Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS) has opened two new workshops at Devon Contract Waste (DCW) in Exeter and at the Heathrow depot of Simply Waste Solutions (SWS).

Both DCW and SWS have repair and maintenance contracts for their fleets with RVS, and the new on-site facilities mean less downtime and quicker repairs to vehicles.

James Capel, chief executive officer and founder of Simply Waste Solutions, said: 'RVS have been doing our repairs and maintenance since 2016.  We pay them a fixed monthly fee and they deal with everything related to the vehicle bodies, as well as the chassis not covered by an OEM warranty.

'We used to call them out and they always responded quickly. However, this new on-site solution is even better. We have visibility on our costs for the future and an increase in vehicle uptime'

'RVS offers a very unique service; I haven't come across any other companies who provide this kind of R&M on bodies and chassis; and certainly nobody who creates on-site, manned workshop facilities for their customers. 

'The great thing is that we don't have to worry about having spare capacity anymore as RVS can provide us with a vehicle if we need one. They are helping us to be more efficient, so we can be more competitive, and provide a better service at a better price'

RVS has employed a full-time engineer and an apprentice to man the on-site workshop at SWS as well as a dedicated on-site engineer at DWC.

Simon Almond, managing director of DWC, said: 'As we expand its ever more important to make sure our fleet is always available for efficient service. To ensure this is possible we have contracted all our vehicle body maintenance and chassis repairs to RVS on a fixed-cost contract. 

'We now have our own dedicated on-site engineer, which works really well because he is able to deal with potential faults or minor damage quickly before they cause a breakdown.

'Our relationship with RVS has grown as both companies have expanded. We have a close working partnership and that has made our job looking after our clients much simpler'

Spencer Law, managing director of RVS, said: 'We are always looking for new and innovative ways to add value and help our customers operate their fleet more efficiently. Our partnership with DCW and SWS offers a host of benefits to everyone concerned.  For us it makes sense to have vehicles ready and waiting where they are most needed'