MacNeillie’s composite solution for Bank of Scotland’s mobile bank

An innovative new concept mobile bank is about to bring branch services to some customers in isolated communities and rural areas. The small, lightweight – but incredibly strong design has been developed using the same advanced composite materials technology found at the top of Formula 1, emergency services vehicles and in aircraft.

West Midlands based specialist vehicle bodybuilder, MacNeillie, which is behind the new development, has just delivered the first mobile branch unit to Bank of Scotland for operation in rural areas north of the border. MacNeillie is already an industry leader in the use of lightweight composite materials in ambulances and other emergency services vehicles – where exceptional strength and protection is required without weight penalties. Moreover, the vehicle has been carefully designed to fall within the 3.5 tonnes gvw permitted weight limit, thus negating the need for special driver training or licensing requirements, whilst retaining a workable payload capacity.

Based on a Vauxhall Movano long wheelbase, high roof platform chassis cab, the vehicle has been equipped with MacNeillie’s latest ‘Myriad’ type composite body and incorporates a number of special features. The cashiers’ working area and onboard storage is separated behind a mid-body security screen – whilst the rear door area provides easy access for customers – including a wheelchair ramp for the disabled. Air suspension has been included to allow the rear of the vehicle to ‘kneel’ for easier access. All floor surfaces have been covered with non-slip material and all interior surfaces are finished in white smooth-face lining material for ease of cleaning.

A substantial amount of design and engineering work has been put into the complex electrical and service control systems – including lighting, heating and air conditioning, alarms and communications. One clear indication of the areas where the new mobile branch may operate is the inclusion of ferry lashings to either side of the vehicle, for use when the unit is enroute to communities in the Scottish islands.

MacNeillie’s Commercial Director, Nigel Rowley says, “The new Bank of Scotland mobile bank design is a very good example of how we can configure a vehicle to provide a turnkey service solution to meet very specific industry and end customer operational requirements. The project also demonstrates our ability to apply our safety and security experience of the specialist emergency and defence industries into other sectors of the market.”