Independent stainless steel stockholder and finisher Energy Stockholding has commissioned its first vehicle – and the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is certainly helping the Black Country business to polish its image.
Smartly finished in bespoke metallic grey paintwork with optional colour-coded bumpers and door mirror covers, and an external sun visor, the 314 CDI chassis cab is now working from the company’s base in Wednesbury, West Midlands. It arrived via the Wolverhampton branch of Dealer Midlands Truck & Van, and is fitted with a maximum length, 5.0-metre dropside body by M6 Motor Bodies, of Birmingham.
Energy Stockholding is using the Sprinter to deliver stainless steel products in a wide spectrum of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Its customers are based throughout the country and represent, among others, the medical, transport, automotive, food and drink, agricultural and architectural sectors.
Founded less than two years ago, Energy Stockholding is a sister company to family business Farrellys, the largest independent non-ferrous metal and tube polisher in Europe. Customers send in their materials to Farrellys for polishing; Energy Stockholding complements this service by offering a range of products which are already finished and cut.
During its start-up phase the new venture relied on Mercedes-Benz vehicles operated by the established business to fulfil its transport commitments. However, as General Manager Steve Finnegan Junior explained: “Energy Stockholding has made a flying start, thanks in no small measure to our Sales Manager Justin Busby, who has been with us since day one. It is now more than capable of standing on its own feet, so we felt the time was right to invest in this first, dedicated dropsider.”
In addition to an 18-tonne Mercedes-Benz Antos truck, which is finished in the same shade of metallic grey, Farrellys has been running a Sprinter dropsider for the last five years. “Despite clocking-up a substantial mileage that vehicle has never missed a beat, while it’s also proved impressively cost-effective to run,” said Steve Finnegan Jnr.
“We did consider one or two alternatives, but quickly discounted them. Instead, our previous experience of the Sprinter’s reliability, economy, and market-leading safety credentials, and the excellent service we receive from Sales Executive Joe Lynock and his Midlands Truck & Van colleagues, combined to ensure that the new vehicle was always going to be a Mercedes-Benz.”
He continued: “The Sprinter looks fantastic and has attracted a lot of positive feedback from customers and others who have seen it on the road – it doubles as a great mobile advertisement for what is still a very new business and sets the perfect tone, in terms of its quality image.
“Our driver Richard Fowler is also delighted, of course, with the Sprinter’s comfortable, well-appointed cab and handling. He tells me the experience is more akin to driving a high-end car than a van.”
As with the vehicles operated by Farrellys, Energy Stockholding will be relying on Midlands Truck & Van’s 24-hour, seven days a week, workshop team to maintain and, if necessary, repair its new Mercedes-Benz. “The fact that the Dealer’s Service department stays open around the clock is a major bonus,” added Mr Finnegan. “It means the vehicle will always be available for work when we need it.”
Like all Mercedes-Benz vans, Energy Stockholding’s Sprinter came with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and MobiloVan cover, which includes free emergency roadside assistance for up to 30 years, provided the vehicle is maintained within the manufacturer’s official Dealer Network.
