Steadplan, one of MAN Truck & Bus UK's main commercial vehicle dealers in the North West, has achieved a major milestone for the MAN marque by securing its first fleet deal with premier independent transport operator Downton.
30 TGX 26.440BLS 6x2 tractors are now being delivered to Downton, and will be operated on a new contract with InBev UK Ltd, run out of Magor, South Wales.
That Steadplan could win this business from one of the UK's largest privately owned road transport businesses is perhaps slightly unusual - especially given the 175 mile distance between supplier and customer. However, this really is the story of one good thing leading to another.
"We have been doing regular business with Steadplan on moving floor trailers for some time now" says Operations Director John Downton, "and what really impresses us is Steadplan's enthusiasm, responsiveness and sheer commitment to everything that they do. So why should we not consider Steadplan for our trucks as well? MAN is not only a premium brand, but also offers products that are very well suited to our operation.
"Not just that, but Steadplan is a family owned business just like we are, so there's an obvious synergy between us, with common values and aspirations.
"Best of all, Steadplan is also a company that communicates and responds - qualities that really come to the fore when times are tough!"
Fully liveried by Steadplan's in-house paint, vinyl and signwriting business Signtec, the 30 tractors are being supplied under a 3 year operating lease, and are expected to cover at least 220,000kms per year.
With no need for AdBlue to achieve their Euro 5 engine emission limits, MAN tractors find favour all across the UK for being as easy as possible to own and operate, whilst also providing a top-class environment for the driver, whether working or resting.
Speaking for Steadplan at the company's HQ in Clitheroe, dealer principal James Smith clearly delights in his company's latest big fleet deal.
"Downton is one of the UK's leading logistics specialists" says James, "a company that very definitely continues to set the standards for the future. It's for us at Steadplan - everyone, one and all - to ensure that we not only respond to everything our customers ask of us, but also to recognise our own responsibility for innovation and self-improvement.
The fact that we now supply Downton with both tractors and trailers helps our overall appreciation of their business quite considerably."
Despite the very difficult economic environment, 2011 sees Steadplan celebrating its achievement at winning MAN Truck and Bus' prestigious 'Service Provider of the Year' award - for the second year in a row! Aftermarket Director Graham Macmillan and Operations Director Jeremy McGrath received their honours at the annual MAN awards ceremony last May.