Econ Engineering has strengthened its position in the winter maintenance and specialist highways vehicles sector with a new supply contract with highways service provider, Ringway.
The first vehicles have rolled off Econ’s production line at its state-of-the-art manufacturing headquarters in Ripon, North Yorkshire, with the order expected to be fulfilled over the coming months.
Econ is custom building and supplying 62 vehicles ahead of the winter season on behalf of Ringway Infrastructure Services, under the highway services provider’s ongoing long-term highways contract with Kent County Council.
The comprehensive fleet ensures the council is prepared for all eventualities when it comes to the challenges of winter. It includes a high number of pre-wet spreaders used to complete primary routes, with a small number of dry spreaders to complete smaller, secondary routes. In addition, there are several permanent mount hotboxes alongside Econ’s quick change body system with pre-wet spreader and insulated tipper body options.
Key features on the fleet include the iconic Ringway yellow body paint, market leading hydraulic angling e-plough, with plough frames featuring the Ringway logo, Motormax five-point camera system, Brigade BS8000 reverse radar system and side guard infill panels.
Built on DAF and Mercedes-Benz chassis and fitted with advanced Spargo X controls and CRC Distributor™ technology, the new fleet will provide a versatile and efficient solution for keeping Kent’s roads safe throughout the winter season.
The order will see the winter fleet remain in reliable service under Econ’s market leading repair and maintenance cover for an initial eight-year period.
The partnership was celebrated by a visit to Econ’s factory in Ripon, North Yorkshire, by senior Kent County Council and Ringway representatives, marking the strong and long-standing relationship between the three partner organisations.
Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ, said:
“This significant supply contract with our long-standing partners at Ringway and Kent County Council reflects the trust our partners place in Econ to deliver robust, innovative and reliable vehicles nationwide.
“We are proud to support Ringway and Kent County Council, delivering essential services for communities across the UK.”
The supply contract also further reinforces a long-standing and successful partnership between Ringway and Econ across a number of local authority areas.
Pat Connolly, Contract Director – Kent, for Ringway Infrastructure Services, said:
“We are delighted to be once again working with Econ to support our Kent County Council contract.
“Effective winter service plays a vital role in keeping our community moving. Working closely with Econ ensures our fleet is fully prepared to deliver safe and reliable precautionary treatments during the winter season allied with the peace of mind the repair and maintenance package provides.”
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation at Kent County Council, added:
“I was seriously impressed by Econ Engineering. Both sites that I visited were absolutely fantastic and a great example of British engineering at its finest, from design to completion of the final product.
“I had a fantastic tour of the factory and was impressed with the staff, every one of whom was professional, highly skilled and were all very happy to be working there.
“This was enhanced by the company being family owned and the pride in it shone through, not many companies have their own museums these days, but Econ does!”
