In September 2024, BOLTS members virtually met for a two-part workshop on heavy maintenance and mid-life refurbishment. It was the first opportunity for members to discuss in-depth maintenance-related topics with experts in the field from across the BOLTS organisations.
The meeting provided a detailed discussion on mid-life refurbishment and heavy maintenance of vehicle fleets, covering both technical and operational aspects. It examined legal and contractual requirements, the scope and timing of maintenance activities, and how maintenance cycles were determined and managed. Participants shared experiences with refurbishment tasks, including which components were repaired or replaced, and discussed the balance between in-house and outsourced work, organisational structures, and the facilities used for maintenance.
The workshop also focused on resource management and staff allocation, exploring the number of personnel involved, specialist skills required, shift patterns, and strategies for managing increased workloads. Participants discussed challenges related to staffing and how these had been addressed. Additionally, the session addressed the impact of mid-life refurbishment on vehicle availability, including downtime, variations by fleet type, and strategies used to mitigate service disruption. Best practices for minimising downtime and ensuring timely maintenance completion were shared. Overall, the meeting facilitated knowledge exchange, identified effective practices, and explored ways to improve the efficiency and reliability of maintenance operations.
