The timing of Isuzu Truck's managing director Nikki King's appearance on the Channel 4 'Undercover Boss' programme, a few months ago, couldn't have been more fortunate for the company.
In recent years, Walton Civil Engineering has hired its 7.5-tonne trucks but as the programme went on air, the Shepton Mallet Somerset-based utility reinstatement company was considering outright purchase.
Isuzu was subsequently chosen for the first time as the preferred 7.5-tonne chassis/cab supplier, and the first new Isuzu trucks are now in service as part of the 140-strong commercial vehicle fleet operation.
Following the TV programme and before making its decision, Walton Civil Engineering logistics director John Binding says the firm took a close look at all available vehicles at 7.5 tonnes.
Ultimately, it decided that the Isuzu N75.190 was the only vehicle that could meet its minimum payload criteria of 2 tonnes of material, as well as carrying the necessary plant, tools and site equipment.
"I saw Nikki on television and entirely related to her ethos of customer care," comments Binding. "Immediately, we added Isuzu to our potential supplier list. During the tender process, we also visited and spoke to other Isuzu operators who each confirmed the Isuzu reputation for impressive payload."
Walton Civil Engineering's Isuzu Forward N75.190 4x2 rigid was specified with Isuzu's popular Easyshift transmission and a bespoke body manufactured by Thompsons of Blackburn.