A highly complex project for a top secret client
With a large, complex defence contract to fulfil, our client needed a specialist vehicle conversion expert to build and install System Edström racking and bespoke carpentry for 60 vehicles.
As an approved partner, Whitebox were recommended by System Edström to complete the installation. We worked alongside the in-house team to fit the racking, as well as helping with some other parts of the project.
Results
Project completed within 12 months and approved by the end user,
Whitebox’s knowledge and supplier relationship kept things running smoothly,
Client’s resources were freed up to complete other parts of the project,
Four years later, none of the vehicles have been returned for repairs or replacement.
The brief
Complex defence contract,
50 vehicles with multiple specs,
On site Whitebox team, working alongside the in-house team while managing things with the supplier,
12 months to get it done.
A complex project with many moving parts
The project - for a major defence contractor - involved more than 60 vans with 24 different specifications.
75% of the vans needed racking, which had to be approved and tested for use in vehicles and comply with crash type specification.
For the racking certification to be valid, the installer had to be authorised by the racking supplier, System Edström.
Because of the complexity of the project, the process needed to be carefully managed across various departments. In a lot of cases, the client had to dovetail their work with the installer to make sure the vans were properly lined without compromising the quality and security of the van racking installation.
It was critical that everyone involved in the process worked seamlessly together.
Delivered by an approved local partner who kept on top of things
When selecting System Edström van racking as their solution, the Swedish manufacturer put our client in touch with Whitebox as a preferred local fitter.
Alongside the racking, Whitebox were also appointed to install the floor liners, and build boxes for the wheel arches.
“You look at a van with a bit of racking in it and you think, that’s easy to do. But, of course, there’s so much more to it than that.”
At the outset, no one quite appreciated the full scale of the project. While 63 vans doesn't sound too bad, because of the 24 variants there were added complications, which Whitebox reacted to and kept on top of throughout.
The work rate ramped up during the project and Whitebox took on additional contractors to do the work. At its peak, we had three people pretty much permanently on site, either pre-assembling the racking, or fitting it in the vans.
Dovetailing with the other stages of the project, Whitebox worked in line with the client’s team and managed any issues related to the product and the supplier.
Whitebox’s product knowledge and supplier relationship brought the project home on time
Despite the client having underestimated the complexity of the project, Whitebox helped complete the fitting within 12 months.
The installation was approved by the end user who is happy with the product and the work done by Whitebox.
Having Whitebox on site meant our client didn't have to use their own resources, freeing up their people to do other work on the vans.
Plus, Whitebox’s product knowledge and relationship with System Edström meant they could deal with shortage issues or any other problems, and get them resolved quickly.
“I’m pleased! It was a good, interesting project. I think we as a company underestimated quite how involved it was all going to become.”
Company details
Our client has been around for more than 100 years. An engineering company with an illustrious history, they’re now connected with all sorts of automotive technology. They also work on large scale, specialist contracts for various industries, including defence, marine and aerospace.
We could tell you more but then… actually, no, we can’t. That’s all we can tell you.