The new facility, located on the same industrial park as the company’s existing UK base in Burton-on-Trent, boasts four workshop bays for machine repairs and refurbishment, along with a 1,393m² yard giving Bell extensive space to house its Articulated Dump Trucks and Wheeled Loaders prior to dispatch.
The decision to invest reflects the strong market position enjoyed by Bell in the UK, with the company aiming to build on the success of 2015, as managing director Nick Learoyd explains: “We have seen unprecedented growth over the past year, as our customers seek to renew their fleets in anticipation of increased work in quarrying and construction. During the recession, it was understandable that companies ‘made do’ with existing plant and equipment, but the greater confidence we are seeing now means that orders are at an all-time high.
“Seeking additional space is essential; at the same time, with more Bell ADTs and Wheeled Loaders in the field, it made sense to make a statement of intent about our customer focus by bringing our service and support in-house, for England and Wales.”
Previously, this provision was undertaken by United Plant Services (UPS), a specialist plant maintenance contractor with nationwide reach. “UPS has done a great job for us and will continue to offer secondary support during periods of high demand. Nonetheless, the time is right for Bell to employ a team of engineers directly, operating from a dedicated base,” adds Learoyd.
New facility manager Stuart Bickley agrees: “Having this purpose built facility will enable us to provide a complete service from one dedicated location.
“The facility includes four bays, meaning we can perform remedial work on damaged machines, as well as refurbishing older models. We have always offered a used machine division but this will enable us to provide an extended and enhanced service.”
Andy Pearce, aftersales manager for Bell UK, concludes: “Bell Equipment has always offered the complete package, from machine sales, to parts and services. However, consolidating all of these in one location will streamline the entire process, allowing us to be more efficient, decrease our turnaround times and reduce our customers’ down time.”
