David Hill, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, secured the 60-strong conquest deal after supplying a seed truck which was compared against equivalent models from two rival marques – achieving an impressive 11.4 mpg average with the firm’s drivers.
Andy Williams, Head of Fleet & Compliance at Owens Group, says: “We never buy a truck until the product has proven itself within our operation and with our drivers. Thomas Hardie Commercials had full faith in the FH to deliver, and it didn’t disappoint – coming out top on fuel and getting a great reception from our drivers in the process.
“From day one, the whole team at Thomas Hardie demonstrated a strong desire to win our business and build a long-term relationship, investing a lot of time to tailor a truly premium-spec new fleet. It’s exciting to see the first new trucks entering service, and we are confident they will help us to attract and retain the very best drivers.”
The new fleet comes with three comprehensive option packs adding an array of highly desirable features including full electronic air conditioning, cab parking heater, dimmable interior lighting, and a 33-litre under-bunk fridge-freezer. The drivers will also benefit from twin armrests, additional dashboard storage, a generous 245 litres of rear cab upper storage, bottle holders in the driving and living space, a fixed lower bunk with a wide middle section, ultra-comfy 40mm thick mattress topper and a luxury sleeper control panel.
For maximum efficiency, Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control enables the truck to use map-based topographical information to manage speed and gear changes in the most fuel-efficient way, helping to drive down fuel consumption.
Fleet uptime is also maximised thanks to a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract for each truck, which includes all preventative maintenance and repairs – with routine service work to be carried out at Thomas Hardie Commercial’s modern Trafford Park facility.
The new trucks are being vinyl wrapped in their striking livery by Owens Group’s in-house team and will join Wales’ largest independent logistics and warehousing company, with a fleet of approximately 500 vehicles and 850 trailers. They will be used for general haulage across the UK, providing a reliable first-class service to a long list of blue-chip customers.
About Owens Group
The Group employs circa 1,000 people across the UK and offers its customers a dedicated and professional 24/7 service, 365 days a year, with depots based in Llanelli, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Newport, Droitwich, Wrexham and Carrington. The company has 2.5 million square foot of warehousing space supporting its Logistics, Pallet Distribution, Bulk Haulage, and Express & Home Delivery fleets.
This year saw the opening of its new headquarters based at Bynea – a flagship depot in preparation for celebrations across 2022 marking 50 years in business. Company Founder and Group Chairman Huw Owen was awarded an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, in the 2020 Queen’s birthday honours for services to Employment and the community in Llanelli and South Wales. Now with four generations of the family working from within and a strong and capable senior management team all eyes are firmly on the future.
