Two of the latest recovery trucks built by Roger Dyson have just crossed the Finnish line - they've been shipped all the way to new owner Hinaus Sjoberg, the largest privately owned contractor in Finland!
Hinaus Sjoberg is based in Espoo, in the south of a country which is renowned for its long, harsh winters. The operator sent two left-hand drive 10-tonne Volvo FL6 chassis to Roger Dyson's workshop in Droitwich, Worcestershire - a round trip of some 3,000 miles - to be bodied.
"There are recovery equipment suppliers closer to home, but we've been dealing with Dyson ever since my father bought his first trucks from Roger 10 years ago," says Sten Sjoberg, Director of the family-owned business.
"If I want to know how well built those vehicles were, I just need to look out of the window that overlooks our yard. They're still there and in excellent shape despite having been worked very hard throughout their lives.
"That's why we keep coming back for more," continues Sten. "Even taking into account the cost of shipping, the price of Dyson vehicle conversions is competitive and the quality of the equipment is superb.
"When you get to know someone like Roger over the years, you also build up a level of trust which is very important. That's why I know I can rely on him and his team to build me a good truck."
Both chassis have been fitted with slidebed bodies - one is a Hydraloader HR4500, with 4,500kg capacity and extra hydraulic loading ramps, the other a 4,000kg Dyson SL60H with hinged platform.
Both are also equipped with second vehicle lifts which have additional winches. Though rarely seen on recovery trucks working in the UK these extra winches are commonly specified by Finnish operators, who use them to haul cars that have skidded off the road during adverse weather back onto the tarmac. Both trucks are also equipped with rear-mounted hydraulic 'spades' which are designed to keep the chassis stable when winching vehicles onto the road.
Hinaus Sjoberg recently celebrated its 25th year in business. It runs a fleet of 30 recovery trucks, off-road vehicles and car transporters, with which it covers most of the country.