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Atlas Bulk Carriers Limited

Text Box: It all started with just one cheap, second-hand, unreliable six wheel tipper lorry, bought for £300 back in 1972. It was parked, and repaired (almost every night) outside Andy Wislocki's house in Raynes Park. Pressure from neighbours and family soon forced a move to a proper yard in Toynbee Road, Wimbledon. Muck Away was charged at about six shillings (30p) per cubic yard, and it would typically cost about ten shillings (50p) to tip each load, sometimes even free. There was also no differentiation between inert waste and active waste in those days! There was a large group of owner drivers, including many colourful and legendary characters, who regularly worked together. ABC took on many large contracts which would be serviced by this group of owner drivers, and the company soon acquired a band of loyal followers and a reputation for reliability and integrity.

Soon more second-hand tippers were bought and drivers were employed, and the fleet stuck at about six lorries for some time. It was hard work for Andy driving during the day, then carrying out repairs in the evenings, followed by paper-work at night, however persistence paid off and eventually some substantial contracts such as the Colliers Wood Savacentre, and work for Kingston Council provided an extra impetus, and the company moved to more suitable premises in Kingston Goods Yard in 1981, expanding further with the purchase of several new lorries. A workshop was built and full-time mechanics were recruited, together with office staff, and although Andy was still often seen behind the wheel of a tipper it was now more often from choice than necessity.

Text Box: The company became incorporated in 1989 and moved to more suitable premises at the gravel pit in Shepperton where we are today. Our clientele has gradually increased over the years and the fleet has expanded and has been updated to include tipper lorries, grab lorries, and articulated lorries. The company now prides itself in keeping up to date with modern technology; vehicle tracking and good communication with our highly trained drivers plays a key role in the day to day operation, backed up by a motivated office and maintenance team. The company has grown over the years and we have been careful to ensure that the level of service and commitment to our customers has always been our highest priority and always will be.