Renault Trucks head-turner for M B Wilkes

Dorset aggregates supplier takes delivery of first Renault truck – a C430 8x4 off-road tipper

IN response to buoyant demand for their services, Dorset-based aggregates and building materials suppliers M B Wilkes Ltd have taken delivery of their first Renault truck, a C430 8x4 off-road tipper.

Supplied by Sparks Commercial Services of Poole, the new Renault Trucks C with day cab has been selected as the company’s flagship vehicle, joining its busy 16-strong tipper fleet working on muck-away and aggregates deliveries across Dorset and local areas.

Dave Fletcher, M B Wilkes’ commercial manager, explained why they opted for Renault Trucks: ‘Over the past 12 years, we’ve been expanding the business, building up the fleet, and increasing from eight staff to 43. We’ve been using a competitor’s vehicle for many years but we liked the look of the C430 and its impressive cab. We’d also heard good things about its performance, so were convinced to give one a try.’

With striking black and gold livery and large sign-written ‘M B Wilkes’ branding emblazoned across the front, the new C430 takes centre stage, as Mr Fletcher explained: ‘We wanted a vehicle that really stands out and that drives awareness of M B Wilkes Ltd as a family business.

‘Our vehicles’ usual colours are yellow and blue but our director, David Wilkes, has always wanted a black and gold one, so in discussion with our other joint director, Paul Wilkes, and owner Mr Wilkes, we agreed to do it with the new Renault truck. It’s certainly turning heads and with the prominent branding it’s fantastic advertising for the business.’

Fitted with Renault Trucks’ Optidriver ATO 2612F automated gearbox, which comes with off-road mode as standard, the C430 allows the driver to perfectly regulate the speed whatever the terrain. The latest addition is packed with optional extras for driver comfort, including a leather steering wheel with cruise and telephone control, heated ‘comfort’ driver’s seat, and electric interior windscreen sunblind.

Equipped with a Thompsons tipper body, the eight-wheeler also features a three-part steel bumper with headlight grilles, step lighting, running lights, and halogen headlights.

‘The vehicle has been on the road for around three weeks and it’s been brilliant. It’s not always straightforward introducing a new manufacturer into a fleet, but the driver likes it. If it continues to be successful, we will definitely be looking to add further Renault trucks to the fleet,’ concluded Mr Fletcher.