Thursday, 17 March 2016

Visit to Alexander Dennis Ltd

During the afternoon of 24 April 2015, members from Scottish Region visited Alexander Dennis Ltd., (A.D.L.) bus and coach manufacturers, Falkirk. We were welcomed by training co-ordinator Robert Lapsley who gave us an outline of the history and the general nature of business conducted by the firm.

A.D.L is a major employer in the area who also utilise the services of sub-contractors including local specialist firms. Their presence in Central Scotland is of considerable importance. They have a world- wide customer base including many UK local authorities and well known national public transport operators. Many parts and materials are sourced within the UK and abroad as applicable.

The firm specialises in the manufacture of single and double decker passenger vehicles. The current Enviro 400MMC double deck version is popular whilst other vehicles are built to agreed specification of the customers’ needs with reference to length, chassis type and running gear, power unit and transmission, mechanical and electrical arrangements, livery and appearance. Internally, attention is paid to driver comfort, passenger seating/standing requirements, heating and ventilation systems, floor covering, trimming and such like. Vehicle kits are also made up and sent abroad with step-by-step assembly instructions.

A tour of the various manufacture and preparation departments led us to the dedicated lanes where we witnessed the assembly of the vehicles from the chassis upwards involving the fitting of framework, floor, staircase, side panel assemblies, roof, front and rear panel units. There is considerable internal fitting out before transfer to the paint shop. Our visit concluded alongside a well-presented double deck PSV ready for its final checks prior to delivery to the customer.

A.D.L. is in a competitive market and there is ongoing monitoring of work in hand consistent with good practice and high standards. They have regular staff training and update and operate a fine apprenticeship scheme through which many reach HNC standard in association with the local college.

This was a very good, educational visit with much to be learned about the design and manufacture of the modern public service vehicles which we regularly see on our streets nationwide. Our guide, Robert Lapsley, delivered an excellent presentation much appreciated by the members. To round off the outing, we proceeded to a local Inn for an early evening meal.

Peter Ramsay