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Bromley-based structural refurbishment specialist Folcrete has laid solid foundations for future success by investing in its fourth Mercedes-Benz van.
Like its previous vans, the company’s first new-generation Sprinter 311CDI Medium was supplied by Sittingbourne dealer Sparshatts of Kent.
Folcrete Contracts Manager Tony Folan chooses vans bearing the famous three-pointed star because of their highly competitive ‘whole life’ operating costs and nationwide back-up.
He explains: “We could buy a cheaper van from another manufacturer but the economic case for doing so would be flawed, because the initial saving would soon be swallowed up by additional servicing costs and a much higher rate of depreciation.”
He continues: “Reliability and safety is the most important attribute we look for in a vehicle, because if one of our vans is stuck on the hard shoulder then we are losing money, not to mention having a disgruntled client.
“We have never had a problem with our Mercedes vans and believe me, they do have to earn their keep, day in, day out.”
Folcrete is a family business that carries out external reinforced structural repairs for the likes of Boots the Chemist and the UK milling industry. The firm was founded in 1994 and in addition to its Bromley head office has a satellite operation in Beeston, Nottingham.
Its four Mercedes vans – three Sprinters and a smaller Vito mode – are despatched to commercial sites all over the country. They carry a variety of specialist materials and plant, including concrete cutting equipment, floor grinders and high-pressure water jets.
The Sprinters are fitted with special ramps by WM Systems, of north Wales, which allow heavy-duty machinery to be wheeled into the vehicles.
Mr Folan says: “Our drivers are very happy travelling around the country in their Sprinters. The cab in the latest Sprinter is particularly comfortable and well-appointed, while the new side loading door is wide enough to accommodate a pallet, which is a big help to us.
“As employers conscious of our Duty of Care responsibilities to staff, we are also impressed with its exceptionally high standard safety specification.
“And we have signed-up to a three-year ServicePackage, which is ver competitively priced and covers all labour, materials and lubricants required in routine servicing, with the exception of friction items.”
The new-generation Mercedes Sprinter was launched last summer. Combining dynamic good looks, ‘bullet-proof’ build quality, comprehensive specification and ingenious technology, the range cost £1.25 billion (1.8 billion euro) and took a team of 400 design engineers five years to develop. The result is a triumph, a vehicle that sets new standards in terms of productivity, refinement and safety.
Highlights of the range include best-in-class side-loading door widths, outstanding ergonomics and comfort, a powerful and clean CDI diesel engine line-up topped by a storming 184hp 3.0-litre V6, and an advanced new version of the remarkable ESP® anti-skid system called Adaptive ESP®. |
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