A Bristol-based lifting solutions specialist is reaching new heights after investing in a new fleet of nine Mercedes-Benz Vitos.
They were supplied by local dealer City West Commercials, which took back six of RHC Lifting's previous, non-Mercedes-Benz vans in part-exchange.
Founded in 2001, RHC Lifting supplies, installs and maintains a wide range of materials handling equipment including cranes and gantries, hoists, loose tackle and vacuum lifting systems. The firm offers a nationwide service although the bulk of its work is undertaken in the south-west for the likes of GKN Aerospace and Airbus UK.
Most of its new vans are Mercedes-Benz Vito 111CDI Long models. However, the line-up also includes a pair of 111CDI Compacts and a single Vito 120CDI Sport. All are the subject of a hire purchase agreement with in-house finance specialist Mercedes-Benz CharterWay.
Mercedes-Benz is not the only German-owned company with which RHC Lifting enjoys a commercial relationship - it is also an agent for Mannheim-based crane component manufacturer SWF Krantechnik.
The 2.7-tonne Vito 111CDIs are now being used by RHC Lifting's service engineers, who have been quick to give their smart, metallic silver vans a resounding a 'thumbs up'. The dynamic and comprehensively-equipped Vito 120CDI Sport, meanwhile, is being used as his 'company car' by RHC's Height Safety Manager.
Director Tony Morgan said: "We were looking for a high-quality vehicle of this size that would give us the all-important reliability we need - we have to attend emergency breakdowns at customer premises so it's essential that our vehicles don't let us down.
"These are still very early days of course, but Mercedes-Benz has an excellent reputation for reliability and I've every confidence that our Vitos are up to the job."
His fellow Director Phil Goodway added: "We're a quality company providing a quality service, and having three-pointed stars on the fronts of our new vans can only help to underpin our own brand values.
"Its combination of low-cost maintenance and strong residual values meant the Mercedes-Benz Vito added up to the best overall package in 'whole life' terms.
"The service from City West Commercials' Fleet Sales Manager Simon Lewis has been excellent too. He brought along a demonstration unit for us to try prior to placing our order, and as they've arrived he's handed over each of our new vans in person to our service engineers.
"Indeed, Simon could not have been more helpful and obliging, so we would have no hesitation in recommending City West Commercials to others."