FMCG, chilled and ambient supply-chain specialist, Fowler Welch, has taken delivery of 35 new Mercedes Benz Axor C2543 LS 6x2 tractor units into its fleet.
The trucks, specified with high-roof sleeper cabs, enter service as replacements in a Fowler Welch vehicle fleet now totalling 366. The trucks are already in service out of the company's Newton Abbot and Washington locations.
In line with Fowler Welch's fleet replacement programme, the new Axor units ensures the Fowler Welch fleet remains under three years old. As with all the company's fleet acquisitions, the Axor was selected following a rigorous selection process with criteria matched against the company's needs.
To ensure conformity across the fleet, Dynafleet driver and vehicle monitoring systems are installed in the new trucks. Dynafleet allows Fowler Welch to accurately measure performance parameters across the entire fleet, providing the ability to drive operational efficiency throughout the vehicle life.
"The Axor was chosen for a specific task in mind," said Fowler Welch Head of Fleet, Paul Allera, "we required a unit that would work for urban deliveries but would also cope with primary trunking movements.
"We have experience with the Actros through our ongoing partnership with Hill Hire, so, it will be a testing time for the product. Hill Hire will support the vehicles throughout the contract," he said, "but, we also enjoy a close relationship with the manufacturer and look forward to excellent service from the Mercedes Benz network."
The Mercedes Benz Axor C2543 LS is powered by a 430PS Mercedes Benz six-cylinder, 12 litre Bluetec Euro5 engine, coupled to a Powershift 12 speed gearbox with a 3.077:1 ratio rear axle.
Fowler Welch has both chilled and ambient fleets, operating out of 12 UK locations as well as locations in the Netherlands.