Emplas commits six-figure investment to its fleet

Representing a significant six-figure investment, this gives Emplas a fleet of of six Mercedes-Benz HCV Actros trucks, powered by low emission Euro 6 engines.

In addition to lowering emissions, the additional five 18 tonne and one 44 tonne wagons each feature a hard-sided wall. This gives the Wellingborough-based trade fabricator increased flexibility within its fleet.

The addition of a further new Mercedes Sprinter and Luton van to its fleet, further increases Emplas’ ability to react to customer demand.

Kush Patel, Operations Director said: “We have already seen some fairly substantial increases at the pumps this year. With fuel prices are forecast to continue to rise we have invested in a new and even more fuel-efficient fleet now, so that we don’t have to pass those costs on to our customers going forward.

“This sits as part of our wider strategy to keep down costs to our customers wherever we can. This focus on lean manufacturing is allowing us to offset the majority of price increases that we face as a manufacturer without passing them on to our customers.” 

Emplas growth has been underpinned by a programme of continuous development. This has included a more than ￡5m spend on new factory extension, machinery and infrastructure since April 2017.

Adding around a third again to its manufacturing facility its factory extension was completed at the end of 2017, housing new lines, loading bays and offices.

Its’ acquisition of Padiham Glass in May also gives Emplas increased control of its IGU supply chain at a time of increased uncertainty in glass supply, as well as giving its customers access to cutting-edge innovation in float glass technology from Saint Gobain.

“There are clearly one or two bumps in the road ahead of us as a country but the fundamental principles which are driving our approach to manufacture, product development and customer service remain the same”, said Kush.

“That is to continuously invest, in our infrastructure, in cutting-edge innovation and the latest product innovations and to that efficiently and effectively to maintain price points as far as possible to our customers, while giving them the products but just as importantly the service levels, which support them in winning business.”