When European express distribution specialist Link it Logistics EU gave its drivers the opportunity to choose the type of truck they wanted, they came back with a resounding "Mercedes-Benz".
The operator provides a 'white glove' delivery service covering all EU countries, as well as Norway and Switzerland, for a US-based computer networking giant.
With headquarters in Magherafelt, Londonderry, and a transit warehouse near Maastricht, in the Netherlands, Link it Logistics delivers its customer's products - primarily video conferencing systems - within five days of each consignment's arrival in Europe.
It operates a fleet of 22 trucks and vans, most of which wear three-pointed stars and were supplied by Newtownabbey dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI). The latest to enter service were a quartet of 7.5-tonne Atego 818s with high-roofed sleeper cabs and SDC box bodies - Link it Logistics also purchased four identical trucks last year, along with a pair of 4x2 Actros MegaSpaces, one an 1846 tractor unit, the other an 1841 drawbar rigid.
European Logistics Manager Colm Diamond said: "We operate to tight schedules and our vehicles are never in any one country for more than a couple of days. It's a demanding job for our drivers, all but one of whom are from Northern Ireland, so last year we conducted a survey and invited them to tell us which trucks they preferred. The result was an overwhelming vote in favour of Mercedes-Benz."
Fast-growing Link it Logistics was founded five years ago, specifically to work for the American IT manufacturer, and Mr Diamond works alongside his wife Alacoque, who is Managing Director, and European Logistics Manager Bridin McErlean.
He continued: "Like our customer, Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand. It builds top-quality vehicles which as well as being reliable, fuel-efficient and comfortable for our employees, lead the field when it comes to safety.
"Our vehicles cover high mileages, mostly on the Continent, so having a trusted manufacturer's back-up is vital. The service we get from Mercedes-Benz is second-to-none. We ensure that the vehicles are in Northern Ireland when they require routine maintenance, and Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) Service Manager Colin Taylor and his team provide a fantastic support."
Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) Truck Sales Executive Paul Smyth commented: "Most 7.5-tonners are used for local deliveries so it's not often that you'll see one with a high-roofed sleeper cab. Link it Logistics' new trucks look very smart and the operator is clearly doing a great job of representing Northern Ireland on the roads of Europe."