Alphabet News
Alphabet keeps Medequip key workers on the move
- Alphabet delivered fleet of vans with unique storage solution to Medequip to help them provide at home care for more than 14.5 million people
- The internal design allows Medequip to adjust the size of the new and used sections of the van, to accommodate varying loads
- Alphabet delivered 360-degree images and videos to Medequip ensuring the build review process was 100% virtual during lockdown
Supporting local authorities and the NHS across the UK, Medequip Assistive Technology is the leading provider of community healthcare equipment and support to people in their homes, helping keep people independent for longer. Medequip not only supports care providers, but also works closely with charities and sheltered housing, as well as wholesale Retail supply and direct sale to consumers, covering a population of more than 14.5 million people.
A tailored solution
Medequip required vans fit for purpose to deliver new equipment, while also collecting used medical supplies. As such, the vans needed to be easy to clean internally and include divided sections to keep items separated. The sections also had to be adjustable in size, to flex dependent on the items transported. Alphabet proved the perfect fit for Medequip, from both a cost perspective and as a collaborative partner, helping to design a bespoke storage solution for their requirements.
Overcoming challenges
As the vehicles are used by key workers, it was essential the fleet was delivered on time. Alphabet worked hard to ensure the project remained on track, despite difficulties caused by the first nationwide lockdown. One challenge was the customer not being able to visit the converter site to review the prototype. Alphabet collaborated with conversion partner Modul System, to deliver 360-degree images and videos of the vans both internally and externally. This allowed the process to become 100% virtual, whilst ensuring high quality standards were still maintained.
There were also additional logistics to manage when receiving the fleet at the port. Port staff had been reduced and so less deliveries were being taken. Alphabet intervened to collect the fleet in person and arranged for the Medequip livery to be added to the vehicles before being delivered to the converter. This sped up the process and ensured build deadlines were hit.
Keeping key workers moving
Delivery of the initial fleet of 48 Renault LCVs is now underway by Alphabet, helping to keep key workers on the move across the UK and meeting all business deadlines Medequip required. Alphabet is providing full contract hire, maintenance, and LCV consultancy for Medequip, and has taken a further order for 25 LCVs, including a Ford Transit custom plug-in hybrid vehicle for a London trial.
Peter Gaunt, Fleet Manager at Medequip says: “Working with Alphabet as a partner has been perfect for our requirements, providing us with strong guidance and support throughout the entire process. The team understood our specific requests, steering us towards the right make and model of vehicle that would be the best fit for our needs and accommodate the equipment our workers are transporting. The speed at which this was executed also helped us to keep costs in check before new regulation came into force at the end of this year."
Dermot Kehoe, Corporate Sales Manager at Alphabet (GB) says: “At Alphabet, we’ve remained committed to providing a ‘business as usual’ service to our customers throughout the pandemic, and Medequip is a great example of this. Medequip had some tight deadlines that needed to be met and we ensured the build timeline stayed on course throughout the project, while maintaining a high-quality service. It’s always great to have a happy customer and so we’re delighted that Medequip has already requested further vehicles. We’re looking forward to working with them on further projects.”
Jerry Lane, Business Development Manager at Modul System says: “The conversion of the Medequip fleet was a great success. Through a close partnership with Alphabet, we were able to use technology and 360-degree imaging to allow the customer to see in detail what the conversion looked like from multiple angles. Our employees and the customer remained Covid safe during the lockdown period and it helped speed up timelines for the build. Medequip achieved a high-quality finish without delays and the vehicles were delivered on time despite the challenging work environment.”