute essential items such as workwear, linen, mats and washroom products. Elis, which supplies and maintains workwear, linen, floor mats and washroom solutions for businesses across a range of sectors, is supporting its logistics operation with a major fleet investment programme. The company is introducing 140 new DAF rigids, supplied by Ford & Slater and built in partnership with Tiger Trailers, which is also providing a third double-deck trailer for the fleet.
The rollout will take place over two years, with 53 rigid bodywork solutions entering service in 2026 and a further 87 arriving in 2027. Spanning 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne and 18-tonne vehicle categories in a range of body lengths, the new vehicles will enhance fleet flexibility and support the efficient collection and delivery of products across Elis’ UK network.
Peter Kelly, Group Compliance and Fleet Manager at Elis says:
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. 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.
Elis have switched from DAF XB to flagship DAF XD 260 FA chassis from Q2 of 2026 onwards to not only obtain a 3-star rating for DVS, but to equip the drivers with the latest technology and safety features available to date.
Customised to meet their unique requirements as the end user, the Tiger-built rigid bodywork solutions for Elis include a high-impact side rave for protecting bodywork when operating in tight environments, Anchorfix in the side panels to mitigate internal load securing damage, a new design of heavy-duty tail-lift from Dhollandia with a power closure and steel platform, and a ‘Tiger Tale’ sloping rear body for aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The rigids’ specification also includes BackWatch’s rear radar detection system as part of London Direct Vision Standard compliance, Durite’s innovative Red Halo warning light which casts an arc of red light at the rear to protect users and pedestrians, and a wet-lay floor in conjunction with an internal sanitiser system, for transport of damp hospital items.
Stuart Morley, National Account Manager at Ford & Slater comments:
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. 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.
Elis’ latest trailer manufactured by Tiger is an additional double deck straight-frame, with a full-length moving deck finished with the same non-slip flooring as the lower deck. The primary load transported is cages of 1700mm in height, secured by LoadLok tracks, and designed to be removeable from the upper deck while the tail-lift is in the up position.
The moving deck is powered by Tiger’s hydraulic four-ram direct drive system, while Tiger’s solenoid safety system warns against low or inconsistent power supply, to enhance operator safety.
Thomas Stott, Key Account Director at Tiger Trailers remarks:
We’re grateful for and proud of our ongoing partnership with both Ford & Slater and with Elis, one of the leaders in their sector. 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.
Tiger arranged the contract hire for the additional double deck trailer deal through its own in-house finance division, meaning that the manufacturer is responsible for maintaining these vehicles, while PACCAR Financial UK funded the DAF chassis.
Elis’ operations span workwear, hospitality, and healthcare, and the rigid trucks along with the trailer sport various eye-catching liveries depicting the sectors involved.
To date, Tiger has already supplied around 150 rigid bodywork solutions through Ford & Slater DAF to a range of end users including Elis.
