Category: News

It’s been a great couple of days at the Balmoral Show!

We’ve all had a fantastic time. Loads of people popped in to see us at stand C55. with great interest in our welfare vans as well as our camper van conversions and glamping pod.

A French student from Franche Comté has just completed a semester-long work placement with ETRUX as part of the Erasmus programme.

Studying ergonomics, industrial design and mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, Dimitri Porquet has been an integral part of ETRUX’s engineering team, designing internal components for use by the company’s vehicle conversion division as well as creating user manuals, detailed build instructions and technical drawings.

The work placement forms part of a five-year degree course in engineering which he will complete in 2023.

Dimitri says: “Working at ETRUX I have been able to gain valuable experience and build my confidence within the workplace. I’ve also had the chance to earn real life experience and have worked on some exciting and prestigious projects over the past six months. Working hand in hand with Etrux’ s team I have advanced my technical ability and skills. Of course, the Erasmus programme has not only been about work. I have met many new people and forged lifelong friendships during my time here too.”

Gerard Galvin, Managing Director of Etrux said: “This is our first year of taking part in the exchange programme and due to the positive experience we have had with Dimitri in our team, we have already confirmed another student placement for September. Having participated in Erasmus in the mid ’90s, I have first-hand experience on the benefits that the programme can bring to both students and companies. Dimitri very quickly fitted in with the rest of the Etrux team making a valuable contribution to the business. We shall be sorry to lose him but wish him good luck as he transitions to the next stage of his learning and career.”

Dimitri was joined by another Erasmus student Alba Sanchez who worked for another division of the Jans Group.

ETRUX, the lightweight vehicle and conversion specialist has applied its technical knowledge and engineering expertise to create a brand new adventure van for the holiday market. 

The large new, long wheel based 3.5t MAN TGE Adventure Campervan has been specially designed for families, students and active holiday makers transporting 5 people and easily accommodating 4 adults or a family of 2 adults and 3 kids.  

Incorporated in the camper is a large garage area with durable slide out runners making it easier to store bodyboards, bikes, luggage and camping equipment. To boost storage capacity, the Adventure Campervan also features a full-length Rhino roof rack, ideal for transporting surf boards, kayaks, canoes and bulkier luggage. The vehicle even has a Thule bike rack mounted on the rear doors for bicycle transportation. 

Contrary to most campervans of a similar size, the inside living space is airy and spacious with all the basics expected including a dining table, gas stove, microwave, kettle and portable chiller box. A swivel TV/DVD player, touch controlled led reading lights, a shower unit and PortaPotti as well as a powered washer hose at the rear of the vehicle for washing sand off equipment are extras not normally found in a vehicle of this type. 

The living quarters are powered through an auxiliary battery system that is constantly charged when the vehicle is running or via an external hook up when pitched at a campsite. A solar panel mounted to the roof provides a constant trickle charge to the independent battery system and this ensures that the van battery is protected, and the vehicle starts every time. Positioned above the garage area at the rear of the van, a full double bunk provides for a spacious and comfortable bed which can easily accommodate 2 adults or 3 kids. The M1 crash tested bench seat in the living area also opens into another small double bed which in total allows for a 4/5 berth camper. In addition to all this, a full length, 4 metre Fiamma awning has been fitted over the sliding door of the vehicle to create additional outdoor living space.

A number of Adventure Campervans have been produced and sold to Belfast retailer Jans Lifestyle where they are available to rent and also to purchase.

Gerry Galvin, MD of ETRUX said: “ETRUX’s experience and capability in the application of precision engineering allows us to modify and manufacture vehicles that not only are best in class, but that out-perform other contenders on the market. 

Our ability to rethink and repurpose performance, space and functionality means that we can offer exceptional vehicle modifications that are truly bespoke.”

Gareth Pinkerton, Lead Engineer, Automotive said: “ETRUX was approached by Jans Lifestyle to build a new adventure van that would not only appeal to today’s aesthetically focused youth and family market but would set new standards in technical efficiency and functionality. ETRUX’s highly skilled automotive engineering team took a fresh approach to the task despite the obvious space and architectural challenges. Pilot trials have been very successful with an ongoing contract for more vehicles put in place.”

The new range of Adventure Campervans are designed for adventure holidays and off grid living and can be driven on a normal car licence.

For more information on ETRUX’s vehicle modification service please contact 0330-165-1467. 

ETRUX has recently added Gareth Pinkerton to its team to make real its vision to offer a one stop shop for companies who want to make the transition from diesel to electric fleets and its vehicle modification business. 

Gareth joins ETRUX as Lead Engineer where he is responsible for new product design and providing technical leadership to teams encompassing design, quality and vehicle conversion. His appointment brings the total number of ETRUX employees to 35 across the company’s head offices in Staffordshire and Antrim.

The new appointment and wider team forms part of the company’s three-pronged strategy to build its own rental fleet operation, developing high quality vehicles conversions and leading the way in the EVolution to zero carbon fleets.

Gerard Galvin, Managing Director ETRUX, said: “Our goal is to fully harness the potential of each of our operational areas by building a team that can support the business to grow at its current phenomenal rate.

The government has set clear timelines for its Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy. Over the next decade the journey of switching away from fossil fuel combustion to low carbon alternatives such as electrification will be fast tracked and ETRUX is in a prime position to play a leading part.”

With a well-established career in automotive engineering, Gareth is a fantastic addition to our team and brings a wealth of knowledge. Our strength is our people and by adding the right people we will continue to increase the pace of our business in the months and years to come.”