Katem marks milestones with Renault Trucks T Highs
Katem Logistics has celebrated two significant milestones – its 30th anniversary and the 90th birthday of founder John Davison – with the acquisition of two new Renault Trucks T Highs, delivered by long-time supplier Thompsons.
Operating from a 140,000 square foot warehouse and distribution centre in the north-east of England, Katem Logistics provides comprehensive haulage, storage, and distribution services. Its mixed fleet enables the company to handle a wide range of transport needs, from single pallets to full articulated loads.
Founded in 1995 by John and Clare Davison, the Durham-based family business operates a fleet of 50 vehicles, 37 of which are Renault Trucks. The latest additions form part of a broader fleet renewal strategy aimed at enhancing long-haul capabilities across the UK and Europe.
One of the vehicles, a distinctive electric blue ‘anniversary edition,’ was unveiled as a surprise gift during Davison’s birthday celebration, which was attended by family, colleagues and customers.
“We’ve invested heavily in fleet replacement in recent years, taking delivery of around 26 Renault Trucks in the last 24 months,” said Matty Chaganis, deputy managing director at Katem Logistics.
“The T High is proving a real hit with both our business and our drivers – it’s a premium, comfortable long-haul truck that’s perfectly suited for our UK and European operations.”
The anniversary truck was revealed outside the venue of Davison’s birthday event.
“When John saw it, his reaction was priceless,” Chaganis recalled.
“He absolutely loved it. He even said he still wants to do another trip himself, perhaps down to France or Italy, and at 90 years old, that sums up his passion for the business and for transport.”
The vehicle has been assigned to Davy, a 76-year-old driver who has worked with the Davison family for decades, including prior to Katem’s founding. Davy continues to operate full time on international routes, primarily between the UK and France.
Designed for long-haul comfort, the Renault Trucks T High T6x2 Pusher features a 13-litre Euro VI Step E diesel engine delivering 520hp and 2550Nm of torque. It is equipped with the Optidriver AT 2612 gearbox and Optivision predictive gear-shifting technology. Safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Start Assist.
Inside, the high sleeper cab offers a range of amenities such as a heated and ventilated seat, memory foam bunk, electronically regulated air conditioning, a 40L fridge, microwave pre-wiring, and LED ambient lighting. Katem has further customised its trucks with alloy wheels, cab coolers, inverters and additional spotlights.
“Our team spends long periods on the road, often across Europe, so it’s vital they have trucks they genuinely enjoy driving and living in,” Chaganis added.
“The T High offers both the reliability we need and the comfort our drivers deserve.”
Katem Logistics purchases its vehicles outright and typically retains them for five to seven years. Maintenance is handled in-house at the company’s own workshop, supported by manufacturer warranties.
The trucks were supplied by Renault Trucks dealer Thompsons, with whom Katem has built a longstanding partnership.
“We’ve worked with Thompsons for many years, and the service we get is second to none,” said Chaganis.
“David Wilson in particular has been brilliant – he’s always willing to go the extra mile for us. In truth, one of the big reasons we’ve committed so strongly to Renault Trucks and Thompsons is down to the relationship we’ve built with Dave.”
David Wilson, Tyneside & Teesside area sales executive at Thompsons, commented: “It’s been a real privilege to support Katem Logistics with these latest vehicles, especially the anniversary T High which is such a special truck for the family. Katem is a fantastic business with a proud heritage, and we’re delighted Renault Trucks is playing such a big part in their future.”
