Blackheath Products is benefiting from a major rebranding programme carried out by Graphics Depot and delivering an attention-grabbing new look for its existing fleet while keeping downtime to an absolute minimum.
Graphics Depot – which provides a comprehensive vehicle livery service as part of the Bevan Group – was chosen by Blackheath Products to remove the existing liveries and apply a new design to 16 trucks. Adding to the complexity of the project, all trucks were already in service, delivering products including decorative laminate to the construction industry and worktops, sinks and flooring to retailers.
Most of the operator’s trucks are 7.5-tonners, although Graphics Depot also rebranded six 18-tonners, three of which have sleeper cabs. The three oldest trucks on the 19-strong fleet were excluded from the programme, as they are now being replaced with new vehicles.
As well as removing old liveries from the cabs and rear doors, Graphics Depot also printed, laminated, cut and then applied the new decals, and supplied and fitted replacement curtains. The exacting timetable saw work carried out on a succession of Fridays, which is Blackheath Products’ quietest day, thereby keeping downtime to an absolute minimum.
The decals made use of the latest polymeric DPF 4550GTX film from Arlon, which has been purpose-designed for flat-sided vehicle applications and uses a light grey adhesive that offers twin benefits of helping to cover existing graphics or darker substrates and providing a long-term bond.
Notably, Arlon has committed to a five-year warranty on the printed vinyl, due to the firm’s full confidence in the quality of the Bevan Group’s production processes and people.
Commenting on the project, Blackheath Products’ transport manager Mick Greensill said: “Bevan have always done a good job for us, building bodies which are fit for purpose and stand the test of time. So, having decided to update the fleet with our new branding, it was only natural that our first call was to Graphics Depot.
“We’re very pleased with the results, as the vehicles look great, and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from customers.”
