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When Anglian Home Improvements decided to invest in a new fleet of vans for its installation engineers, only one vehicle was in the frame – the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The Norwich-based company has ordered 135 Sprinters together worth £2.8 million from city dealer Orwell Truck and Van, which has supplied 60 vans since March.
Anglian is the largest replacement window company in the UK and since commencing manufacturing in 1966 has added many other home improvement products to its portfolio. It is now a leading brand in the sector with a turnover in excess of £300 million.
The latest Mercedes are the first vehicles to wear its striking new corporate livery – applied by Norwich specialist G-Sign – which is perfectly complimented by the Sprinter’s smooth, modern styling.
Fleet Manager Mick Shepherd says: “The new livery is very smart and several of the drivers have commented on how good it looks; it makes them feel proud to arrive at a customer’s home in a vehicle like this.”
Most of the new Mercedes replace ageing LDV vans that are being stood down. Mr Shepherd continues: “These are our first Sprinters from the new-generation range launched last summer. But within our fleet of 1,000 vans we also have around 500 previous-model Sprinters and they have served us very well, proving reliable, well built and popular with staff.
“Having researched the market we decided the new Sprinter was definitely the vehicle to buy, not least because its appearance and the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star underpin our own image of quality.”
Anglian’s latest Mercedes are 311CDI models with low-emission Euro 4 common-rail turbodiesel engines. They are equipped with roof racks and external frails on both sides for carrying glass, while inside the standard wooden floor is dispensed with and replaced by a special false floor purpose-designed to carry sheets of glass and frames.
Most of the new vans are of Medium length, although the order also includes 33 Long units – these are for carrying plastic roofing profiles that can be up to five metres long.
In addition to its new Sprinters, Anglian Home Improvements has also ordered three new Mercedes Actros drawbar rigids from Orwell Truck and Van, for operation with its bespoke demountable body system.
“We have been buying Mercedes trucks from Orwell for about eight years, and they now account for well over half of the 38 units on the fleet,” says Mr Shepherd.
Alex McNutt, Chief Executive of Anglian Home Improvements, adds: “Our business is growing strongly which means we need more transport, and these new Mercedes are certainly an impressive advertisement for a modern, go-ahead and successful company.” |
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