Mercedes-Benz dealer Mudie-Bond has laid the foundations for a successful partnership with construction group Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd, by supplying a fleet of new trucks and sponsoring the company's motorcycle racing team.
Tewkesbury-based Mudie-Bond has delivered 10 8x4 Mercedes-Benz Axors and a single 6x4 Actros heavy haulage tractor unit. The 32-tonne Axors are all 3240K models and fitted with Thompsons steel tipping bodies, while the Actros 3350 is powered by a 500hp V8 engine, plated for operation at 120 tonnes gcw and used to transport plant.
The dealer is investing in a promotional deal with Smiths Triumph Racing Team, which fields a team of four Triumph Daytona 675R race-prepared motorcycles in the British Superbikes supporting Championship, three bikes in the British SuperSport series and a further machine in the British SuperStock campaign - all will include the Mudie-Bond name on their smart blue and white racing livery.
Mudie-Bond is also in the process of supplying a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter support van and a second Actros tractor unit, which will haul the Smiths Triumph Racing Team race and hospitality trailer to meetings around the UK, and to Assen in Holland.
The operator bought its first Mercedes-Benz truck, an 18-tonne Axor 1824 skip-loader, three years ago. Managing Director Alan Smith confirmed: "That vehicle has performed well and the dealer's back-up has been first-class.
"Mercedes-Benz tippers also have a great reputation within the construction sector for strength, build quality and reliability, so we were very happy to place this latest order with Mudie-Bond."
The new trucks are the subject of a two-year Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance contract under which the dealer is carrying out inspections and servicing overnight, thereby reducing downtime to an absolute minimum. "That's an important contribution to our ability to operate effectively and efficiently in the current difficult economic climate," continued Mr Smith."
"It's great news, too, that Mudie-Bond is using our Smiths Triumph Racing team to promote its own business in the British SuperSport and SuperStock Championships. We're looking forward to a very exciting 2012 season."
The Smiths team includes the reigning British Superbike Evolution Champion Australian Glen Richards and his countryman Billy McConnell, as well as Englishmen Luke Mossey and Johnny Blackshaw.
"With all four riders competing hard we expect to be pushing at the highest levels of success in 2012," said Mr Smith.
Mudie-Bond Managing Director Richard Bond added: "Like many in the truck trade I'm a 'petrolhead' at heart, and as a business we're delighted to be able to support the Smiths Triumph Racing Team with a commercial partnership for the coming season.
"Everyone at Mudie-Bond recognises the value of the Smiths team as a powerful marketing platform and we will all be cheering the four riders on to victory at every race!"
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd was established by Alan Smith in 1982 and has grown to become one of the largest companies of its type in the county. Its construction division undertakes site clearance and earthworks, drainage, foundations and road infrastructure projects. It also has a thriving skip hire operation, while other divisions specialise in asbestos removal, pump hire, transport and waste processing and recycling. "We offer a true 'one-stop shop' at Smiths," said Mr Smith.