Members of the Mid Anglia Coach Operators Association (MACOA) visited the extensive Van Hool factory in Lier, Belgium on December 3.
They included representatives from DH Harrods, Don Fraser Caches, Kenzies, Dews, Mil-Ken, Dons of Dunmow, Panther Travel, Fowlers Travel, Grey’s of Ely, Richmonds and Fenn Holidays.
Simon Dew, Dews Coaches kindly liaised with Moseley in the South’s Allan Vaulter to arrange the trip. The operators travelled in a very well appointed 10-metre Van Hool coach, kindly provided by Cyril Kenzie of Kenzie’s Coaches.
Richard Grey, the association’s Secretary, who is also MD of Greys of Ely, told CBW: “It was my first time there. I think a lot of people hold Van Hool in very high esteem – and rightly so. We were privileged to to enjoy a full tour of the extensive factory complex. It was truly eye-opening to see the level of detail – everything is done in-house – and as a result, operators end up with a very bespoke product.”
Richard concluded: “We would like to say a special thank you to our hosts Bart Roefs and Daan Peeters from Van Hool and Lee Brunt from Moseley PCV and Marcus Worth From Moseley in the South.”
Marcus Worth, General Manager at Moseley South, told CBW: “They were a very nice, professional group of operators, who conducted themselves in exemplary fashion. Van Hool put on a lovely tour – the hospitality was fantastic as always. It was very well organised. They all seemed to enjoy it – there was a very positive atmosphere. They were a smashing group.”
Marcus added: “While most operators hailed from Moseley PCV’s territory, my role was as something of an ambassador for the Moseley Associated Companies. For me personally, it was a great opportunity to catch up with operators I admire, such as Andrew Richmond and Cyril Kenzie.”