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Encon invests in ‘safety first’ Bevan bodies

20th February 2012 Print
Encon Bevan-built curtainsiders

Safety was at the top of its agenda when insulation specialist Encon ordered the latest additions to its distribution fleet.

The Wetherby-based company, which has a network of branches nationwide, has commissioned eight new DAF rigids from leading fleet services provider Fraikin, with curtainside bodies by Bevan Group. The first two 26-tonners and a 7.5-tonner are already in service with the remaining vehicles – another 26-tonner, a 32-tonner and three 7.5-tonners – scheduled to arrive by the end of January.

The new trucks are the subject of a contract hire deal – Fraikin bought the chassis and its technical team worked with Bevan to design and specify the bodies, to suit Encon’s needs. Seven vehicles will be used to deliver Encon’s comprehensive range of thermal and acoustic insulation, interior building products, and fire protection and roofing materials; the last 26-tonner, however, will wear the livery of Encon’s Nevill Long division, which specialises in drywalls, suspended ceilings and partitioning.

All will have automatic transmissions for enhanced fuel economy and driver comfort, while the six- and eight-wheelers will carry Moffett fork-lifts.

Bevan Group won the order because of its quality, attention to detail and customer-focused approach. A preferred supplier to some of the biggest names on Britain’s roads, Bevan has headquarters in Halesowen, West Midlands, but is building Encon’s bodies at its production facility in nearby Oldbury.

“We worked closely with Bevan and Fraikin on this project,” recalls Encon Facilities Manager Barbara Sudlow. “Improvements were made in the construction of the bodies to improve operational efficiency. More important, though, was the need to support and protect the driver and other road users, so health and safety was our priority.”

Bevan’s bodies feature reinforced flush bulkheads and additional load security measures to prevent load slippage. A portable ladder allows the driver to access the vehicle deck at any point, while Bevan’s robust and practical Skyhook harness incorporates an inertia reel and provides ultimate safety for drivers working at height.

The decision to specify automatic transmissions will further enhance safety, because drivers will be free to concentrate fully on the road ahead rather than worrying about which gear they are in.

Encon supplies construction sites, industrial premises and merchants, and prides itself on an impressive track record of delivering on time, in full, every time.

Adds Barbara Sudlow: “Our customers consistently tell us our delivery service is second to none. Thirty years of operating experience in these markets has taught us exactly what service means to each of our customers, and enables us to tailor our operation accordingly. With these new Bevan-bodied trucks, we are reinforcing our position at the forefront of our industry.”

For more information, visit encon.co.uk.

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Safety at work Encon Bevan-built curtainsiders