A SALISBURY-based packaging manufacturer has worked with Wiltshire Police to keep their drones safe in transit.

Specialist protective case and foam insert manufacturer GWP Protective, part of Macfarlane Packaging, has worked with the force’s drone unit to design and manufacture a custom foam tray to house their unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and accompanying accessories.

This comes after Barry Cuss, a special constable for Wiltshire Police and also the maintenance manager for GWP, first spotted the opportunity to improve the way the drones are stored and organised.

He said: “I have been assigned to the UAV team for around six months.

“During that time we took delivery of a new vehicle, and it was clear that the foam we produce at GWP would be perfect for the job of protecting the kit we use.”

The tray, installed in the back of the drone unit’s vehicles, organises the equipment, protecting it in transit and making it easier to access.

The foam also features the Wiltshire Police crest engraved into the surface.

Police sergeant Tim Rich, drone unit operations manager, said: “The foam insert that GWP supplied has significantly improved the efficiency of our operations through ease of use and it looks more professional, too. Everyone who has seen it has been very impressed.”

Wiltshire Police operates eighteen drones in total, which can be equipped with HD video or thermal imaging cameras.

The drones provide support to officers on the ground and are typically used for searching large open areas, aerial photography of crime scenes and traffic collisions, and overseeing high-risk policing operations on the ground.

The team currently has twenty pilots from operational policing backgrounds.

GWP Protective is part of the larger GWP Group, which itself became part of Macfarlane Packaging in early 2021.

The business employs around 20 people at its site in Old Sarum, specialising in high-performance packaging for various applications.

Richard Coombes, general manager at GWP Protective, said: “Although we have helped with some unique projects over the years, including cases for the Red Arrows and protecting parts for F1 cars, this was definitely amongst the most interesting to work on.

“It was great to help our local police, too. The foam tray should provide excellent protection for the team’s equipment and make their lives easier.”