David Hoyes has worked at Bailey since we first started making trailers in 1982. We caught up with David and asked him a few questions…
How did it all begin?
It must have been the Summer of 1978 when I first started working alongside Tom Bailey. Back then we were building structural sheds and agricultural structures; however, we were approached by a trailer manufacturer to produce some chassis for them. We agreed to do this, then out of the blue one of our long standing customers asked us to make a complete trailer for them.
From that day onwards we have been building trailers. To begin with we built structures in the autumn and winter and trailers in the spring and summer. This was the pattern for a couple of years, but trailers took over completely and that’s when we starting investing in the factory for 100% trailer production.
What current role do you fulfil?
My main role now is on the production side, to supply all the welders and welding bays with everything they need in time. We supply the components and side pressings to each bay in turn, so that trailers can be built to our busy production schedules. With the high volume of trailers we build, it’s vital we keep everything moving.
What other roles have you undertaken?
I started off as a body welder, there were only 4 of us back then, we would produce 3 or 4 trailers over three to four weeks. I also applied the paint; if I got on with it I could usually get it done in half decent time and be home for 10pm! Sometimes I would help Tom make the chassis.
What makes a good trailer?
A lot of people will tell you that a trailer is just a box on wheels. It probably is, but if its designed right and is strong enough, that box on wheels will last a long while, not just twist, buckle and bend. The right design and strength where it needs it, that’s all there is to it.
What do you feel sets Bailey apart in the market?
I think the fact that we can deal with people, we understand farmers, we know the ins and outs and we listen to our customers. We know what needs to go into a trailer to sustain the wear and tear that farm machinery is put through, this goes back to our very beginning.
I would also add that it’s a real team effort. We share ideas between ourselves and customers, everyone is encouraged to contribute. At the end of the day, we’re all looking to achieve the same outcome – a happy customer who wants to buy from us again.
How do you see the future for Bailey?
I think the future is very bright. I can see us being around for years to come, we are currently looking at expanding, which just goes to show the confidence we have in our products and proposition.
