Welsh wholesaler Castell Howell Foods is running two flagship 510hp Actros 2551 tractor units with range-topping GigaSpace cabs, part of a clutch of orders for 23 new Mercedes-Benz and Fuso trucks.

In addition to the Actros, the Cross Hands-based company has commissioned 10 fridge-bodied Atego rigids – four 15-tonne 1524s and six low-frame 12-tonne 1224 LnRs – all of which arrived via the Swansea branch of Euro Commercials.

The dealer is also processing orders for a further six 15-tonners and four more 12-tonners, as well as a 7.5-tonne FUSO Canter 7C18 – the franchised Mercedes-Benz network sells and supports the popular Japanese light truck range in Britain.

Castell Howell Foods serves customers throughout Wales, the Welsh borders and the West Country, and is best-known for its Celtic Pride Premium Beef Partnership, a supply chain initiative launched in 2003 which now has more than 80 farmer members, all of whom follow strict husbandry and management rules.

The company’s latest acquisitions follow two years of sustained growth during which its sales volumes have increased by almost 15%. Some replace older vehicles which are being stood down but others represent additions to the fleet, which is expanding to meet customer demand.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles account for roughly half of Castell Howell Foods’ 108 trucks, the overwhelming majority of which are mid-sized rigids.

The operator also runs a dozen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, which make special and emergency deliveries and each cover upwards of 100,000 miles a year.