Optimus’s manager, Sharron Barrett, picks up the story: “The timescale was the most important thing – we didn’t have time to lose! – so we quickly obtained some quotes, but some lead times were six to eight weeks, and we couldn’t afford to wait that long. Thankfully, MAHA UK had what we needed in stock, so we quickly went ahead with the order.
“Within a couple of days, my staff were able to complete the necessary groundwork, put the frame in and then MAHA’s engineers installed and calibrated the whole system quickly afterwards – from distress call to finished installation, it took a week, which was mighty impressive.”
Optimus Commercials and Engineering is now the proud owner of the MBT 7250 EUROSYSTEM, MAHA UK’s flagship commercial brake tester. It also boasts a large roller sensor, with a diameter of 100mm and axle load of 18t, so there is excellent coverage across each tyre’s dimension.
Optimus Commercials and Engineering is based in Oakington, Cambridge – just off junction 25 of the A14 – and was founded last June. It took over a previous garage business, saving jobs in the process, and continued the wide range of DVSA MOT testing and vehicle servicing for cars, vans, HGVs and other specialist vehicles. It also helps customers maintain and repair bespoke machinery, like farm equipment.
Barrett revealed: “About 18 months ago, the unit (garage) was handed back to the landowner; however, the landowner also owns a concrete company, possesses a fleet of around 25 lorries and needs somewhere local to maintain them.
“We were then approached about starting up a new garage, which we agreed to so long as it had a new identity and a fresh start – and here we are!”
At present, there is a staff roster of five people, including four mechanics.