Business

Dungannon company awarded £3.5m Leeds City Council vehicle contract

David Donnell, managing director of TBC Conversions. Photo: Brian Thompson
David Donnell, managing director of TBC Conversions. Photo: Brian Thompson David Donnell, managing director of TBC Conversions. Photo: Brian Thompson

VEHICLE conversion specialist TBC in Dungannon has been awarded a £3.5 million contract by Leeds City Council for the provision of 60 wheelchair accessible minibuses.

And it will lead to the company (www.tbcconversions.com) recruiting six new technicians, taking its total employee roll to 61.

Following a competitive tender process, TBC Conversions was chosen to supply and convert the new model Volkswagen Crafter vehicles to be used by the council for the transport of local residents with limited mobility.

Managing director David Donnell said: “TBC is the only company in Northern Ireland to have attained the VW commercial vehicles recognised convertor status which, coupled with our engineering experience and ability to deliver all elements of a brief on time and on budget, means we are trusted by manufacturers and customers alike.”

The 15-passenger seat Volkswagen Crafter minibuses to be supplied to Leeds Council are currently being converted to give the customer the flexibility of having a combination of up to 14 quick release passenger seats or five wheelchairs in the rear of the vehicle.

From its purpose-built factory in Dungannon, TBC converts vehicles for wheelchair drivers and passengers, as well as minibuses and taxis for the commercial and public sector, in addition to specialist conversions for corporates which may have requirements such as in-vehicle shelving, refrigeration, glazing, internal electrics or ply-lining.

Mr Donnell added: “This is a large contract and work began right away with the first vehicle scheduled for delivery by the end of April.

"Prior to being awarded this contract, we employed 55 personnel at our locations in Dungannon and Birkenhead, but we have now recruited a further six technicians.

“The Volkswagen Crafter is a great choice of vehicle for the Council due to its practicality and superb economic efficiency. With the specialist conversions, this will be a reliable vehicle providing comfort for the driver and passengers.”