Armstrong Richardson chooses Mercedes-Benz trucks for efficient service.

Originally a local agricultural supplier, Armstrong Richardson Group has been trading since 1925, with Armstrong Richardson Transport now providing products to customers throughout the UK. Delivering everything from wholesale horse and pet products and pet, equestrian and country supplies from its 55,000 sq ft warehouse, the company needs a wide range of capabilities in its fleet vehicles.

Three years ago, it was decided that the company should try out Mercedes-Benz trucks in their fleet, after their director Craig Jones made a case for the manufacturer’s product and service. This testimonial, along with the fantastic service of Dealer Bell Truck and Van meant that the Managing Directors Nigel and Mark Jones were happy to give Mercedes-Benz trucks a try in their fleet.

Service like no other

The new vehicles in the fleet include a range of Actros and Atego models, the latest of which are a pair of 26 tonne Actros 2540s with curtainside bodies by Lawrence David of Peterborough. Like the previous vehicles delivered by Bell Truck and Van, these were equipped with Uptime maintenance technology and Safety Packs.

Business operations depend on the company’s trucks being out on the road for as long as possible. Having a fleet equipped with Uptime technology means that operators and managers can monitor the condition of vehicles and plan workshop time with Dealers Bell Truck and Van, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

This great service is what first convinced Armstrong Richardson that Mercedes-Benz trucks were right for them.

“Bell’s after sales team are terrific,” says Nigel, “On one occasion they shut the workshop so we could drive a wagon in with five horses on board – they literally had it jacked up, wheels off and back on the road within 40 minutes, and all without disturbing the animals. You remember service like that.”

Efficient and smart

As well as the service, Armstrong Richardson has also been impressed by the performance of the vehicles themselves. Equipping the vehicles with Mercedes-Benz Safety Packs means that the managers can trust that vehicles and drivers will be safe when they are out on the road.

“Health and safety is always top of our priority list,” says Nigel, “So any investment in new technology that reduces the chances of one of our vehicles being involved in an accident is always going to be money well spent.”

This reliability, along with the fuel efficient performance of the vehicles has meant that the Armstrong Richardson have been very happy with their choice of new purchases.

Nigel said of choosing Mercedes-Benz vehicles, “We certainly had no regrets – its trucks have lived up fully to our hopes and expectations, proving reliable, fuel-efficient and popular with our drivers.

“Image is important, too, and these smart, modern vehicles can only enhance our reputation for great service when they arrive at our customers’ locations.”