First maintenance sites gain full IRTE workshop accreditation 30 October 2012

The London Borough of Redbridge's workshop in Ilford, and Pullman Fleet Services' Stoke and Livingston sites are the first to gain full IRTE 'workshop accreditation' – the Institute of Road Transport Engineers' mark of quality assurance for maintenance providers.

Pullman has announced plans to achieve IRTE Workshop Accreditation across its entire network – a total of more than 30 sites.

Developed by IRTE, in partnership with FTA (Freight Transport Association), the IRTE Workshop Accreditation is a direct response to calls in the industry for the regulation of commercial vehicle maintenance providers – not just vehicle operators.

With around 80% of operators sub-contracting their vehicle maintenance, but retaining responsibility for the standard of maintenance delivered, operators need independent assurance for the quality of work being carried out in their names.

IRTE Workshop Accreditation now assesses commercial vehicle workshops for compliance in areas including equipment, services, management and documentation. Operators can then choose maintenance providers with confidence.

"The new scheme is a welcome development and I'm delighted that Pullman is at the forefront of this initiative through gaining the first accreditations," says Graham Hunter, managing director of Pullman.

"IRTE Workshop Accreditation offers an objective assessment that provides existing and potential customers with assurances relating to Pullman's facilities, safety, training culture and standards of repair," he adds.

Eddie Cross, engineering manager of London Borough of Redbridge, comments: "Maintaining a high standard of internal quality systems and adhering to good industry practice are extremely important to Redbridge.

"The fact that we've achieved IRTE Workshop Accreditation gives operators confidence in our services, and allows comparisons with providers of similar services."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Society of Operations Engineers

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