Balfour Beatty has increased the flexibility and security of its fleet of 4x4 pick-up trucks with the use of hardtop units from British manufacturer, Auto Styling Truckman.

The West Midland’s based company has now provided 150 of its AeroTop RS hardtop units for use on a number of Balfour Beatty fleet of more than 250 Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks since 2010.

Over half of the global infrastructure group’s Hilux vehicles are being used on Balfour Beatty’s operations in the gas, water and electricity sectors and assigned to various contracts across the UK.

Currently, 60 vehicles are part of the Beauly to Denny over-head electricity line project in Scotland. The pick-up trucks are required to negotiate rough terrain and un-constructed roads to enable engineers to reach some of the hundreds of new electricity towers being built by Balfour Beatty.

Adding the hardtops, which are manufactured at Auto Styling Truckman’s West Midlands’ facility, has allowed Balfour Beatty to create bespoke storage areas inside the truck bed, which enables secure storage for equipment and tools required for projects in remote locations.

Adrian Wanford, fleet operations manager for Balfour Beatty said: “Our engineers have to access some hard to reach locations, which make pick-up trucks the idea vehicle. The addition of hardtop units adds to the versatility of the vehicles and really makes them fit-for-purpose in terms of providing a secure and flexible storage facility for tools and equipment that can be transported to off road areas.”

Mike Wheeler, managing director of Auto Styling Truckman, said: “Operating in remote locations offers a range of challenges to companies such as Balfour Beatty that have engineers requiring access to specialist equipment. Hard Top fitted 4x4 pick-ups make these locations more accessible than by transit or combi vans.

“With the addition of a hardtop companies are able to create a secure and large storage area as well as a multi-purpose work area, which maximises the benefits of operating a fleet of 4x4 pick-up trucks.

“Balfour Beatty vehicles are highly recognisable across the UK and I am very proud that our hard tops are fitted to some of its pick-up trucks.”