Simon Harris T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Procurement today (29 June 2015) announced a contract allowing the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to purchase Emergency Ambulances at very competitive rates. The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar T.D. also welcomed today’s award.
The contract was awarded to Auto Conversions Ltd. (trading as Wilker Auto Conversions), following a competitive tendering process undertaken by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). Wilker Auto Conversions is an Irish SME headquartered in Clara, Co. Offaly.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Minister Harris said
“The improved terms built into this contract will deliver significant value for money for the taxpayer. It has been designed to meet community needs and provide the latest technology and vehicle advancements in support of enhancing the National Ambulance Service’s fleet profile in the years to come. I am also encouraged to see an Irish SME succeeding in a tender competition that will produce a significant saving for the State.”
The new contract, put in place by the OGP, will run for two years with an option to extend for one further year until 2018. The contract is expected to deliver the State very significant cost reductions – in the order of 12% based on estimated purchases over the life of the contract compared to previous arrangements.
Also welcoming the award the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD noted
“This is a very positive development for the National Ambulance Service which can now order new and replacement ambulances, in line with the 2015 fleet replacement policy. This contract will also ensure that the State gets value for money.”
In recent years the National Ambulance Service has embarked on a strategic investment programme to develop a modern, quality service that is safe, responsive and fit for purpose. The service is implementing a significant reform agenda which mirrors many of the strategic changes underway in ambulance services internationally as they strive for high performance, efficiency and cope with a continuously increasing demand on services. This is in line with the recommendations of the Department of Health’s strategic framework, Future Health, A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012–2015 to ensure a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology.
Notes to Editor:
The contract covers the supply of Emergency Ambulances over three Lots:
- Lot 1: Supply of new vehicle chassis cab and ambulance compartment remount.
- Lot 2: Supply of Emergency Ambulance of box body construction (new) – this is where a completely new vehicle is required i.e. a new chassis/cab with a new modular patient compartment fitted.
- Lot 3: Supply of Emergency Ambulance of van conversion construction (new) – this is where a suitably identified van is converted/configuration to carry out the functions of an Emergency Ambulance.
About Wilker Auto Conversions
Wilker Auto Conversions (‘Wilker’) which has been in business for over 60 years is headquartered in Clara, Co. Offaly and its UK operation is based in Sandbach, Cheshire. It is one of the leading Irish/UK vehicle converters specialising in conversions for the Ambulance, Fire and Garda/Police Emergency Services. The Clara operation employs 80 direct personnel and also has significant activity with many local suppliers of goods and services. The Sandbach operation employs 40 people.
The HSE is one of Wilker’s key customers and Wilker is delighted to have been successful in being awarded this contract. Wilker are looking forward to working with the HSE over the duration of this contract. Vehicle Conversions for the Emergency Services have to comply with very stringent National & European Regulations. Wilker has made significant investments over the last 5 years in order to achieve full compliance and continues to invest to stay up-to-date.

