At VLT Logistics, it’s long been a dream of ours to be able to handle our own vehicle maintenance in-house. In October of this year, that dream became a reality with the launch of our brand-new Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU). Although it’s only been a short few months since its completion, our VMU unit has already completely revolutionised our approach to fleet maintenance.
Equipped with fantastic new equipment, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and a fantastic team of mechanics at the helm, we can now ensure every vehicle is inspected, tested, and serviced according to our maintenance schedule – without relying on third-party services. In a nutshell, this means less downtime, more control, and the ability to offer an even better distribution service to our customers.
The Development of our Vehicle Maintenance Unit
The development of our new Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) was a complex 14-month project. It began with extensive planning, site surveys, ground testing, and securing the necessary design approvals. We then brought in specialist contractors to carry out the civil works, which included excavating the pit area, constructing a new manhole, and installing a 14-meter steel pit structure, levelled to within 1mm accuracy before the first concrete pour.
After an 8-week drying and curing period, we commissioned the brake tester, secured the pit, and installed all the new equipment, ensuring everything met our exacting standards. The planning and execution that this project demanded highlight just how important having this VMU on-site was for us as a company.
Everyone involved would agree that it’s immensely rewarding to see their hard work finally come to fruition. And the fact that we’re already seeing its positive impact on our fleet operations is the icing on the cake. It’s a fantastic way to close out 2024 and step into 2025 as the new and improved VLT Logistics!
What are the advantages of VLT Logistic’s VMU?
Our new VMU offers significant advantages for both our company and our customers, including:
Efficiency
Managing repairs and maintenance in-house minimises downtime, reduces reliance on third parties, and significantly improves our overall operational efficiency. This allows us to provide an even more seamless service to our customers.
Safety
Regular brake testing and inspections enhance overall safety for our drivers and other road users. Our mechanics are very familiar with our vehicles and can quickly identify and resolve any safety issues before they escalate right here from our site in Leeds.
Proactive Compliance
From April 2025, all safety inspections for commercial vehicles will require a weight-laden brake assessment using either EBPMS or laden roller brake tests. Our VMU unit allows us to anticipate these legislative changes and ensure we remain compliant with evolving industry standards.
Cost Savings
By gaining complete control over our own fleet’s maintenance schedules and repairs and through the support of skilled on-site mechanics and engineers, we can reduce costs and pass those savings on to our customers, making our services even more affordable.
Training
This recent investment has enabled VLT to launch an apprenticeship program for budding mechanics. The program involves one day per week of theoretical learning at college, with the rest of the week dedicated to hands-on experience under the guidance of qualified mechanics.
Through this initiative, our new apprentice is gaining valuable skills in a trade he is passionate about pursuing. At the same time, VLT is future-proofing its expertise within the Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), ensuring continued growth through ongoing training and practical experience in this environment.
Extended Services
Our advanced pneumatic pit and pit jacks enable detailed inspections of trailers and motive units, along with full brake relining services and brake testing. All of this is conducted on-site in a clean, controlled, and safe environment, ensuring the highest standards of maintenance and safety for our fleet.
Looking Ahead
Since the launch of our new Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), the team has quickly adapted to the new equipment and processes, with our experienced mechanics, Gary and Martin, and our apprentice, Tyler, playing key roles in this transition. They now efficiently manage every aspect of fleet maintenance, from parts replacements to MOTs and safety checks—all from our operational hub in Leeds.
With this recent investment, we’ve gained far more than just a shiny new garage. It has given us full control over our own fleet, helping to future-proof VLT Logistics and keep our vehicles in tip-top shape, journey after journey.
As we step into 2025, we do so stronger, more efficient, and more reliable, fully prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
If you’re looking for a distribution service to help your business thrive this year, get in touch; we’d love to work with you!