Overview of the Deal
Bevan Group has been named as the exclusive UK distribution partner for JPM Group, a French commercial vehicle body-manufacturer specializing in aluminium dropsiders and tippers for light commercial vehicles up to 7,500 kg. (alcircle)
- The announcement was made in February 2026 as part of JPM’s UK expansion strategy. (alcircle)
What the New Distribution Agreement Covers
Exclusive Distribution Rights
- Bevan Group will be JPM Group’s sole UK distributor, giving it exclusive rights to sell and fit JPM’s bodywork across the UK market. (alcircle)
Faster Turn-Around for Customers
- The partnership aims to deliver much quicker build times for operators of light tippers and dropsiders:
Bevan’s Role in Manufacturing & Assembly
- As part of the agreement, Bevan Group will assemble the entire JPM product range at its facilities:
- Three sites in the West Midlands (Black Country) and
- One facility in Merseyside. (alcircle)
- This decentralised production strategy is meant to improve responsiveness across regions. (alcircle)
Early Orders & Public Sector Demand
- Bevan’s first major order under the new deal involves 164 all-aluminium rear-end and three-way tipping bodies:
- These will be fitted to 3.5-tonne Nissan chassis.
- Deliveries will go to multiple local authorities in Scotland. (alcircle)
- This early sign of public sector demand highlights interest in lightweight, corrosion-resistant bodywork solutions. (alcircle)
Comments from Leadership
Bevan Group
- Roy Shelton, Sales Director at Bevan Group, said the partnership is “great news for operators … who in some cases have had to wait months to get their vehicles built.” (alcircle)
JPM Group
- Nathalie Bordas, Export Manager at JPM Group, commented that Bevan is “exactly the kind of partner we like to work with” — citing shared values as family-owned businesses focused on premium products and high service standards. (alcircle)
- She also emphasised Bevan’s strong contacts with UK manufacturers and customers, which JPM believes will help expand its presence while protecting the brand in this key market. (alcircle)
Background on the Companies
JPM Group
- A France-based manufacturer specialising in aluminium and steel bodywork for commercial vehicles with a focus on dropsiders and tippers. (alcircle)
- It already has direct supply or production line collaborations with manufacturers such as Renault, Renault Trucks and Stellantis brands (Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, Opel/Vauxhall), and direct agreements in France with Iveco and Mercedes-Benz. (alcircle)
Bevan Group
- UK-based vehicle bodywork and fabrication specialist, now positioned to significantly grow its portfolio and UK market reach through this exclusive partnership. (alcircle)
Strategic Implications
For the UK Market
- This exclusive arrangement provides operators with much improved lead times and potentially greater availability of high-quality bodywork solutions — an important factor for industries that rely on rapid vehicle deployment. (alcircle)
For Bevan Group
- Becoming the sole UK distributor for a respected European manufacturer can boost Bevan’s market positioning, sales volumes, and aftermarket services footprint in the commercial vehicle sector. (alcircle)
For JPM Group
- Partnering with a UK specialist could significantly expand its footprint in one of Europe’s key commercial vehicle markets, especially at a time when demand for lightweight aluminium structures is rising. (alcircle)
Here’s a case-study–oriented summary of the announcement that Bevan Group has been named the sole UK distributor for JPM Group, plus industry-level context, early orders and expert comments from recent coverage. (alcircle)
Case Study 1 — Strategic UK Expansion Deal
Deal Summary
- JPM Group is a French lightweight commercial vehicle body manufacturer best known for aluminium dropsiders and tippers for vehicles up to 7,500 kg. (alcircle)
- It selected Bevan Group as its exclusive UK distribution partner to grow its presence across the British commercial vehicle market. (alcircle)
- Under the deal, Bevan gets sole rights to sell and fit JPM bodywork in the UK, positioning itself as the main gateway for JPM product sales and support. (alcircle)
Business Model Impact
- Bevan will team JPM’s product line with ultra-fast turnaround services — if Bevan gets at least six weeks’ advance notice of a chassis, it can fit the body and prepare the vehicle for next-day collection. (alcircle)
- Bevan plans to stock body units locally later on, which could reduce delivery timeframes even further and help operators replace fleet vehicles quickly. (alcircle)
Operational Footprint
- Bevan will assemble the full JPM product portfolio across four UK sites: three in the Black Country and one in Merseyside. (alcircle)
- This regional setup strengthens responsiveness across the UK, especially for customers in Scotland and Northern England. (expressandstar.com)
Case Study 2 — First Order & Local Government Demand
First Order Details
- Bevan’s first big order under this new distribution agreement consists of 164 all-aluminium bodies (rear-end and three-way tipping). (alcircle)
- These bodies are being fitted to 3.5-tonne Nissan chassis destined for multiple local authorities in Scotland, indicating strong early public sector interest in lighter, corrosion-resistant bodywork. (alcircle)
Public Sector Needs
This order reflects how councils and local government fleets often prioritise:
- Lightweight builds to increase payload capacity.
- Lower maintenance costs, since aluminium resists rust and wear.
- Faster replacement times, reducing downtime of essential service vehicles like tippers and dropsiders. (expressandstar.com)
Key Comments & Reactions
Leadership Comments
From Bevan Group
- Roy Shelton, Bevan Group Sales Director, described the partnership as great news for operators, especially those who previously faced months of lead time for bodywork. (alcircle)
From JPM Group
- Nathalie Bordas, Export Manager at JPM, said Bevan’s family-owned structure and high-service approach align well with JPM’s values. She emphasised Bevan’s strong UK manufacturer contacts and the confidence JPM has in its ability to develop business and protect the brand locally. (alcircle)
Broader Industry Context
Distribution Strategy in the LCV Market
- Many commercial vehicle manufacturers appoint exclusive distributors rather than selling direct, to tap into local expertise, established customer networks, and aftersales support infrastructure — especially where product support and modifications are critical. (Greenhous Fleet)
- Distributor partnerships often help brands like JPM scale more quickly in overseas markets by leveraging local knowledge and existing commercial relationships.
Operational Efficiency Focus
- A key selling point in this market is turnaround time: fleet operators often lose revenue when vehicles are off the road, so shorter build and delivery times (like next-day pickup) are highly valuable. (expressandstar.com)
- Aluminium bodywork, beyond being lighter, is also a contributor to fleet payload optimisation and reduced fuel consumption, a growing priority across municipal and private fleets. (expressandstar.com)
Industry Takeaways — Why This Matters
1. Supply Chain Acceleration
The arrangement creates a smoother, faster path from chassis arrival to finished vehicle delivery — crucial in sectors where vehicle uptime directly affects operational productivity. (alcircle)
2. Competitive Advantage for Bevan
Bevan gains a strong exclusive product line backed by a respected European manufacturer, reinforcing its position as a key UK commercial vehicle bodybuilder. (alcircle)
3. Boost for JPM in UK Market
JPM can now reach UK customers more effectively through a partner with manufacturer links and regional coverage, rather than operating purely through import or dealer networks. (alcircle)