The proven ability of Mercedes-Benz to provide one-stop solutions was the determining factor which sealed a R20mn deal to supply 15 Actros 2644 truck tractors to Manline Energy, a subsidiary of the Manline Group based in Pietermaritzburg.
p>The proven ability of Mercedes-Benz to provide one-stop solutions was the determining factor which sealed a R20mn deal to supply 15 Actros 2644 truck tractors to Manline Energy, a subsidiary of the Manline Group based in Pietermaritzburg.
The trucks were handed over to Manline Energy at their headquarters in Mkondeni. The new Actros vehicles will all be used to transport dangerous goods - flammable liquids, liquid petroleum gas and bulk chemicals, among others - for Manline Energy, a growing company within the highly respected logistics group.
Justin Blythe, Managing Director of Manline Energy, said the new trucks would be on the roads immediately. "They arrived fully specced and ready to operate so they'll soon be hauling tankers and drop-side trailers carrying dangerous goods throughout South Africa as well as cross border into Zambia."
The Actros trucks add to the group's impressive green and yellow livery fleet which now numbers in excess of 320 units.
Blythe has taken Manline Energy to new heights since he joined the Manline Group in November 2008.
"I had developed a good relationship with Mercedes-Benz over the last 20 years and know the product well. We actively analyse the performance of our vehicles and after extensive testing during 2009 the Actros met all the requirements in terms of total cost of ownership and we are excited to put Mercedes-Benz’s excellent after sales service reputation to the test,” said Blythe.
When Blythe joined the Manline Group they had a fleet of fuel tankers operating with varying degrees of success. With his sound knowledge and vast experience in the industry he was able to get them operating efficiently and profitably within a few weeks - and there's be no looking back since then. It's just been growth and more growth!
Manline Energy has also recently acquired 15 flat deck dangerous goods trailers which now service a niche market.
Blythe forecasts further growth for Manline Energy with plans to buy another 15 truck tractors in the new financial year.
He is proud that his drivers are all professionally trained at the company's onsite Training Centre where they go through a rigorous induction and training program before being allowed on the road.
Sales manager at Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercial Division in Pietermaritzburg, Enrico Botha, sealed the R20mn deal. "The fact that these are the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Manline Energy fleet is a big breakthrough for us. We are confident that the Actros vehicles will perform extremely well, and that we'll be doing more big deals with the Manline Group."
