Plumber upgrades his van with vehicle conversion specialist Bott

(23/11/2006)

When Bexleyheath-based heating and plumbing contractor Jason Hibberd changed his van recently, he wanted to make sure the new vehicle would improve the performance of his business, Domestic Boiler Services.

He approached commercial vehicle conversion specialist Bott which provided in-vehicle storage and workshop equipment and ancillary services to create a safer, better organised and more productive workspace. The company also devised a distinctive new livery to help Jason promote his business.

Jason originally approached Bott for advice about improving the way he stored tools and components in his old vehicle. He particularly wanted to increase his efficiency and productivity and make it easier to find parts and tools in the back of the van. After he had explained what he wanted the company offered to help him find a high quality pre-owned replacement Vauxhall Vivaro which would be more suited to his needs.

Bott recommended a design which incorporated products from its Normline range and which included lockable drawers, trays, shelves and services cases that can be used for storing tools and components neatly, safely and securely inside the vehicle. An extendable vice was installed at the rear of vehicle so that Jason can work more efficiently at his customers' premises. Careful layout of the equipment created clear floorspace for standing boxed tools such as drills.

Bott fitted the new lightweight KRS roof rack system complete with ladder rack and two pipe tubes with enough room to add another ladder rack later on if required. The stylish, streamlined design of the KRS system enhances the overall appearance of the vehicle and reduces wind resistance. The components can be reconfigured quickly and easily using a simple bolt on/bolt off mechanism.

"This van has made my life so much easier because tools and components are stored properly in the vehicle and I can find everything quickly," says Jason. "I told Bott what I wanted and they provided a complete service including the overall design and installation of the equipment. The appearance of the van is better than the old one which will help me get new customers."

"My old van had basic hanger racking and nothing was locked down so when I went down the road everything jumped around," says Jason. "But with this new van the drawers and shelves lock down to hold everything in place. The vice has been handy because it sticks out far enough to hold a complete length of tube."

Other equipment installed by Bott include interior lighting, a hot and cold hand wash unit complete with towel dispenser, a reversing sensor and facilities for securing gas and liquid bottles inside the vehicle when it is moving. All of these will help Jason comply with health and safety legislation and provide a more productive mobile workplace.

"It's nice to be able to wash my hands before I meet a new customer or go home," says Jason. "The lighting will be useful in the Winter when its dark early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Bott put in an anti-slip mat which is really good when I'm in and out of van in the rain."

Bott also designed and applied graphics to Jason's specification to create a highly distinctive and contemporary new identity for the business. The design incorporated a new "three flame" logo, the company name, telephone numbers, high visibility striping and the all-important CORGI badge. The graphics were printed on high-grade vinyl and applied at Bott's workshop using its extensive in-house facility.

"All the plumbers that see my van are impressed," says Jason. "Bott designed it for me but I am sure they can do a similar job for other plumbers, electricians, builders and other traders. There's a market for this type of van and I cannot recommend Bott enough."

Related categories:  Commercial and offices applications   Industrial applications   Residential applications   Vehicles and transport 

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