Downton invests ?9m in fleet of DAF Trucks
3rd March 2015
The new DAF Euro-6 6×2 tractor units comprise XF 460 FTG Super Space Cabs. The first batch of vehicles has been delivered to Downtons Gloucestershire headquarters, and is immediately going into service in Downtons nationwide fleet.
This follows another major fleet investment by Downton in November 2014, when the national logistics firm purchased 50 tractor units (MAN and DAF) and 60 curtain-sided trailers (Tiger) in a series of deals worth over ?4.5 million.
The DAF marque now represents 95 per cent of Downtons total fleet.
Richard Downton, finance director at C M Downton, said: Demand continues to rise as the economic recovery picks up pace, and the major multinational businesses that we work for need to know that their logistics provider can help them meet these changing market conditions.
Because Downton ran lean and remained profitable during the recession, we are now well positioned to invest in our infrastructure ensuring that we have the capacity and flexibility to meet our clients requirements, no matter what.
Ray Ashworth, managing director, DAF Trucks Ltd said: If theres ever been a vote of confidence in the DAF brand, this is most certainly it. Downton is a thoroughly modern, image-conscious haulier that takes its responsibilities to road transport very seriously indeed.
This top-of-the-range DAF fleet is not only eye-catching, it will prove extremely productive and reliable too, while at the same time sending a signal to Downtons own customers that the company invests in only the very best equipment. The high-level specification, epitomised by DAFs Super Space Cab, provides Downton with a striking on-road presence and affords its drivers with what is widely regarded as the most comfortable, well-appointed truck on the market.
At the end of last year Downton also invested ?1.5 million in an extension to its state-of-the-art Quedgeley warehouse, as the company saw a number of new contracts and extensions come to fruition.
In November 2014 Downton secured a contract with the plastics division of packaging giant DS Smith further strengthening Downtons position as the market leading logistics provider to the print, publishing and packaging sector.