To meet an order from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Social Affairs, the Braun Corporation, headquartered in Winamac, Ind, reports that it will be supplying 3,000 wheelchair lifts to the Kingdom. Braun notes that the order, which is expected to take 7 months to fulfill, is nearing completion and reflects a changing global attitude toward accessible transportation. A recent news release notes that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Social Affairs awarded the bid in an effort to ensure safe and accessible transportation for citizens with physical disabilities.
Nick Gutwein, president, Braun Corporation, emphasizes that the need for accessible transportation is not limited to the US. Gutwein adds that when Braun founder Ralph Braun built his first wheelchair lift in 1968, he had no idea that the innovation would impact public transportation not only in America, but also globally.
The company explains that its lifts are distributed through its international partner, Autoadapt, a Sweden-based adaptive equipment company, and will be installed on Ford E Series chassis supplied by Al Jazriah Ford in Riyadh. Skan International, a Saudi-based vehicle conversion company (pictured above, right), will install the Braun VL998 lifts and corresponding raised door kits, Braun says.
Last month, the release notes, representatives from both Braun and Autoadapt traveled to Riyadh to provide installation, operation, and maintenance support to Saudi partners.
Peter Wahlsten, executive vice president, Autoadapt, states, “These vehicles will have a very positive impact on the day to day life for the users. Helping people with disabilities live more independently always comes first to us and we’re proud to be part of this.”
[Source: Braun Corporation]
