Emergency One also a leading manufacturer focusing on specialist fire and rescue service appliances. The Emergency One then used its own conversion expertise to make adaptations to the vehicle, ensuring its preparedness to handle on-site fire response emergencies.
Launched in 1989 in the Scottish town of Cumnock, Emergency One operates out of two production facilities over an eight-acre site. It Is the town’s largest employer and its vehicles are exported to countries worldwide.
Steven Bell is Director of Emergency One Group which includes Emergency One and its sister organisation Clan Tools – a leading supplier of rescue equipment to fire services, local governments, the Ministry of Defence and industries.
He said: “BMW needed a vehicle that would work well as a fire response vehicle inside a factory. So it needed to be small and agile.
“Originally they were looking at pick-up trucks, but the electric solutions were very limited.
“So the Goupil G4 box van was something that they were very keen on as they would be able to operate it internally down the production line and through the assembly hall, or wherever it was needed.
“Also, the fact that it was electric was an added bonus – BMW required zero emissions because of the danger of generating fumes inside a factory.
“Size wise too the Goupil G4 was perfect as they were looking for something compact.”
Steven said the vehicle from Bradshaw came off-the-shelf, with modifications such as storage configurations, electrics charging systems and coach building completed by Emergency One before it was handed over to BMW.
The vehicle was fitted with a higher-grade lithium battery, allowing longer battery life and less charge time, and a converter to allow the charging of the battery during operation.
Steven added: “We had come to Bradshaw through a member of its team who had previously worked for another supplier. Throughout our dealings the service was first class and we have built an excellent relationship. It was especially important for us as we were handling this sale on behalf of a customer of our own.
“It was our first dealings with Bradshaw direct but based on the service received we would certainly recommend them to other customers going forward.”