Cable reel and drum producer, Marlin Industries, in Wrexham has replaced its entire artic fleet with new top-of-the-range DAF XF Super Space Cab tractor units. Supplied by DAF Dealer, Imperial Commercials, also in Wrexham, ten XF 460 FTG 6x2s and one XF 460 FT 4×2 unit are already in service and, the company says, already delivering vastly improved returns over its pre-existing mixed fleet.

The move to a DAF Euro-6 fleet, explains Group Transport Manager, Mike Stokes, has resulted in an immediate and significant upturn in productivity for the company, “Although we have a GVW of 44 tonnes we only gross out at 34 tonnes,” he says, “and we’re already seeing ten-plus mpg from the new DAF XFs, and that’s extremely encouraging in just the first few weeks in operation, and much better than the old Euro-5s.”

The move to the UK’s market leading DAF brand, comes as a result of an exhaustive whole-life cost analysis against other major truck manufacturers, and with the substantial input of Marlin’s drivers.

“We employ highly experienced drivers,” says Stokes, “drivers who have come from other top transport operators, and drivers who have extensive knowledge of all the leading truck models. Almost without exception, they told us the DAF XF would be their truck of choice. If you factor in DAF’s whole life cost,” he says, “and the impressive levels of aftersales support from Imperial Commercials which we’ve already seen, then it’s a combination that’s hard to turn down.”

A five-year funding arrangement for the new DAF fleet has been supplied through PACCAR Financial, DAF Trucks’ in-house finance division. Marlin reports that it was unable to find a more competitive package with other well-known third party finance companies.

Marlin Industries places great emphasis on its environmental responsibilities, and boasts an ISO-accredited recycling facility at its Wrexham base. Additional locations are found in Newport and Hawick, Scotland. A recent FORS Bronze accredited operator, Marlin is enjoying increasing business resulting from ongoing infrastructure projects throughout the UK.