In a high profile conquest deal, in which driver and other road user safety was a high priority, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain has acquired 18 new Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units.
Based in Leicester, it is the temperature controlled distribution arm of the manufacturer of a wide portfolio of food products, including the renowned Ginsters range of Cornish pasties and Dickinson & Morris pork pies.
The tractors are all Actros 2545 Streamspace models, specified with PPC Predictive Powertrain Control and the Safety Pack, which includes Active Brake Assist 4, with pedestrian recognition, Proximity Control assist and driver’s airbags.
The acquisition, under a 250,000km/year guaranteed buyback deal from Mertrux Truck and Van, follows back-to-back trials of the 450hp 2545 against a 480hp version.
While both impressed the operator with fuel returns in excess of 10mpg pulling single deck trailers, the 450 proved marginally better. The new vehicles will become part of Samworth Brothers fleet of 120 trucks and 230 assorted semi-trailers.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will provide driver training at Wentworth Park and the operator’s Leicester base, where Mertrux will also be providing an imprest parts stock and technical support.
