Laddaw operates from a purpose-designed head office and distribution centre in Coalville, Leicestershire, as well as 20 branches nationwide. Its main facility houses the UK’s widest range of automotive glass and related accessories; every day, some 15,000 products are handled across its network.
The Coalville, Leicestershire-based firm supplies the general trade as well as serving Autoglass – both are part of the Belron Group, the world leader in the sector. The company also has a dedicated specialist glazing division, Autoglass Specials.
Like all of those commissioned last year, the latest 3.5-tonne Sprinters at Laddaw have replaced older examples which it has stood down. The company runs a fleet of approximately 80 Sprinters, which are the subject of three-year lease agreements with a third-party provider. By the end of this period each will typically have covered 125,000 miles.
Melvin Rolling, head of facilities for Autoglass and Laddaw, says: “Our experience over several years has confirmed the Sprinter to be outstandingly reliable, durable and cost-effective to operate, as well as liked by our drivers.”
The long-bodied vans are fitted with customised racking systems carrying front and rear windscreens and body glass for a huge range of vehicles, as well as adhesives and other ancillaries.
Rolling continues: “We used to run the Medium-length Sprinter and retain a handful of these, but business growth prompted a switch to the long variant. It is the ideal size for our distribution operation, which includes making night-time deliveries to ‘stock locations’.
“We supply many of our products to fulfil specific orders, so it’s imperative that our distribution operation is fast and efficient – our customers’ customers are relying on us.”
Rolling praised Intercounty Truck & Van’s regional fleet van sales manager Mark Stockham, and Carol Kirk, strategic account manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans. He states: “They work seamlessly in the background to ensure the process runs smoothly, so that our new vehicles are always delivered on time and in perfect condition.”