To keep hundreds of customers on the road in all weathers, RAC Auto Windscreens appointed Dorset-based, Broadview, a leading manufacturer and supplier of blinds and awnings in the UK, to design, develop and install a unique awning system for use on the company's fleet of mobile fitting units.
A first for the UK's automotive glazing industry, the under-cover manual canopy is an innovative solution to ensure that working days are not lost due to inclement weather conditions. As a result, RAC Auto Windscreen vehicles are now fully equipped to repair and replace damaged vehicle glass 24/7, keeping the bonding material used in glass replacement dry. The awning system is currently being rolled out to RAC Auto Windscreen's 145 sites across the country.
Deployed in just under six minutes, the awning projects four metres from the side of the RAC vehicle from a compact 300mm by 182mm unit, allowing a vehicle to drive underneath for repair. Manufactured from a robust powder-coated aluminium framework with stainless steel components, the product has a vinyl PVC reinforced fabric cover.
Managing director of Broadview, Mark Pratt, says: "We are extremely proud to work with RAC Auto Windscreens and provide an innovative solution to improve the company's customer service. From initial consultation, it took four weeks to establish a suitable product design. Following the manufacturing and installation process, the product was piloted during a six week period which proved highly successful and is being rolled out across the UK."
Technical manager at RAC Auto Windscreens, Chris Bonsall, says: "Following product trials with RAC technicians, it was revealed that the Broadview product was an essential and valuable piece of equipment. The workload of our technicians at five different sites showed that the product was used in 212 out of a total of 280 working days. Before we had Broadview's awning system we had to wait for the rain to hold off or bring vehicles back to site before replacing windscreens, causing frustration to both our customers and technicians. As a result of working with Broadview, we now have the ability to respond 24/7 whatever the weather."
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