Unit Movements has commissioned a new hire fleet from Bevan Bodies to spearhead its expansion into the West Country.

The new fleet of FUSO Canter 7.5-tonners with Bevan box bodies is the subject of a flexible, competitively priced contract hire agreement with Signal Vehicle Solutions.

Six of the new trucks are now working from Unit Movements’ recently opened distribution centre in Avonmouth.

The remaining two are based at the company’s established headquarters in Cardiff.

It ordered the latest additions to its fleet after winning an extension to its established agreement, under which it has now been awarded responsibility for deliveries across a huge swathe of additional territory in the South-West.

Unit Movements’ managing director Ben Thomas said: “We set Signal and Bevan a tough, eight-week production timetable for our new trucks but I’m delighted to say they nailed it!

“Not only were the vehicles delivered on time, but they are also clearly built to an exceptionally high standard.”

Unit Movements already enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Euro Commercials, through its operation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans and Atego trucks.

Its new Canters are range-topping 7C18 models with fuel-efficient 180 hp engines and twin-clutch DUONIC automated transmissions.

“This was the first time we’ve used Bevan and while we weren’t looking for a ‘Disney castle’ as far as the specification is concerned, they’ve done everything we asked.

"Strength and durability are the key attributes of a body for us and, given the importance of these vehicles to our growth strategy, I don’t mind admitting to a certain amount of trepidation the first time I opened a pair of back doors.

Signal Vehicle Solutions Operations’ director James Mulligan said: “We have identified significant potential to grow this venture, and, as our two companies have worked so well together on this occasion, we look forward to doing so in partnership with the Bevan Group.

“We’re not targeting run-of-the-mill ‘spot hire’ business. Rather, we’re focusing on longer-term contracts at the premium end of the market.

"We want to work with operators which, like Unit Movements, appreciate the opportunity to run quality products, with high specifications and industry-leading back-up.

“By aligning ourselves with customers who can be relied upon to look after their equipment, we can maintain high residual values and thereby ensure that our rates remain extremely competitive.”

 

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