Well-known international temperature controlled distribution specialists; McCulla (Ireland) Ltd., has marked its 50th anniversary with the arrival of a special Volvo FH tractor unit, supplied by local Volvo distributor, Dennison Commercials of Ballyclare in Northern Ireland.
The gold coloured Volvo FH-500 Globetrotter XL was kept under wraps until its official début at the company’s 50th anniversary gala dinner, held at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast on Saturday 4th May 2019. The milestone vehicle is joined by a further 14 new Volvo FH tractors units that form thecompany’s vehicle replacement programme for this year.
Supplied by Chris Arthur, New Truck Sales Manager at Dennison Commercials Ltd, the 15 FHs are all equipped with Volvo’s factory-fitted Lite Pusher Axle, which permits fitment of twin fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 1,045 litres. Euro-6 D13K engines rated at 500hp powers the group of 15 trucks and the 4,000mm wheelbase 6×2 chassis are also specified with I-Park Cool, a purpose- designed factory installed climate system that is fully integrated. I-Park Cool delivers a power efficient and silent sleeping conditions either day or night. The Gold Volvo FH comes with a range- topping Globetrotter XL Cab, whilst the remainder are fitted with the fleet standard, Globetrotter Cab.
Volvo trucks predominate in the mixed marque McCulla (Ireland) Ltd transport fleet, which works across Ireland, UK and Europe.
The company’s fleet replacement policy has seen Volvo FH-500s selected thanks to the model’sfuel economy and driver acceptance levels.
“We usually buy ten new trucks every year and since 2016 almost every truck purchase has been a Volvo. Our vehicles are always bought outright with five-year Volvo Service Contracts and anend of service residual value is also agreed,” notes Brian Beattie, Operations Director at McCulla (Ireland) Ltd.
Brian adds, “To deliver the essential Volvo Service Contracts, Dennison Commercials always collect and return the vehicles, when they say they will. Our servicing times are tailored to customer operational requirements and can be either during weekends, evenings or daytime. We receive excellent levels of service and support from the entire team at Dennison Commercials Ltd.”
McCulla (Ireland) Ltd operates a fleet of 155 temperature-controlled trailers, which are split into six different types. This operation will also take delivery of 30 new Fridge trailers during its 50th anniversary year.
Brian explains, “Our association with Volvo Trucks stretches right back to an early F88 tractor unitthat company founder David McCulla bought during the 1970s. Back then, there were no Volvo dealerships in Ireland, so David bought the F88 in Grimsby and had it serviced in Carlisle, when passing by. We have restored four classic Volvo trucks, one from each decade, that forms ourheritage fleet and we’re currently looking to the future, investigating the procurement of 35 gaspowered tractor units.”
