Blok ‘N’ Mesh, the UK’s leading manufacturer, supplier and installer of Temporary Fencing, Site Hoarding, Barriers and Traffic Management Systems, has just taken delivery of a new fleet of MAN commercial vehicles. Blok ‘N’ Mesh, with their head office function and manufacturing facility based in Knowsley, Liverpool, has supplied the construction and allied industries with a range of temporary fencing products for over 25 years. Through their network of nationwide depots, ranging from Devon in the South West through to Aberdeen in the North of Scotland, they offer a truly local service, supported by excellent stock availability and rapid delivery.
In 2016 Blok ‘N’ Mesh UK Limited were granted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and formal recognition of the innovation and success relating to the POLMIL® range of security fencing. With ‘no dig’ policies becoming the preferred option for global events and sensitive sites, the on-ground POLMIL® fence offers the same level of security as equivalent in-ground systems, without need for groundworks or risk to underground services.
The new 26 vehicle fleet, covering weight categories 7.5 and 18 tonnes, comprise of six MAN TGL 8.190 4×2 Flatbeds and 20 MAN TGM 18.250 4×2 Flatbeds. All of the 18 tonne TGM’s feature chassis mounted Hiab X-HiDuo 158 Cranes.
Chris Maclean, Transport Logistics Director at Blok ‘N’ Mesh, said: “This fleet of 26 new MAN vehicles is entering our business at an exciting time and as we grow our national and international footprint they will work delivering a range of Blok ‘N’ Mesh products on to our customer’s sites.
“This upgrade of a significant part of our fleet takes advantage of the benefits that new MAN vehicles offer. Early feedback, in terms of efficiency, support and driver comfort, is extremely positive.”
Bodied by Brit-Tipp Limited of Warrington, Blok ‘N’ Mesh’s new vehicles feature UK-manufactured lightweight yet robust aluminium flat bed bodies. Ensuring load security they all feature cross member, deck mounted, load restraint rings, galvanised removable side and corner posts and lockable ratchet strap boxes.
The six 7.5 tonne TGL 8.190’s all feature the roomy and comfortable two man 2.240 mm wide MAN C Cabs. 18 of the heavier 18 tonne MAN TGM 18. 250’s also feature the two man C Cab, two however feature the MAN single bunk sleeper L Cab which offers the driver a comfortable 2005 mm long, 749 mm wide mattress.
All 26 of the Blok ‘N’ Mesh vehicles meet the FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Compliance Silver Standard. FORS, a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators, aims to raise the level of quality within an operator’s fleet, in turn demonstrating dedication to both driver and vehicle safety. FORS Silver ensures improved operating practices and clearly demonstrates when an operator is achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
Ensuring safety further still, all of Blok ‘N’ Mesh’s new vehicles have been fitted with an audible left turn warning system, blind spot cameras, reversing cameras and live feed forward facing cameras which can be monitored from the operations office. The 20 new TGM 18 tonners also feature front and rear strobe lights and Hiab’s Boom Deployment Assistant system (BDA) which prevents the driver from moving the vehicle if the crane is not stowed away correctly.
Chris Maclean continued: “During the initial conversation with MAN it was immediately apparent they were very proactive in wanting to offer Blok ‘N’ Mesh a high quality level of service and support through their nationwide dealer network. For us to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations we needed support from a trusted and reliable truck manufacturer partner, and we feel we have this in MAN.”
Offering a market leading range of temporary fencing, internal hoarding, external site hoarding, pedestrian barriers and traffic management systems, the Blok ‘N’ Mesh product range is available on a hire or outright sale basis. With the help of their new fleet of MAN trucks their industry leading systems can be delivered, installed, dismantled and relocated nationwide.
Collectively Blok ‘N’ Mesh manufacture in excess of one million temporary fence panels per year as well as hundreds of thousands of other range related products. Many of Blok ‘N’ Mesh’s fencing panels, barriers, site hoarding products and accessories are available in a wide choice of customer corporate colours. Using their in-house powder coating and galvanising processes this ensures Blok ‘N’ Mesh deliver a durable, individual and tailored solution. They can even apply company logos and signage and assist with site surveys and bespoke product suggestions.
Ensuring efficiency is maximised across the fleet, all of the new Blok ‘N’ Mesh vehicles come equipped with the latest MAN Fleet Management Telematics systems. MAN Fleet Management provides the operator a comprehensive fleet management package consisting of both hardware and software, vehicle data is transmitted to the server using the on-board tracking device, upon download Blok ‘N’ Mesh can monitor the vehicles looking at a range of functions, including detailed driver reports, vehicle track and trace and vehicle fitness checks. This data can also be accessed using the MAN Fleet Management app.
As with all MAN vehicles the Blok ‘N’ Mesh fleet is supported by the MAN Truck & Bus UK nationwide Commercial Vehicle Dealer network, with many operating extended hours, including round-the-clock servicing.
The entire MAN range benefits from MAN’s Mobile24 24-hour breakdown service, which in the unlikely event of a breakdown, guarantees 24/7 emergency roadside assistance 365 days of the year.
