Every vehicle in your fleet should fit your business needs and budget. There’s no sense in running a vehicle that’s too large for your logistics. When Tomalin & Son independent funeral directors wanted a new removal vehicle, they needed a smart but small solution which could navigate the narrow roads of their local area. Superior UK helped them find the ideal solution.
Tomalin & Son’s previous removal vehicle was a a Mercedes-Benz Vito supplied by Superior UK. After several years, it was time for an upgrade. Manager Kris Philips worked with Jon Helm, Superior UK’s Southern Salesman, to find a suitable vehicle that could be custom fitted with an appropriate deck system.
Kris was given free rein to research and source the ideal vehicle. After an in-depth search, he came up with the new Toyota Proace van. Superior UK had supplied Tomalin’s previous removal vehicle, and Kris knew they had the experience and expertise to help kit out the new Proace.
“Kris contacted us to discuss an upgrade to their existing Vito,” says Jon. “We showed him the latest Vitos, but soon realised this vehicle is too large for the type of driving Tomalin do. Vehicles seem to be getting bigger, but rural roads are not!”
The Toyota Proace was an excellent alternative to the Mercedes-Benz Vito. It’s a new vehicle to the market and has a smart, dignified look (almost like a mini Vito). The size of the Proace is ideal for the type of deck Tomalin need. After some efficient consultations, Superior UK got the ball rolling.
A Smaller Vehicle For Rural Driving
Kris ordered a new van from Toyota, who delivered it directly to Superior UK. As soon as it landed, the team at Superior UK started on the deck build. The Proace was transformed from empty van to a purpose-built removal vehicle in a matter of weeks.
“Many of our removal vehicles have our Rise&Fall decking system, but Tomalin had no need for it,” explains Jon. “There’s no point commissioning a vehicle which is excessive to your needs. So we designed a single fixed deck which fitted the way Tomalin work. Henley-on-Thames is an old town with a narrow bridge and small roads. The Toyota van is an attractive prospect when space is tight. It has the scope to include plenty of useful details in a custom fit.”
Superior UK always work with the customer to ensure their vehicle suits how they plan to use it. Jon took time to listened to Tomalin’s needs and understand which items they carry on a day to day basis.
Ample Storage And Easy Access
“We made sure all of the items fit into the draw mechanisms of custom deck,” he explains. “There’s a large under-deck storage compartment draw at the rear which also forms the ramp, and another a draw accessed either side by a sliding door. This set up gives Tomalin ample storage for everyday essential items, including their first call stretcher. And it looks beautiful, too, fully lined out in burr walnut.”
Kris is delighted with his custom fit Toyota Proace. The new removal vehicle was his project, and he couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. Tomalin now have a new removal vehicle which looks smart, dignified, and professional. It handles the narrow roads of Henley-on-Thames and will be an asset to the business as the weather turns cold and icy. Inside the vehicle is neat and tidy, helping Tomalin’s team carry out their duties efficiently and smoothly.
Custom Fit In A Matter Of Weeks
“Kris likes our deck system, and we are delighted to have found him a cost effective solution that fits his needs,” says Jon. “The entire process ran smoothly – he gave us the vehicle, went on holiday, and it was all done to his specifications by the time he returned to work.”
Tomalin & Son is a locally owned independent family company which has been in the Jones family for over 60 years. They are situated in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. Superior UK are just down the road in Reading, but serve customers all over the UK and are present to oversee every vehicle delivery and handover.