In May last year, the first of the current Transit Custom vans worthy of the term ‘custom’ rolled out of the former heritage protected ICI works on the north side of Pontypool, a Welsh town that sits in the lea of the picturesque Brecon Beacons. Check back through our motoring archive for more details on the MS-RT Transit. Since then, the company has been working feverishly to develop the smaller MS-RT Transit Connect, the first examples of which are being despatched to Ford Van Centres presently.
Established by Ed Davies, the company’s managing director, and a £25,000 investment as Van Sport, it was clear from the outset that a hands-on mentor and business angel would be essential. That individual arrived in the form of Malcolm Wilson, the Cumbrian-based former rally driver and, for the past 23 years, director of Ford Motorsports. While MS-RT is linked directly to Ford Motor Company, it remains an independent business operation that can not only develop its own products but can also work on other brands.
The Ford connection is an important one. As the recognised ‘Backbone of Britain’ in light commercial terms, its Transit family is the top-selling van line-up. Recognition of the values associated with customised vans, not only to the business sector but also and equally to the retail scene, has provided the momentum to MS-RT. In fact, Ford Motor Company has been so enthused by the Welsh customiser that it has ‘bought into’ the enterprise by investing its Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) status that adds manufacturer warranted support, a vital adjunct.
Naturally, Ford is hugely impressed by MS-RT, following an extensive and deep dive assessment of its production facilities. Each of the vehicles produced at Pontypool must meet Ford’s Body and Equipment Mounting Manual (BEMM) standards, Quality Control processes and all engineering aspects. All original Ford parts removed from the supplied vehicle provide the direct mounting points for MS-RT modifications. The injection moulding processes and both paint and trim finishes not only meet Ford’s exacting standards but ensure that vehicle kerbweights and core dimensions remain intact.
Following established production line techniques, MS-RT has already reached a 700 units annual sales level that is set to more than double with the introduction of the Transit Connect model. While it is somewhat larger than some ‘cottage industry’ exponents, MS-RT is the first fully manufacturer supported, van customising operation in the world. As such, the business is already commencing the next stage of its exciting expansion programme, in readiness for dealing with the European side of Ford’s van business, with supplies to several countries due to start in 2020.
