Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists and Eggleston Steel celebrate 40 years of partnership

12th November 2024

For over forty years, Eggleston Steel and Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists have worked closely to keep Eggleston’s fleet on the road, supporting each other’s growth and adapting to industry needs. This straightforward, long-standing partnership is built on shared values of quality, flexibility, and trust. Mackworth’s custom vehicle bodies ensure Eggleston can reliably serve its customers, while Eggleston’s continued trust reflects the reliability and craftsmanship they know they can expect from Mackworth.

The origins of Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists trace back to the 1960s when the site began its journey, evolving over the decades into a key player in vehicle conversions. In the 1990s, LEX Commercials acquired the business, transforming it to include a DAF and MAN dealership alongside a body shop dedicated to conversions. In 2004, Imperial Commercials took ownership, pushing further developments and innovations.

The turning point came in 2011 with the acquisition of Mix Vehicle Conversions, merging it with Mackworth Bodyworks to establish Mackworth Vehicle Conversions. Today, under the leadership of Andrew Kent and his team, Mackworth boasts a staff of 60 across body shop, design, administration, and sales—delivering quality and expertise to every project.

Eggleston Steel Ltd, with its roots dating back to 1809, has long been a trusted name in the steel industry, known for its dedication to quality and service. For more than four decades, they’ve relied on Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists for the design and building of their fleet. This enduring partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, adaptability, and customer-focused innovation.

A finely tuned design, refined over years

Every seven years, Eggleston Steel upgrades or replaces its fleet of vehicles. For over 40 years, they’ve trusted Mackworth to design and build their lorry bodies, tailored specifically to the needs of the business. Over this time, the design has been finely tuned, incorporating feedback from drivers to ensure every vehicle meets the demands of daily operations.

Richard Hewitt, Managing Director of Eggleston Steel, commented:

 “The relationship is easy. The guys at Mackworth know our trucks inside and out. Whether it’s Peter in the office or their team in the workshop, we know that if we have a problem, we can call and ask, ‘is there any chance you can have a look at this for us?’ and drop the vehicle off the next day without any hassle. Their flexibility and proximity—just 20 minutes away—make a huge difference.”

Mackworth’s ability to accommodate last-minute fixes, even while the driver waits, keeps Eggleston’s operations running smoothly. “A lorry off the road is time, and that costs money,” Richard added.

A history of innovation and adaptation

Mackworth’s collaboration with Eggleston has led to a range of improvements over the years. Starting with Leyland Roadrunners, the fleet has evolved through various models, including Mercedes and DAF trucks, reflecting Eggleston’s growth and changing needs. The vehicles have also seen significant design upgrades:

• Side posts added in 2009 to better secure loads.
• Fall arrest straps in 2014, enhancing driver safety.
• Added sides in 2017 to prevent load spillage.
• Heavy-duty metal meshing, load securing rings, and innovative gantry designs to improve load stability.
• Most recently, in 2024, the addition of a driver storage box and cages to keep the body clear of debris, illustrating continual refinement.

Richard, who holds an HGV licence, has been instrumental in many of these enhancements. Being hands-on and understanding the challenges faced by his drivers, he has been able to suggest practical improvements that Mackworth has skilfully integrated.

“Richard’s experience and insights have been invaluable,” said Peter Tomlinson, Administration Manager at Mackworth. “His involvement means that when we develop a new design or tweak an existing one, it’s based on real-world feedback. It’s one of the reasons our partnership has been so successful.”

More than just business

What makes this partnership special is that it’s not just built on price. It’s a relationship based on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to finding the best solutions. The majority of the staff at Mackworth know of Eggleston Steel, as the companies have worked closely together for so long. It’s this sense of familiarity and cooperation that has kept the relationship strong.

Peter added:

“We’ve rarely said no to any request from Eggleston Steel. There’s always a solution, and because of that, they come back time after time. It’s a testament to the trust we’ve built over the years.”

A blueprint for safety and efficiency

Richard’s influence extends beyond Eggleston’s fleet. At one time, he played a key role in the steel stockholders’ association, driving initiatives to make steel deliveries safer. Many of the safety features and design innovations that originated from this collaboration have been adopted across the industry, marking a wider impact beyond the two companies.

“In many ways, Richard’s ideas, and our ability to turn those ideas into practical designs, have been a key part of our successful relationship,” noted Peter.

Looking ahead

Despite the ever-changing nature of the loads carried—ranging from 5 to 13 tonnes—Mackworth and Eggleston have found a way to make the “perfect truck design.” Each body is crafted to handle the strain of heavy loads, with robust features such as heavy-duty posts along the length of the vehicle and 9-metre-long bodies with drop sides.

Eggleston’s fleet, which includes four 26-tonne ridges with rear lift axles and a 3.5-tonne pickup truck, is designed to navigate everything from long-haul deliveries to tight, urban spaces. The attention to detail ensures that each vehicle is ready to perform, no matter the job.

As the two companies mark 40 years of collaboration, there’s a clear desire to continue this prosperous relationship for many more years to come.

“Mackworth is not just a supplier; they’re a partner,” Richard concluded.

“They’ve been there for us through thick and thin, and we look forward to continuing our successful journey together.”

This enduring partnership is a testament to the strength of collaboration, trust, and shared values. Here’s to another 40 years of success.

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