Neath-based Rugbi Industrial Supplies has set the seal on its switch to Mercedes-Benz vans by purchasing its first low-emission Euro 5 model.
Three years ago the independent supplier of corporate clothing, personal protection equipment and consumables was running a trio of vans by other manufacturers.
The arrival of its latest vehicle completes the firm's transition to an all Mercedes-Benz operation - its three Long-bodied and high-roofed Mercedes-Benz Sprinters were supplied by South Wales dealer Euro Commercials.
The previous two are 311CDIs but this model has since been superseded by the Euro 5 Sprinter 313CDI. As well as delivering a 13 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, the 313CDI is 15 per cent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the improvement equating to an extra 4.5 miles per gallon.
Rugbi Industrial Supplies has acquired its Sprinters with support from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. All are the subject of three-year Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance contracts, with servicing undertaken by the workshop team at Euro Commercials' site on Swansea's Winch Wen Industrial Estate.
Rugbi Director Steve Buckley said: "We bought our first Mercedes-Benz van in 2009 and have not looked back since. Our previous suppliers struggled with spare parts and couldn't fit us in for servicing when we needed them to do so.
"Euro Commercials, by contrast, keeps a comprehensive parts stock and is much more flexible. In fact, its support is far superior - nothing is too much trouble and when we've had the odd hiccup the dealer has sorted it straight away."
Each van is scheduled to cover 120,000 miles over three years. Mr Buckley continued: "The fixed price Repair and Maintenance contracts allow us to budget with confidence, knowing there are no nasty surprises around the corner.
"Our drivers think their Sprinters are fantastic. They're certainly a lot more economical to run than our previous vehicles, particularly the new Euro 5 model which is very fuel-efficient.
"The residual values are impressively strong too - we'll be replacing our first Sprinter next month and are delighted with the part-exchange deal we've been offered."
Founded in 1990, Rugbi Industrial Supplies offers a wide range of branded workwear and other products and prides itself on providing its customers with a top-quality service.
"We're doing a lot of business currently with companies working on the Olympics infrastructure in London, but we also have a thriving export operation," added Mr Buckley.