Belgian vehicle manufacturer Van Hool has announced the acquisition of Tankcare Engineering and the launch of Van Hool Industrial Vehicles UK in Great Britain & Ireland.
The move brings together Van Hool and South African parent company GRW’s full range of products and services under one unified entity and will allow it to better serve its customers with an expanded offering and enhanced support.
Van Hool added that it is now able to offer a comprehensive lineup of industrial vehicles and aftermarket solutions, including food and chemical road tankers, waste tankers, cryogenic gas tankers and tank containers, as well as aluminium tipping and non-tipping silo tankers, fuel tankers, silo containers, and container chassis.
Tankcare Engineering has been a leading player in the silo market for over 30 years and Van Hool said it would bring a wealth of extra expertise to the business. Its team, led by seasoned professionals Andy Thompson and James Plater, will continue providing essential services such as tanker maintenance, repairs, and pressure testing. The move will also allow Van Hool to expand its services to include tanker refurbishments, vessel repairs, spare parts, and operator training.
To further support the move, the company is investing in a brand-new 4-bay workshop, which will house a reception area, spare parts department and vehicle preparation centre.
Van Hool said the acquisition represents a big step in its mission to strengthen its presence in the UK and Ireland. By combining its expertise and resources under one roof, it aims to provide a seamless, integrated approach to meeting customer needs.
Shaun Hurst, MD of Van Hool Industrial Vehicles UK, has over 30 years of commercial vehicle industry experience and will drive the company’s further growth and success in the UK & Ireland alongside Gerhard Van Der Merwe, chief executive of Van Hool and GRW.
Fred Everiss, sales manager UK & Ireland, will continue to cover the market, and will help drive sales offerings further across key sectors, expanding coverage and product range as they grow.
“We’re eager to get started,” said Hurst. “The opportunities for growth and success are immense, and we’re fully committed to providing our customers with the best products and services available.”
Today’s news comes just a year after a joint venture between Schmitz Cargobull and Dutch bus manufacturer VDL took over Van Hool, after it was declared bankrupt.
