Welsh Ambulance Service unveils new fleet workshop focused on sustainability

The Welsh Ambulance Service has unveiled a new fleet workshop in Merthyr Tydfil. The site features eight electric WAST vehicle charging facilities, including two dual 75kW Pod Point superchargers, making it WAST’s first site to accommodate these high-speed chargers.

These fast chargers, along with other investments such as solar paneling aligns with the Trust’s vision of reducing its carbon footprint and moving towards carbon neutrality. The Merthyr Workshop brings together fleet teams from Blackwood, Blackweir and Caerphilly into a vehicle maintenance and commissioning facility.

The journey began in December 2021 when the Trust Board approved an All-Wales Capital Business Case bid for a South East fleet and commissioning workshop. Over the last two years, with support from Welsh Government, a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and equipment installation has been undertaken.

“The completion of the project is a testament to the Trust’s commitment to providing an integrated approach to fleet maintenance and commissioning with a focus on sustainability, innovation and efficiency.”

Richard Davies, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Capital and Estates.

The project brings together two separate fleet teams, previously based in Blackweir and Blackwood Ambulance Stations, along with the vehicle commissioning fleet team from Caerphilly.

This merger marks a significant milestone for the Trust, providing a facility that caters to the needs of the fleet operation and commissioning team, promoting an integrated, coordinated and consistent approach to fleet maintenance.

“While we say farewell to the Blackweir and Blackwood sites, it is important to remember that the creation of this fleet workshop hub aligns with the Trust’s vision for a resilient and agile future fleet configuration, developing the organisation’s estate and implementing an operational model fit for the future.”

Chris Turley, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources.

The Merthyr Workshop aims to achieve several important investment objectives, including reducing costs by performing more activities in-house.

“Providing these modern, fit-for-purpose facilities helps the service to ensure business continuity and resilience, while reducing CO2 emissions through the introduction of cleaner and greener vehicles.

“The Merthyr Workshops Project represents the first step in a broader programme of improvement and demonstrates the Trust’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its fleet maintenance capabilities and ensuring the highest standards of service.”

Chris Turley, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources.

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