New workshop for Bell Equipment
Major investment in new facility reinforces company’s commitment to machine servicing
BELL Equipment UK have made a major investment in their workshop capability with the opening of a new service and maintenance centre. At the same time, the company has brought its service back in house in England and Wales, leaving United Plant Services (UPS) to continue to support Bell machines in Scotland’s central belt.
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 15,000 square foot yard giving Bell extensive space to house their articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) and wheel loaders prior to dispatch.
Bell say the decision to invest in the new facility reflects their strong market position in the UK, with the company aiming to build on the success of 2015, as managing director Nick Learoyd explained: ‘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 wheel 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 specialist plant maintenance contractors UPS, who have 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.’
New workshop facility manager Stuart Bickley agreed: ‘Having this purpose-built facility will allow us to provide a complete service from one dedicated location. The facility includes four bays, which means 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 allow us to provide an extended and enhanced service.’
Andy Pearce, after-sales manager for Bell UK, added: ‘Bell Equipment have 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’ downtime.’
