SM UK develops Covid-safe welfare vehicles

SM UK has launched a new type of vehicle conversion, providing a Covid-safe environment for workers on remote sites.

The welfare vehicles are equipped with bespoke features such as sanitising stations, toilet facilities, a kitchen area and seating.

“There is a growing demand for welfare vans as a result of Covid and this will help us reach new markets, as well as expand our offering to existing clients,” said  SM UK managing director Steve MacDonald.

“Safety is always at the forefront of everything we do, from our crash-tested seats to hand-sanitising stations

“Many of our customers are in the construction industry and these vehicles are valuable assets for sites. They provide a great, Covid-secure base for anyone working in highway maintenance, rail, utilities, remote locations, or for teams working across different sites.”

Leeds-based auto engineering and vehicle safety specialist SM UK has invested £200,000 to develop the fleet of Covid-safe vehicles.

Alongside welfare areas, the new vans will be equipped with SM UK’s roof-mounted solar panel, which helps reduce emissions, oil use and engine wear. Each vehicle will also be fitted with the firm’s Scene Lighting system, which improves safety by brightly illuminating the surrounding area.

As well as developing its own fleet, SM UK is offering conversions for businesses with their own vans.

MacDonald added: “We expanded into bespoke van conversions a few years ago, offering customisable solutions from a single van to a nationwide fleet.

“Now, with the addition of the welfare features, we can install racking, lighting, safety equipment and more while taking into account the van’s uses, allowing us to transform it into exactly what the company needs for business.”