M&G builds a bigger box body
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M&G's high-cube delivery body is innovative in its own right, and also breaks new ground for a company best known for tankers and trailers.
by Bryan Jarvis • M&G, traditionally a tanker and trailer manufacturer, has entered the high-capacity delivery van market. Its kit body range is aimed at most popular makes of chassis cabs in the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne class.
The shapely Volumaker systern comprises a suite of bolted, injection-moulded panels with a glossy exterior and a high-volume interior.
M&G's demonstrator is based on one of Ryder's MercedesBenz 308D chassis but another is in build on Merc's new Sprinter model ready for its UK launch in mid-May. A third one, also for Ryder, is believed to be in assembly at M-B's Wentworth Park facility.
Air deflector
The Ryder demonstrator version has a full-width rear step and roof-hugging cab-top air deflector which adds just over 500kg to the Merc's kerb weight.
Luton-topped versions are an alternative. The new range is expected to attract the interest of other spot rental firms as well as mail order, parcels and garment carriers.
Designed in a wrap-round style by consultant Steve Harper, the Volumaker has rounded body
edges to give
it a smooth public image.
It's made from a high-grade plastic laminate using M&G's novel closed mould system. Kits will be available in two lengths to suit chassis cabs with wheelbases from 3.0 to 4.0m.
The longer model gives 600ft' (17m3) of cargo space and there are 100mm wider versions for some broader tracked models.
The injection-moulded panels are made using straight line reinforcing strands and are bonded with resin.
According to M&G's managing director Brian Field, this gives it "a greater inherent strength and finish that cannot be duplicated using the usual woven chopped strand matting and hand laid methods".
Panel sets can be colour impregnated or two-toned on manufacture and with its bolted construction system the more vulnerable panels are easily repaired or dismantled for sectional replacement.
Stainless steel moulds ensure that the double-skinned panels have a high gloss finish on the outside with a matt finish on the inside.
Panels have reinforced flanges which enables load restraints to be bracketed directly on to the interiors and without the need for extra supports. There's a choice of a wide or narrow slat shuttered rear: the opening is 1.95m high by 1.7m wide. There's also a tail-lift option which will have columns integral with the rear pillars.
The rear moulding is omitted though and the stainless steel tailplate extended downward behind the lift.
For garment carrying bodies, a moulded stepped rear entrance is under design.
Should an operator need to have increased overall height a lower section can be added between side panels and lower skirt.
So far M&G has developed Volumaker body kits for the LDV 400, Mercedes 310D, Renault Master and Iveco's Turbo Daily chassis cabs and others will follow. This includes Leyland Dafs 45 Series and Mercedes's 814 for which double-length boxes are specified.
A Volumaker-bodied Mercedes-Benz Ti 7.5-tonner will be on display at this year's IRTE show (17-19 May) among 14 new chassis/body variants. Bodies will be supplied in kit form or pre-assembled to nominated agents including CV dealers. One of the first appointees is Deckers of Leiden which becomes M&G's agent in Holland. It has built and sold the first three kits, all on Mercedes 308Ds.
Prices are not yet available but they will be competitive with other GRP van body alternatives. Build time is about eight man hours.
Reefer versions
M&G is also developing reefer versions using 50mm foam resin insulated panelling and there are plans to produce a separate side section that accepts a door or shutter arrangement. Kit production is based alongside M&G's trailer building facility at Lye near Stourbridge under the chairmanship of Gerald Broadbent.
Co-partners in the venture are managing director Brian Field and injection moulding expert Nigel Whall.
According to Field, M&G is hoping to build about 10 Volumaker's a week in the early stages. He's also planning to increase the bodybuilding and curtainsider sector of the business which should boost last years turnover by 50% to over £12m.