Wickens Engineering named double finalist at the ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards 2026

Batt-Rack: Controlled Battery Storage, shortlisted for the Solutions Innovation Award, with Wickens also in the running for the Vehicle Recycling Equipment Company Award

Wickens Engineering has been named a finalist in two categories at the ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards 2026: the Solutions Innovation Award, for Batt-Rack, their battery storage system, and the Vehicle Recycling Equipment Company Award.

Each entry was scored independently by a panel of five judges. Winners will be announced on Thursday 26th November at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Solutions Innovation Award: Batt-Rack

End-of-life EVs are arriving at ATFs in growing numbers, and with them a storage problem the sector hasn't solved. Most battery packs still sit in modified shipping containers or open yard space. If a cell goes into thermal runaway, neither offers much protection.

Batt-Rack takes a different approach. Fire control is engineered into the structure, not bolted on afterwards.

• An integrated sprinkler head on every level, fed from mains or tank, delivers continuous cooling to slow cell-to-cell propagation
• An industrial roller shutter, with a fire-rated option, controls access
• A canopy roof with an air gap keeps the enclosure thermally stable
• Load capacity of up to 2,000kg per level, configurable to most pack sizes
• Optional thermal and gas detection at every level, plus fire dampers and fire-resistant cladding

Since launching at CARS/ESS 26, Batt-Rack has drawn strong interest from ATFs, and is available to order now.

Vehicle Recycling Equipment Company Award

This category judges a supplier on customer service, customer satisfaction and long-term commitment to the industry. Wickens has supplied dismantlers and recovery operators for decades, and its customers make the case.

At Viking Auto Dismantlers, Wickens cantilever car racking freed up 25% more yard space. "We put them up in no time and were so impressed we bought some more," said Karl Grindrod.

Wickens car racking stores vehicles up to five high, can more than double a yard's capacity compared with traditional methods, and supports operators working towards ELV recovery targets. Every system is designed, manufactured and installed in-house.

Lois Taylor, Marketing Manager at Wickens Engineering, said: "Our best ideas start in our customers' yards. ATFs told us what worried them about storing EV batteries, and our engineers built Batt-Rack to solve it. To be shortlisted for the Solutions Innovation Award a few months after launch is a huge boost. The Equipment Company nomination means just as much, because that one is about how we look after our customers year after year. We'll see everyone in Coventry on the 26th."

Further detail on Batt-Rack is available at wickens.co.uk/batt-rack and details about Wickens Car Racks is available: wickens.co.uk/applications/car-storage-racks/

About Wickens Engineering

Wickens is a trusted UK manufacturer of bespoke heavy duty storage solutions, based at Shire Business Park in Worcester. With over 50 years of experience designing, manufacturing and installing, Wickens is well known across the industrial racking and storage market, backed by an in-house chartered structural engineer. Wickens is a SEMA certified manufacturer, producing all products to ISO 9001, CE and UKCA standards, with installations delivered across the UK.

For more information visit: wickens.co.uk | 01905 456780 | sales@wickens.co.uk