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ENGLAND--May 11, 2012: Carmarthen Laundry comes clean witheco-friendly Bevan21 NHS laundry chiefs in south-west Wales bought their firstBevan-bodied Mercedes-Benz trucks back in 1999, with the intentionof running them for five years. But so sturdily built, reliable and well supported did those twovehicles prove that not until now, 13 years later, has the HywelDda Health Board's Carmarthen Laundry Service finally replacedthem. The Board conducted a formal tender process before ordering its newtrucks, which once again combine 13-tonne Mercedes- Benz Ategochassis with Bevan Group bodies. On this occasion, though, they are the subject of a six-yearcontract hire arrangement with public sector vehicle financespecialist Automotive Leasing, a division of LeasePlan. The new trucks also represent a huge step forward in terms ofenvironmental and operational efficiency. Both are fitted with box versions of Bevan Group's streamlinedBevan21 body. This features a curved roof and specially moulded airdeflector and cab collar which significantly reduce windresistance. But despite the curved roof there is no reduction incubic load volumes. Independent tests carried out under stringentconditions have confirmed that the Bevan21 is capable of cuttingfuel bills by more than 15 per cent, and trucks with this body -which is also available as a curtansider - are now producingimpressive mpg returns for some of the biggest fleet operators onBritain's roads. The Carmarthen Laundry units were manufactured in the Bevan Groupfactory at Halesowen, West Midlands, from thermoplastic compositeOmnia panels - unusually, this lightweight, recyclable material hasbeen specified for the floor and roof, as well as the sides andrear hinged flap - Bevan also installed the 1500kg Anteo cantilevertail-lifts. The result is a body which as well as being easily cleaned offersan impressive payload of 6,420kg (excluding driver and fuelallowances), some 500kg up on the previous vehicle's carryingcapacity. The fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Atego 1324 chassis on whichBevan's bodies are mounted, meanwhile, were supplied by South Walesdealer Euro Commercials. Standard equipment on the Atego includesthe MSS (Motor Stop Start) system, which boosts economy and cutsemissions simply by switching off the engine whenever the vehicleis in neutral and stationary for three seconds - for example inheavy traffic or at lights - then switching it back on againautomatically as soon as the driver depresses the clutch. The Carmarthen Laundry Service is based at the town's GlangwiliGeneral Hospital and employs a staff of 30, who launder bed linen,towels, gowns and other items for hospitals through south-westWales. The trucks are used to make collections and deliveries. Laundry Manager Derek Upton has retained one of the two oldervehicles as a spare. He explains: "They proved exceptionally goodvalue for money and are a testament to the manufacturing quality ofboth Bevan Group and Mercedes- Benz. Others would have fallen tobits years ago but Bevan's bodies are still perfectly sound, whilethe Mercedes-Benz chassis have been incredibly reliable - in 13years we replaced one clutch, which says it all." On the decision to specify Omnia panels for the bodies of the newtrucks, Mr Upton continues: "Payload capacity is not an issue forus but a lighter vehicle is also more fuel- efficient. The reducedweight, coupled with the Bevan21's aerodynamic shape and theAtego's MSS system, will allow us to minimise fuel consumption andthereby reduce our carbon footprint. "Also, of course, the Omniapanels won't delaminate and are fully recyclable. We've used Omniafor the floor because the more conventional ply has a tendency toabsorb water over the years, adding weight. And we've chosen Omniafor the roof because of its thermal qualities - on days when thesun is beating down it should help to prevent the laundry insidefrom getting too hot." Like their predecessors, Carmarthen Laundry's new trucks will bemaintained by the workshop team at Euro Commercials' Swansea depot."We've had great service from the dealer while Bevan's SalesDirector John Naden was very helpful when we came to specify ournew trucks," adds Mr Upton. Hywelddahb. I am an expert from tr-fabrics.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China Polyester Rayon Blend Fabric , China Jean Cloth Fabric, Dyed Woven Fabric,and more.
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