MacNeillie leads with innovation and technology integration
MacNeillies, the leading West-Midlands based specialist vehicle converter, integrator and bodybuilder, shows two compact and highly sophisticated operational vehicles at this week’s Emergency Services Show at Stoneleigh. Both vehicles demonstrate the company’s experience and ability to offer tailored vehicle solutions to meet current operational needs.
Appearing by kind permission of Dyfed-Powys Police is a new Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), based on a Mercedes-Benz Vito 120 Dualiner Compact van. A particular feature of the conversion is MacNeillie’s latest design modular weapons and equipment stowage unit in the rear of the vehicle. The modular approach allows an installation which is significantly less invasive on the base vehicle – and thus offers better residual value when the unit is decommissioned for sale at the end of its service life.
The vehicle is configured to carry a crew of up to five. Full communications and audio-visual warning systems are installed. Generous onboard stowage space has been incorporated – a requirement due in part to the very large rural area covered by the Force – and the escalating level of equipment now carried to meet current operational demands.
The second vehicle shown by MacNeillies demonstrates how the company works closely with other prime contractors and equipment providers to provide end user led operational solutions. The vehicle is a collaborative venture with an advanced communications technology specialist and incorporates the very latest command and control systems for effective incident management. Of particular interest is a system solution for maintaining communications with response teams operating underground.
During the show, personnel will be located remotely from the vehicle with a live ‘wi-fi’ helmet mounted video link direct to display screens in the vehicle – allowing operational commanders to have on-site or remote real time information during an operation. The unit can support full broadband-based communications and includes satellite up-link and down-link capabilities. The unit is based on Volkswagen’s long-wheelbase Transporter integral van.
MacNeillies will also display support information on their other emergency services, specialist armoured and defence products including front-line A&E ambulance packages, overt and covert vehicles, discreet protection and military patrol vehicles. Also, the company has recently restructured and reinforced its customer service and after-care organisation to provide end-users with direct access to a specialist team of engineering personnel and other specialists.