Leading commercial vehicle bodybuilder Alloy Bodies is celebrating a major milestone – the Manchester manufacturer has racked up 50 years in business.
From humble origins, Alloy Bodies has grown to become one of the top names in the industry, and is now the bodybuilder of choice for discerning operators across a wide range of applications.
The company was founded in 1969, in one unit of the Jubilee Works Industrial Estate site where it is still based. Today, the operation has grown to cover the entire complex – Alloy Bodies boasts a staff of more than 100, many of whom have been with the company 20 years or more, and now builds more than 2,000 bodies per year.
The current Alloy Bodies range comprises cutting edge designs for everything from van chassis up to 26-tonne rigid trucks. The company boasts an impressive track record of innovation over the years, including the original streamlined Aeroluton design, launched in 1996, and the Aerocurtain which brought similar air management advantages – and thus lower fuel bills – to operators of curtainsided vehicles.
Today, customers running van-derived chassis cabs can choose from:
Aeroluton – latest-generation box bodies for light commercial vehicles with aerodynamically optimised ‘pods’ above the cab to reduce wind resistance, which helps to minimise both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Aerocurtain – offering the same aerodynamic benefits and superb build quality but with curtainsides for greater loading flexibility.
HiLo – the high-volume, low-floor luton body option for multi-drop operators, furniture delivery or removal specialists, or anyone who needs to combine maximum space with easy access.
Dropside – one name for a whole family of products which can be tailored to any application, and include options such as A-frame or tilting covers, load restraints and safety systems for operatives required to work at height.
Meanwhile operators of heavier vehicles can specify box, curtain, dropside or flatbed bodies all built to order to their own, individual requirements. Designed for durability and a smart, modern appearance, these are constructed from the highest grade materials, including anodised aluminium and hot-dip galvanised steel. Many feature optional extras such as tail lifts, flush rear and side barn doors, curved roof profiles and additional load restraints. All can be supplied fully painted in operators’ liveries.
Since 2017 Alloy Bodies has been part of the Lanarkshire-based Anderson Group – which includes haulage, logistics, truck and van sales and property interests among its diverse portfolio. The Group’s financial muscle and strong transport industry roots meant the acquisition was a perfect ‘fit’ for both sides.
Managing Director Jackie Murphy said:
“Reaching this historic landmark is testament to the strength of our designs and products, and the exacting levels of service we aim to provide to all our customers.
“The way we’ve helped so many of our team members to develop their careers with us, and the links we’ve built with a number of blue-chip customers over many years, illustrate perfectly our determination to build for success on the firmest foundations – which is exactly how we construct our market-leading bodies.”
Now Alloy Bodies is looking forward to its next 50 years, constantly striving to help truck and van operators find the best solutions to adapt to challenges such as alternative power sources, ever-changing compliance requirements and the ongoing drive for improved efficiency.
“In celebrating our 50th anniversary we acknowledge our past but our focus remains very much on the future,”
continued Jackie Murphy.
“We’ll be working harder than ever to look after our loyal, long-term customers and aiming to introduce many new friends to the benefits of operating Alloy Bodies products.”
www.alloybodies.co.uk
