Utility Vehicles
Specialists in converting all types of vans and trucks for use by utility companies
Cheshire-based VCL is one of the world's most progressive and innovative vehicle conversion companies - a true one-stop shop for customisation. Providing customer satisfaction is its top priority and many local councils, utility companies and even military authorities turn to VCL in search of specific adaptations and quality craftsmanship.
The following represents just a small part of VCL's work.
Utility with built-in technology
It's a fact that the humble utility vehicle keeps the modern world ticking over. These vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, though the ones made by VCL precisely match the tasks for which they were intended.
Built with cutting edge safety standards, they can have their own toilets, desk space, tool stores and idiosyncratic seating patterns.
Most are used by road gangs, railway teams and gas and electricity workers.
One of our top sellers is a special vehicle designed for and used by drainage crews.
Built in many different options – a 5-tonne Mercedes Sprinter/Crafter and a smaller 'micro' 3.5-tonne version of Vitos and Mainlines – these carry all the equipment needed by drains experts. Some are based on Land Rover chassis and Buggies.
The equipment includes heavy duty sewer cameras complete with cranes, tool cabinets, racks and computer equipment.
Often needed for rugged terrains, they can be 4x4 off-roaders. They can also contain shelving units, toilets, kitchens, brew rooms and work spaces.
Conversions start with a drawing of how the vehicle would look from above. This overhead schematic is completed when VCL's designers get to grips with making alterations to the existing frame or chassis and then transforming the interior. The vehicles may require additional facilities such as toilets, extra storage space, refrigerators and wheelchair access.
Converting larger vehicles can require the same skill employed by interior designers, although the technical considerations may impose strict limitations.
Crucially, they have to have long working lives if they are required to reach remote and rugged locations. Safety is paramount and some vehicles may well have to travel both on the motorway and off-road.
VCL has adapted many vehicles for use by major British companies. One of our biggest challenges has been in helping to maintain green energy resources such as wind farms and on-shore wave machinery.
The modern utility vehicle is a far cry from those of the past. The overall design is being constantly perfected to take into account ergonomic seating, compartments for all kinds of tools and equipment and the provision of extra facilities such as toilets.
We have taken the word 'utility' about as far as it can go by building a mobile street lighting van for use on the streets of war-damaged Iraq.
