SGN has ordered 189 Ford Transit Custom vans for its ‘first call’ emergency response fleet.
The company, which manages gas distribution to 5.8 million homes and businesses in the UK, now has 400 vans on its fleet across Scotland and southern England.
SGN was attracted to the Transit Custom’s innovative ‘load-through’ bulkhead, which permits floor-level carrying of three-metre-long gas pipes.
“This eliminates the need for our engineers to load heavy copper piping at higher than head height, so there is reduced potential for an accident,” said SGN Fleet Manager Paul Davies.
“These vans are on the go 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they have to be economical, reliable and spacious but also provide a good working environment for operators. They have to be right for our drivers, and the Ford Transit Custom certainly meets their requirements.”
SGN’s Ford Transit Custom vans are short wheelbase, high roof variants equipped with a 2.2-litre TDCi 100PS power unit. They feature a bespoke stainless steel racking system by specialist converter Tevo, in addition to safety steps, additional lighting, load area heating and safe storage areas.
Stephen Gafson, Ford Direct Sales, said, “It’s good to know the safety of SGN’s millions of customers is being entrusted to engineers who have a fleet of new Ford vans at their disposal. The Transit Custom’s enhanced levels of safety and comfort will help perform their vital duties as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
