Anniversary Edition FH turns heads at David Bletsoe-Brown

Twenty-five year Volvo customer David Bletsoe-Brown Group has taken delivery of a new FH-480 80th Anniversary Edition. The 6x2 tractor unit will join the Kettering-based self-storage and transport operator’s fleet as its first new Volvo since 1987. It will be maintained on a standard two-year repair and maintenance contract at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, Kettering, who also supplied the FH.

“We’ve been dealing with Volvo for 25 years,” says Director Ashley Barrs, “and had a great relationship. Their Kettering depot is close at hand, so that’s convenient for us, too.”

Although regular customers, David Bletsoe-Brown Group have historically preferred to purchase used vehicles. The high specification FH will go to long-serving driver Neil Buckby. “Neil’s been with us around seven years now,” Ashley comments, “and it was his turn for a new truck. I don’t think he was expecting this, though!”

Neil is well-pleased with his new Volvo, although its eye-catching silver Globetrotter cab has one unexpected drawback, according to Ashley; “I keep having to re-plan Neil’s day for him because of all the people who want to stop and have a look at the truck!”

The FH 480 couples up to a 13.6m Cartwright curtainsider, which carries a first for David Bletsoe-Brown Group: a Moffet Mounty lift truck. “This is a new service for us,” explains Ashley, “and one that we’ve decided to offer in response to customer requests. Loading and unloading is an added value for our clients – and, especially in the current climate, any service you can diversify into could be an advantage!”