A provider of fleet management and specialist vehicle hire services is ramping up its fleet of heavy-duty road sweepers for operated work on motorways and trunk roads.
Go Plant Fleet Services is set to take delivery of 37 brand new Johnston VT802 and VM652 machines in a deal worth more than £5.5 million.
The specialist vehicles will help the company to service a significant number of new, large-scale contracts around the UK as well as create extra capacity for new business.
Phased delivery of the 18-tonne machines is due to begin in May 2019.
Ben Gilmore, National Operations Manager said: 'These machines will provide a significant boost to our fleet of heavy-duty vehicles. It's a major investment for the company that ensures we're fully geared up both for today and for the future.
'We are involved in quite a number of high-profile road construction operations at the moment, including several on the M6. We have secured a number of major new contracts and have several other large-scale projects in the pipeline.
'So this is a move that will ensure we have the strength in depth we need and that will give us the additional capacity to expand our service in future'
Ben said the decision to choose the Johnston sweepers was straightforward.
He added: 'Having identified the requirement to boost our heavy-duty fleet, we naturally wanted to bring in the best vehicles and these VT802 and VM652 machines are the very latest and best on the market.
'They are built specifically for work on large infrastructure projects so they're ideal for the kind of operated hire contracts that we specialise in ' particularly those in the construction or maintenance of motorways and arterial routes.
'They'll be spread around our nationwide depot network to help us expand our contracting service nationwide'
'And not only are they among the highest specification machines around, but 18 also feature sleeper cabs which gives us vital added flexibility.
'It gives us the ability to boost cover in any particular area very quickly and very easily ' and that gives us the capacity to be even more responsive'
The vehicles feature Euro VI engines on both the Volvo Globetrotter and DAF LF chassis, an 8m3 capacity stainless steel hopper and trailing sweep gear. They have been designed to optimise performance and reliability and minimise risk.
They are the first EU-manufactured machines to achieve full PM10 test compliance on whole vehicle emissions.
Each going into the Go Plant Fleet Services fleet will be fitted with Worksafe Laser Lines to help ensure accuracy as well as a 360 degree live recording camera system.
It is an important aspect of the company's commitment to the 'Responsible Employer' initiative and part of its proactive approach to safety within busy and dangerous environments.
Ben added: 'Installing live camera feeds on the vehicles is a specific enhancement that helps us to improve both safety and efficiency.
'It also provides an extra support mechanism for our drivers on site. Regional managers can log into them remotely at any time and are able to deal with any issues straight away.
'It can also be used to monitor activity, ensure sterile zones are in play and that policies on compliance are being adhered to at all times'
The machines will be in the hands of Go Plant Fleet Services' team of operators, each of whom has gained specific qualifications at the company's accredited training centre.
Each has passed the NVQ assessment scheme and carries the official Highways England Passport and CSCS card for work on construction sites.
'We work on a vast number of wide-ranging highways projects, often alongside many other contractors who are carrying out specific tasks,' commented Ben.
'We often operate in conjunction with many of the leading planing companies and that type of project not only requires a good road sweeper but also a good operator.
'By ensuring we provide both of those things, supported by expert technicians and 24/7 support, we can offer a comprehensive solution that's genuinely second to none'
