The latest news from Neath coach builders
Welcome to the official news hub for Neath Coachbuilders. Here you’ll find the latest company announcements, product updates, industry insights, media coverage, and behind-the-scenes stories from our team. Stay informed on what we’re working on, where we’re headed, and how we’re making an impact
From Apprentice to Technical Manager
From Apprentice to Technical Manager: Lloyd’s 23-Year Journey at Neath Coachbuilders.
When Lloyd Owen first joined Neath Coachbuilders back in 2000, he couldn’t have imagined the career path that lay ahead. Now Technical Manager and responsible for design and quotation, Lloyd has become a key part of the company’s continued growth—bringing over two decades of experience, insight and an appreciation for the apprenticeship route that shaped him.
“My school was right next to Neath Coachbuilders,” Lloyd recalls. “I’d often see the team sitting on the wall during their lunch breaks—it was a familiar part of the local landscape.”
That early connection helped shape his path. With a brother already following in their father’s footsteps through an apprenticeship, Lloyd knew he wanted to do the same—just in a slightly different direction.
After finishing school, a friend who worked at Neath helped Lloyd get his foot in the door with an apprenticeship. Lloyd began on the servicing and engineering side, building up the practical skills that would eventually lead him into more a technical role at Neath Coachbuilders.
Today, he oversees design and quotation—connecting client needs to tailored solutions while ensuring the highest build quality from concept to completion.
“Some of my proudest moments have come from seeing a build go all the way—from the initial idea and costing to the final handover,” he says. “When a customer sees their vehicle for the first time and it exceeds expectations—that’s a real highlight.”
“If a man made it, a man can fix it.”
A defining moment early in Lloyd’s journey was meeting Arthur Peake, a mentor during his apprenticeship. “Arthur had this saying: ‘If a man made it, a man can fix it.’ That mindset stuck with me, and I’ve passed it on to the apprentices I now mentor – they bring fresh energy and ideas. This industry is niche—cranes, hydraulics, diagnostics. It’s highly technical. Training apprentices from the ground up is essential, and it’s great to see their confidence and skill set grow.”
Growth at Every Level
Neath Coachbuilders has long been committed to investing in people.
“When I started, Neath put me through college, then continued to train me every year—two technical courses annually, everything from tail lifts to product diagnostics. That investment shaped me, I believe in doing the job to the highest standards, and I encourage the same mindset in every apprentice I work with.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Still in the Making
When asked where he sees himself in five years, Lloyd doesn’t hesitate: “Still at Neath Coachbuilders. I genuinely enjoy what I do.”
If he could trade roles for a day: “I wouldn’t. I think I’ve got the best job in the company. Maybe I’d swap with someone with less responsibility—but only for a day!”
As for his dream project? “Something high-volume, for a leading manufacturer. A big challenge, with streamlined design and one clear spec—that’s the kind of work I’d love to take on.”
One Last Surprise
What would surprise Lloyd’s younger self about his current job? “That I’d be in an office. I’ve always been hands-on. I never imagined I’d end up in a more technical, design-led role—but it’s where I’m meant to be.”
Investing in People, Building the Future
Lloyd’s story is more than just a personal success—it’s a reflection of Neath Coachbuilders’ long-term investment in people. Apprenticeship isn’t just an entry route here; it’s a foundation for leadership, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re just starting out or shaping the next generation, Lloyd’s journey shows what’s possible when talent is supported and grown from within.
Neath Coachbuilders Build Fire & Rescue Welfare & Wildfire Vehicle
Neath Coachbuilders are proud to highlight our role in building the UK’s first dedicated welfare and wildfire vehicle for South West Fire and Rescue Service.
Built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis supplied by Euro Commercials Cardiff, our team engineered the full custom bodywork to meet the demanding conditions of prolonged wildfire and emergency operations.
Designed with crew welfare at the forefront, the vehicle includes essential facilities such as a toilet, microwave and fridge — ensuring firefighters can rest and recharge while remaining close to the incident scene.
The project also recognises the vital work of South West Fire and Rescue Service’s Fleet and Engineering teams, who maintain a large and diverse emergency vehicle fleet and depend on robust, reliable builds to keep frontline crews operational year-round.
Lee McCarthy, General Manager of Neath Coachbuilders, said:
“It’s a privilege to work on a project that strengthens the safety and wellbeing of firefighters. Our team put immense pride into this build, and its completion is a testament to the craftsmanship and collaboration behind it.”
Content and imagery credit: South West Fire and Rescue Service.
Built for the City: Neath Delivers Urban-Ready Curtainside to Wrings Transport
Neath Coachbuilders has completed the delivery of a new curtainside vehicle fitted with a DEL Tail Lift to Wrings Transport Ltd, a Bristol-based transport and logistics operator.
Built on a Mercedes-Benz van chassis, the vehicle has been specified to meet the demands of urban distribution, making it ideally suited for operation within Bristol’s Clean Air Zone. The efficient and compliant vehicle will support Wrings Transport’s work with Palletforce as well as their express and urgent delivery services across the city and surrounding areas.
As part of Neath Coachbuilders’ collaborative approach, Stuart Wring, Managing Director of Wrings Transport Ltd, visited the company’s workshop to see the vehicle nearing completion. During the visit, he met the build team, reviewed the quality of workmanship, and gained insight into Neath Coachbuilders’ full range of vehicle body solutions. Commenting on the build, Stuart Wring said:
“The build is spot on for our operations, particularly in supporting our work with Palletforce. It was great to visit the workshop, see the vehicle coming together, and meet the team behind the build.”
The vehicle is equipped with a DEL Tail Lift, selected for its proven reliability in urban, multi-drop operations. DEL Tail Lifts are widely recognised for their robust design, smooth operation, and ability to improve safety and efficiency when handling palletised freight in confined city environments.
Lee McCarthy of Neath Coachbuilders commented: “This build was designed with Bristol’s urban environment firmly in mind. The curtainside body and DEL Tail Lift combination provides flexibility for Palletforce work, while the Mercedes-Benz chassis ensures compliance and efficiency within the Clean Air Zone. It was a pleasure to welcome Stuart to our workshop and deliver a vehicle that genuinely supports their operation.”
The vehicle has now entered service and is already playing a key role in Wrings Transport’s day-to-day operations. Neath Coachbuilders would like to thank Wrings Transport Ltd for their trust and looks forward to supporting their future fleet and body-building requirements.
