Washer manufacturer Smith Bros & Webb helps National Express clean up

WARWICKSHIRE vehicle and train washing specialist Smith Bros & Webb, has been boosted after Birmingham-based public transport group National Express extended its supply agreement with the manufacturer.

The Alcester-based firm has been supplying its Britannia vehicle washers to the transport company for 30 years. National Express has now installed a new Britannia Streamline at its Walsall depot and agreed a complete refurbishment of a second system.

It has now bestowed on the firm the status of preferred supplier.

The washer is capable of cleaning all types of passenger-carrying vehicles from minibuses to double decker buses, with the capability to wash up to 80 vehicles per hour.

Mick Mullins, Head of Property Bus & Coach, National Express said: “Given that each of our vehicles is in continuous operation the turnaround time from them coming in and going back out on the road is often very tight.  It is therefore imperative that we have a reliable washing system in place to keep the vehicles in good condition.

“Reliability is critical.  For example in Birmingham Central we have 180 vehicles returning to garage within a short timescale, we simply cannot afford to have a wash inoperative.”

Smith Brothers & Webb Director Andy Barracliffe added:  “We are proud to have such an esteemed name as National Express on our client portfolio.  

“They are one of our oldest customers and as they have continued to grow so have we.  It has been a tremendous relationship and one which we hope will continue for many years to come.”