Darlingtons look to Volvo for cost-effective solution01 October 2010

Cheshire-based salt importer and distributor Darlingtons have taken delivery of six FH-500 6x2 tractor units, from Volvo Trucks, despite difficult trading conditions, following the collapse of its biggest client.

Darlingtons managing director, Keith Jones says that collapse also meant £500,000 worth of debt, so the Volvos were selected because of their low whole-life costs and the long-term savings they would bring.

"Losing a major customer to the recession has had a significant impact on our business as well as a knock-on effect to our suppliers. It has forced us to look at all aspects of the business' expenditure and has had unavoidable consequences," comments Jones.

One of the first areas to be scrutinised was the company's transport costs, he says. Operating 27 vehicles, Jones explains that a number of its older vehicles were costing a lot in R&M so "we needed to find an alternative solution".

Hence the lease arrangement of the FH-500 tractors from local Volvo Dealership Thomas Hardie Commercials. "Recognising our current situation, Thomas Hardie arranged an excellent deal, for which we are very grateful," states Jones.

All six of the Euro-5 FH-500 tractor units have been specified with Globetrotter XL Cabs, I-Shift automated gearbox and come with a two-year R&M contract with Thomas Hardie Commercials Deeside.

Author
Brian Tinham

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