Two of 100+ Logistics new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters

Derby-based mobile phone industry supplier 100+ Logistics has celebrated its tenth anniversary in style, by investing in a new fleet of fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The firm had previously operated hired and leased Sprinters but decided to make the switch to outright ownership earlier this year.

For his first purchase, 100+ proprietor Barrie Tullett opted for six Sprinter 313 CDIs. Three are Long-bodied vans, the others were supplied as chassis cabs to which Alloy Bodies, of Manchester, fitted Luton boxes.

For added peace of mind, Mr Tullett also took out Mercedes-Benz Service Care contracts under which Mertrux will carry out all routine maintenance for a highly competitive, fixed fee.

Founded by Mr Tullett in April 2004, 100+ Logistics has grown steadily and now operates 20 vans, has a staff of 27 and an annual turnover in excess of £1 million. The company works exclusively for mobile telecoms engineering contractors, its vehicles making nationwide deliveries of equipment ranging from amplifiers and antennae, to cabling and cabinets, to sites where transmission stations are being installed or upgraded.

Mr Tullett says:

“Of course, other vans have their strengths but none can match a Sprinter as an overall package. Our vans cover anything from 60,000 to 80,000 miles per year, and we have to be on site early in the morning so the engineers can start work, even if it’s as far away as Inverness or St Austell.

“This means reliability is paramount and in this respect experience has proved the Mercedes-Benz to be the best vehicle on the market – we’ve been running rented Sprinters since day one. What’s more, it offers excellent performance, is comfortable, driver-friendly and loaded with standard safety systems, and conveys a smart, professional image.”

Since taking delivery of his new vans Mr Tullett has returned to Mertrux with an order for seven more: five will be Sprinters – three Lutons, a panel van and a dropsider – while the other two will be from the Citan range launched last year. The Citan is the smallest van yet to wear the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz and 100+ Logistics will take advantage of its outstanding fuel economy – official tests have returned up to 65.7 mpg – on deliveries of smaller consignments.