New Tachograph Centre opens at James Kernohan & Sons 

08/05/2024

James Kernohan & Sons Ltd has added another string to its bow with the opening of a new Approved Tachograph Centre (ATC) at its state-of-the-art workshop in Ahoghill, Co. Antrim. 

The new tachograph centre opened for business on Monday, October 16 after a substantial investment by the company, which has its headquarters in nearby Randalstown, Co. Antrim. It has led to the creation of four new jobs, bringing the total number employed by James Kernohan & Sons to 21, and has cemented the long-established family business’ position as a one-stop shop for all your commercial vehicle requirements. 

“The word is out and we have seen a big take-up already,” James Kernohan & Sons Parts Manager Donal Laverty enthuses. 

“We have lots of new and existing customers calling in to have their tachograph installed, calibrated or inspected. This was the missing piece in the jigsaw as far as being a one-stop shop is concerned. Between Randalstown and Ahogill, we cater for everything now. 

“We have invested heavily in new equipment for the facility, including new heads, sensors and zooms as well as a new set of brake testers, shaker plates and a fully-functional rolling road for calibrating the tachographs. We also have two fully-functional pits for repairs and a customer waiting area where you can relax while your vehicle is being calibrated or inspected.” 

The tachograph centre is located in James Kernohan & Sons’ Ahoghill depot which was opened in 2020 as the company’s engineering division. The workshop specialises in reconditioning vehicle cylinder heads in a huge milling machine. These fully-prepared and pressure-tested commercial vehicle cylinder heads are available off the shelf at the new facility. James Kernohan & Sons is also an expert at removing DAF hubs and offers dynamic balancing facilities in Ahoghill too. 

The company also specialises in maintenance and repairs of all trucks, including all PSV preparation, stocks a wide range of spare parts and provides a 24-hour breakdown recovery service for trucks and commercials. 

Commercial vehicle breaking has been James Kernohan & Sons’ bread and butter for over 30 years. Specialising in DAF, Volvo and Scania, the company dismantles all types of commercial vehicles. Its full dismantling service includes vehicle collection, end-of-life vehicle disposal and a depollution station. The family business is an environment agency approved (ATF) treatment facility for end-of-life commercial vehicle disposal and holds a full waste management licence to depollute and dismantle heavy goods vehicles. 

The well-appointed premises in Randalstown consists of three buildings, one which houses a state-of-the-art workshop and engine store and two which are for storage. The facilities are fully-licenced to deal with the handling and processing of end-of-life commercial vehicles. Unlike many breakers’ yards, Kernohan’s is tidy and well-organised with parts meticulously stored away and readily available for the customer. 

You can rest assured that your end-of-life vehicle will be dismantled to the highest standards at James Kernohan & Sons. 

In addition, the Co. Antrim garage can carry out all necessary maintenance and repairs to your truck or commercial at its workshop, which boasts a full range of diagnostics for all makes and models. Among the services provided are PSV preparation, vehicle servicing, engine diagnostics, brake and clutch repair fitting, tyre fitting, engine and gearbox replacement and exhaust repair and fitting. The workshop also carries a wide range of spare parts and offers an under-lift damage free recovery service. The company runs three recovery vehicles, including a low loader, beaver tail and tilt and slide, and also specialises in vehicle hire and sales. 

“We aim to service and repair your vehicle to a standard that will exceed your expectations,” Donal says. 

“We pride ourselves on our quick turnaround time and being a reliable, efficient service that you can count on. Our workshop caters for heavy and light goods vehicles and is stocked with all the latest equipment to carry out servicing, repairs and maintenance to the highest standards. We are here to keep the wheels of your fleet turning with routine maintenance, servicing and repairs.” 

Preparing your vehicle for PSV testing is all part of the service provided by the Kernohan team, who will answer any queries before and after the test. Their objective is to prepare the vehicle efficiently and assist the vehicle owner in getting a pass certificate. 

“We have grown exponentially in recent years and stock many manufacturer parts. Our mechanics are competent with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the industry. They make sure that you get the right part for your vehicle first time, every time!” Donal continues. 

“We are passionate about your business and are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction. As a family business, we’re always flexible and available to discuss your needs.” 

Open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays, James Kernohan & Sons would like to take this opportunity to thank its suppliers, customers and top-class team for their continued support. The tachograph centre is now open at 68 Cardonaghy Road, Ahoghill, Co. Antrim, with booking essential! 

James Kernohan & Sons Ltd 

RANDALSTOWN 

18a Tamlough Road, 

Randalstown, 

Co. Antrim BT41 3DP. 

Telephone: 028 9447 8228 

Mobile: 077 10 613399 

Email: [email protected] 

Web: www.jameskernohanandsons.com 

AHOGHILL 

68 Cardonaghy Road, 

Ahoghill, 

Co. Antrim BT42 1JE. 

Telephone: 028 2525 6622 

First published in Irish Trucker magazine March/April 2024, Vol 27-1