A new fleet of 60 Mercedes-Benz Axor 4x2 tractor units are playing an important role in helping Marks & Spencer to deliver on its 100-point, £100-million eco-plan Plan A.
The new trucks, supplied by south coast dealer Pentagon, fit into M&S’s plan by keeping fuel consumption in check and therefore reducing CO2 emissions and natural resource depletion.
The trucks’ 360hp or 400hp engines are mated to 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions. They are some of the first Axor in Britain to be equipped with this new, constant mesh system, which features sophisticated control electronics for faster, smoother and more reliable gear changes. Their standard sleeper cabs are also fitted with the latest air management kits from Hatcher Components, which have been shown in real-life tests to deliver significant improvements in fuel economy.
A number of the trucks are working from the distribution centre at Hemel Hempstead, London operated by M&S’s supply chain partner Gist, from where they are now helping to keep foodhall shelves stocked at 135 of the retailer’s stores. One of seven Gist facilities dedicated to its contract with the retailer, this centre comprises two main warehouses - one, of 130,000sqft, is kept at a constant 2°C and dedicated to chilled foods, while the other, at 70,000sqft, is for ambient goods.
Nick Livesey, procurement manager for M&S food logistics, said: “Our business entails the distribution of high-quality, fresh food to more than 600 stores, seven days a week. It’s an incredibly fast moving supply chain, with short lead times and 15-minute store delivery windows, so a reliable and efficient truck fleet is essential.”
No comments yet