Volvo open new machine reception centre

IN a move designed to further improve the quality of new products and significantly reduce turnaround times, Volvo Construction Equipment Ltd have opened a dedicated machine reception and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) facility at the Port of Immingham – the main port of entry for the company’s products.

Constructed on a 3-acre site on the North Killingholme Industrial Estate, the bespoke centre comprises a main office, a small parts store linked into the main Volvo parts network, a mess room, a five-bay workshop with integral wash bay, and a hardstanding yard area covering some 12,000m2.

The facility is managed by Kevin Stones, former workshop supervisor at VCE’s Barnsley customer centre. Working with him is a team of four engineers, a parts supervisor, a senior workshop supervisor and an office administrator.

‘This will become a centre of excellence providing a consistent level of quality and service to our customers,’ said Mr Stones.

Upwards of 20 machines a week will pass through the centre where they will undergo PDI, minor modifications, signwriting and the fitting of optional extras such as vandal guards, centralized lubrication systems and proprietary quick hitches and buckets.

Commenting on the new venture, national sales manager John Lines said: ‘We have taken a very proactive step in controlling costs in an ever-competitive environment and I believe we are the only construction equipment importers in the UK to have followed the concept adopted by the automotive and other similar industries.

‘It is a bold step involving a substantial investment, but we firmly believe that we can now provide an even higher level of service and quality to our customers and prospective customers in the years to come.’