SM UK invest a total of £1.8 million into their fleet by milestone 20 year anniversary with their 100th Van

SM UK, the Leeds-based engineering firm that designs and installs safety technology and cyclist awareness systems for HGVs and other vehicles, recently purchased their 100th van from local commercial vehicle provider Volkswagen Van Centre, Leeds. Investing a total of £1.8 million into their fleet since they first opened for business in 2000.

As SM UK approach their 20th anniversary year, the purchase of their 100th van is perfectly timed to be in line with this milestone. Given what SM UK stands for, and what it helps businesses across the UK to improve, each van purchased is also fully equipped with the latest Brigade Electronics safety CCTV equipment. And over last few years the conversion has included a Sortimo racking solution.

Steve MacDonald of SM UK said that “the partnership has enabled us to grow in the way we have done by operating with a fleet of reliable, trustworthy vans. They also look after all of our vans when it comes to servicing and repairs, supplying us with appropriate courtesy vehicles allowing us to carry on as usual until the engineer’s usual van is road-worthy again. This is one of the reasons why we have returned so many times to them – customer service.”

Following a £2.6 million investment, Volkswagen Van Centre, Leeds have just opened their new premises alongside the M621 from which SM UK collected their new vehicle. Andrew Caygill, Director at the van centre added “we’re proud to be supporting local businesses such as SM UK in any way which we can. Having supported them from the purchase of their first vehicle back in 2004, our relationship has grown and are very pleased that they have chosen our centre to support them for so long.”

Being a blend of Volkswagen Caddy, Caddy Maxi’s and Transporters all used by SM UK’s fleet of (now) 48-strong engineering team, the vans are all delivered, serviced and maintained by the Volkswagen franchise in Leeds.

SM UK, which was founded by Mr MacDonald in 2000, was shortlisted in last year’s Brake Fleet Safety Awards for its ground-breaking HALO® system. The business employs 60 people and recently opened a 10,000 sq ft vehicle conversion centre and workshop in Leeds. In addition to safety technology, the firm also installs high-tech interior vehicle storage systems for firms of electricians, plumber and utilities services companies.