Vehicle graphics and wrapping specialist Sign Language has won one of the largest fleet contracts in its history following the decision of Autoglass to switch suppliers.

Sign Language initially supplied livery for 15 new Renault Master vans that have joined Autoglass Specials, the division which caters to the needs of the coach, bus and train industry.

A further 55 livery kits were supplied for new vehicles that joined the Autoglass fleet in the final weeks of 2013. Additionally, Sign Language anticipates supplying around 750 kits for new vehicles expected to be introduced to the fleet in 2014.

The Autoglass fleet numbers some 1,700 vans and is 90% Ford comprising Transit 260 and 280 models, Transit Custom 290 and 290 Hi-roof, Fiesta vans with the new short wheel base Transit Custom 270 to be added in January 2014 as a replacement for Transit Connect 230 models.

Additionally, due to the requirement for some specialist vehicles, a few Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall vans are also on the fleet as well as the Renault models.

Autoglass has switched to Sign Language after a 20-year association with its previous livery supplier. It is also introducing Arlon as the vinyl for its graphics based on service and financial savings that could be delivered through Sign Language, while retaining an identical five-year warranty applying to colour fastness of the ink and material adhesiveness although switching from a lacquered to a laminated material.

Autoglass fleet manager Ged Raymond said: “We were approached by Sign Language and we gave them a small job on our Specials fleet. They produced on time and their standard of work was excellent exceeding our expectations.

“After 20 years with one supplier and using the same source for material it is a big switch for the company. However, we believe Sign Language will do a first class job and we look forward to a long business relationship with them.”

Tobin Jenkins, managing director of Oxfordshire-based Sign Language, said: “Winning the Autoglass contract is a tremendous coup for Sign Language.

“Sign Language is a small company compared with the previous supplier to Autoglass, but we have shown that we can deliver in terms of service, product quality and price. It is a victory for David over Goliath in terms of the vehicle livery supply market.”

Autoglass has its own team of livery fitters, but they worked alongside Sign Language’s own fitters in applying the new livery kits to the first vehicles.

Looking to this year, Sign Language will produce the vehicle livery and then deliver the kits for fitment by the Autoglass team.

Additionally, Sign Language will retain a stock of duplicate livery kits for use when Autoglass vehicles suffer accident damage with that work undertaken by Sign Language fitters.