Redditch-based tarmac contractor MacDonald Surfacing has embarked on an ambitious fleet renewal programme with support from vehicle supplier Vanaways.
MacDonald has now taken delivery of ten Ford Transit tippers and a trio of Nissan Navara pickups from independent broker Vanaways. Over the next five years, though, the operator aims to replace most of its 140 commercial vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
MacDonald Surfacing Director Jason Hill explained: ‘We successfully completed a management buyout three years ago. Since then, we’ve been taking steps to modernise and adapt various aspects of the operation to help us deliver the excellent service that the MacDonald Surfacing name is known for now and in the future.
‘The arrival of these new vehicles is the first stage of a plan to replace all of the vans and trucks we use with more modern vehicles better suited to their purpose.’
The ten new Transits are all double-cabbed T350 models with long L3 chassis and tippers by CPD Bodies, which feature drop sides and fall protection systems. Powered by 130PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines and rated at 3.5 tonnes gvw, they are replacements for hired vans.
Transport Manager Kevin McFeeley added: ‘Vehicles of this size and type are the workhorses of our fleet. They are used daily across the West Midlands and beyond, on highway and footway surfacing contracts for a range of customers from private businesses or individuals to local authorities and other public bodies.
‘We specified double cabs so the Transits can carry teams of four, with all their personal protective equipment and wet-weather gear, without feeling cramped. Our staff has received the vans well, and they look smart in our colours. Owning our own vehicles allows us to get the exact specification we want, to suit the particular requirements of our job, and to ensure the fleet projects the professional image that reflects our exacting attitude to the quality of service we provide.’
Turning to Vanaways, an independent specialist with no ties to any manufacturer, allowed MacDonald to source the vehicles it wanted quickly, efficiently and with the absolute minimum of hassle.
‘I want to be able to pick up the phone, tell my supplier what I want, and then hang up knowing that vehicles will be delivered on schedule, on spec and without taking up any more of my time,’ said Jason Hill. ‘That’s exactly what Vanaways have given us.
‘We are a one-stop shop for many of our customers – they know they can rely on us to provide everything they need, and the Vanaways team applies the same approach. They came up with a package that matched our needs exactly and also handled all liaisons with the bodybuilder to make sure the finished vehicles were delivered within a very tight timeframe.’
