A few hundred kilometers from Paris, in the Aube department of the Grand Est region in France, lies a small town with just a handful of residents that is home to one of the country’s most important quarries. We are talking about Société Nouvelle des Carrières de Coussegrey (SNCC), a company specializing in the processing of crushed hard limestone materials, such as aggregates, sand, and gravel, for construction companies and public works projects.

BKT, the leading multinational Off-Highway tire manufacturer, has stepped in to see firsthand how its solutions can best support the challenging applications in this highly complex industrial sector. BKT tires have proven to be a reliable partner in supporting the workplace safety of SNCC operators and the company’s commitment to sustainability. The French company has, in fact, implemented measures to reduce machinery fuel consumption and improve operational efficiency, focusing on long-term durability and a lower total cost of ownership. And that is where the company’s needs align with BKT’s product offerings, given their ability to deliver consistent performance over time and uncompromising reliability. Florent Lejay, Plant Supervisor: “Our relationship with BKT began when the solutions we were using previously no longer met our needs. Today, instead, we can rely on prompt and timely technical support, but above all on efficient tires that add value to our operations.”

SNNC has specifically chosen to rely on tires from the EARTHMAX range to equip its rigid dump trucks—equipment used in a wide variety of operating conditions, as Bruno Julien, Production Manager and Quarry Foreman, points out: “The ways we use our vehicles are extremely varied, a factor that requires great versatility and maneuverability. We often work on difficult terrain and in extremely variable weather conditions. So, we needed a solution that would guarantee traction, stability, and comfort, as well as minimizing vibrations and jolts, both when loading and while on the move.”

The company’s primary need was, in fact, to limit wheel spins and improve operator comfort, without sacrificing a good level of traction and stability, especially when it comes to travelling long distances and carrying heavy loads. EARTHMAX SR 41 is the solution that meets all these requirements, offering the right balance in terms of even wear—despite impacts and demanding operating conditions—of quality, and flexibility. Furthermore, the ability to adjust tire pressure based on the type of application has resulted in improved performance, comfort, and handling even on wet or slippery surfaces, ensuring excellent overall vehicle stability.

All of these factors have resulted in greater ease of use, reduced overall fatigue, and improved overall performance. Right from the start, we were able to experience firsthand the benefits of BKT tires for both the operator and the machinery, as they significantly improved operational efficiency and our daily work,” added Julien.

In a high-level quarry like Coussegrey, versatility and durability play a central role, especially in work areas where you constantly alternate between ascents and descents. This is where EARTHMAX SR 47 comes into play, another BKT tire the company has chosen to rely on for its excellent abrasion resistance, which is essential in this type of environment. In addition, this product ensures durability and shock absorption throughout all operating phases. “Even under the most challenging conditions, we can count on excellent lane-keeping and progressive braking. These aspects translate into essential safety and reliability,” concluded Chloé Parisot, a dump truck operator. Together, these elements help reduce machine downtime and optimize the French company’s long-term productivity.

SNCC’s experience demonstrates how performance, reliability, and technical support can tangibly impact the efficiency of daily operations. In environments characterized by difficult terrain, heavy loads, and particularly demanding working conditions, BKT solutions prove to be a strategic ally in improving operator comfort and safety, while also helping to optimize productivity and the total cost of ownership in the long run.

Tagged: Quarry Operations

BKT in Action at French Quarries: SNCC’s Choice to Improve Productivity and Operational Comfort