Roberts Bros. in Wrexham, North Wales, is a family-run independent funeral director established in 1950 by Hugh Owen Roberts. The popular and well-respected business is now run and managed by Hugh’s Grandsons, Richard and Philip, Richard’s wife Susan and Richard’s sons, Stephen and Christopher, who represent the fourth generation of the Roberts family.
The firm recently took delivery of a brand new custom-built ‘Lusso’ Vito from Superior UK Automotive Ltd. This dual-purpose vehicle serves as a residential removal and direct cremation vehicle, equipped with bespoke side and rear storage, and LED interior lighting.
Richard Roberts explains why a Superior ‘Lusso’ was the upgrade of choice in an ever-evolving funeral industry and how the firm’s forward-thinking approach, combined with Superior UK’s unique expertise, resulted in a truly bespoke vehicle made to meet the specific needs of Roberts Bros. Funeral Directors.
Richard commented, ‘Our removal vehicle journey began many years ago with estate vehicles and later a people carrier, however, after a minor accident whilst luckily only carrying an empty stretcher, we decided we needed to separate the driver from heavy loads in the back of the vehicle and upgraded to Mercedes-Benz Vitos. The first two we adapted ourselves, we used a campervan company to assist with the third. We then ordered a Ford Transit from Superior UK with ‘Rise&Fall’ deck to work alongside the Vitos for hospital work.’
He added, ‘We were so impressed with the Superior deck, we decided to order a fourth Vito. We had a keen idea of what we needed, and a custom-built Superior ‘Lusso’ for visiting private residences, nursing homes and increasingly popular direct cremations fit the bill perfectly.’
Richard Roberts undertook a design consultation with Superiors Greg Platt, requesting a discreet MPV-style vehicle, rear privacy glass and custom storage for equipment and PPE with a hearse-like deck finish and lighting. The build included storage systems to house required equipment with easy access and a presentable/professional aesthetic, plus hygiene considerations for operatives.
Richard commented, ‘Greg bought our ideas together perfectly and we are thrilled with our new vehicle – we had night reflective wording ‘Funeral Director’ laser engraved on the bumper guard so that when the vehicle is parked, the public understands to give a little time and space and our staff and customers are very pleased with the new look and the quality of the vehicle.’
He added, ‘Early generations of our family had to work extremely hard to build the foundations of our business by providing reliability, quality and a personal service – we feel our new ‘Lusso’ Vito allows us to continue providing the very best for the families we serve as funeral services evolve.’