Thompsons strike deal with the Ministry of Defence

Thompsons are the UK’s leading builder for tipper bodies, and it has been contracted to supply the Ministry of Defence with 134 tipper bodies. It forms the largest part of an order for 184 vehicles, comprising of tippers, crane vehicles, drilling rigs, tipper grabs and volumetric mixers.

The order seems to form a part of the 15 year Private Finance Initiative contract with ALC – the partnership between the VT group and Amey vehicles.

The Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Engineers operate a fleet of construction plant and field mechanical handling equipment sourced by ALC.

The bodywork of these tipper bodies is based on Thompsons’ Loadsmaster design, but has been specifically adapted and altered for MoD use. Some of the unique military features are a safe accessing method for the tipper body, and a hydraulically operated spare wheel carrier. These bodies will be mounted on 6×6 Iveco Trakkers. Edbro will be supplying the tipping gear.

Martyn Finney, the Fleet Acquisition Manager at ALC, says of Thompsons:

“Thompsons’ reputation and standing made them an automatic choice for our selection and tendering process. In selecting a partner for such an important contract, we had to consider many factors and following site visits to Thompsons productive approach, together with their size and capabilities meant they could easily deliver the quantities required and to the necessary standards. To date Thompsons have excelled. The quality, attention to detail and service we are receiving is first class, in fact they have enhanced our total offering to our client and I am confident that the soldiers on the ground will be delighted with their new vehicles.”