At the Traffex 2017 show in Birmingham, leading UK intelligent transport system (ITS) suppliers Mobile Visual Information Systems (MVIS UK) and Bartco UK have announced a major step forward in their global partnership with Bartco Traffic Equipment Pty, as the Australian variable message sign (VMS) manufacturer joins the Derbyshire, UK-based Torquay Holdings group.
The expansion of the group will enable its member companies to share the world-class research and development undertaken both in the UK and Australia, ensuring the ongoing development of innovative ITS equipment for the benefit of traffic management customers across the globe. In addition to VMS manufacturer and sales operation Bartco UK, traffic equipment hire company MVIS UK and Bartco Traffic Equipment Pty, the Torquay Holdings group also includes the Australian division, MVIS AUS. The group is owned by Bartco UK and MVIS UK managing director Pat Musgrave (above, center), MVIS AUS and Bartco Traffic Equipment Pty managing director Troy Wollard (above, right), and director David Musgrave (above, left).
MVIS UK has been at the forefront of mobile VMS hire since 2012, when it brought the first five color mobile VMS to the UK market, which was designed in Australia by Bartco Traffic Equipment Pty. Following five years of growth and development, along with Bartco UK, it recently achieved ISO registration in quality and environmental management, supporting the ITS supply chain both at home and abroad. Established in Australia in 1995 and headed up by Troy Wollard, Bartco Traffic Equipment Pty has become a major player in solar powered road traffic and visual management equipment, and was the first to introduce full matrix LED VMS to the Australian market.
The latest milestone follows a year of many significant corporate and technological developments for Bartco UK and MVIS UK. As well as the ISO registration, in November, Bartco UK announced an international partnership with European ITS manufacturer, Signature Group (France). In the same month, it broke into the permanent ITS market, with the most energy-efficient fixed remote controlled temporary traffic management signs (RCTTMS) in the first generation of products designed to comply with new UK government standards. The product range offered by the group comprises: VMS, RCTTMS, multi-use trailer platforms, and sign management systems, as well as CCTV, radar, ANLR (automatic license plate recognition) systems, and Intellicone contactless technology.
“This is an exciting time for us,” said Pat Musgrave. “As separate entities, the UK and Australian companies have grown tremendously over the years, and with an already strong relationship in place, it’s a natural progression to unite and continue to establish our products as the best, both in the UK and Australia.”
Troy Wollard added, “We’re looking forward to the evolving partnership between the UK and Australian operations. By integrating the companies more closely, we will all be able to efficiently share ideas and learn from one another’s successes. This will benefit our customers worldwide.”
