Go Plant Fleet Services launches new refurb centre for specialist vehicles

Go Plant Fleet Services has launched a new refurbishment operation for specialist vehicles, after seeing rising demand across the UK

The service will include the modification, refurbishment and repair of refuse trucks, recycling vehicles and cage tippers for third party customers.

The launch marks a first for the company, which will also use the new Derbyshire premises as an operations and maintenance hub for spot hire division.

Go Plant Fleet Services’ fleet engineering director Phil Quelch said: “The opening of this refurbishment centre is an exciting development for us and compliments the rest of our fleet services business.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to do for some time and the acquisition of a centrally-located depot delivered the perfect opportunity.”

Quelch believes demand for the service will be strong and says the pilot project could soon be rolled out to more of the company’s 39 depots across the UK.

He said: “We’ve identified growing requirement for independent refurbishment centres and we’re confident it’s a service that will prove valuable.”

The Matlock depot, together with 26 vehicles, was acquired in August from family-run firm Harprule Hire, which closed down its long-running business earlier this year.

The deal takes Go Plant Fleet Services’ total owned spot hire fleet of truck-mounted and compact sweepers, cage tippers and RCVs up to 260.

Matt Townsend, formerly of Harprule Hire, has joined the business as operations manager to support the new operation, which also includes workshop manager Gareth Tonks, two welder fabricators, vehicle technicians and administration staff.

Go Plant Fleet Services’ commercial director Mark Gallimore said: “The site is ideally located for our first refurbishment centre, but will also act as a central hub for our owned spot hire division, which is a key focus for the business in the coming months.

“This is a move that will further expand our customer offering and ensure we continue to lead the way in the specialist commercial vehicle sector.

“It’s another significant step for us as we look to maintain a period of nationwide expansion and build on the outstanding progress we’ve made in the last 12 months.”