AS Watson shifts up to new Mercedes-Benz fleet

AS Watson, parent company of Superdrug and Savers, is increasing the efficiency of its distribution operation after committing to switch its entire fleet of 101 trucks to Mercedes-Benz.

Most of its new vehicles will be 4x2 Axor 1840LS tractor units with high-roofed sleeper cabs and optional Mercedes PowerShift 12 automated transmissions. However, the order also includes 18 box-bodied rigids: 17 Axor 18-tonners and a single 10-tonne Atego.

Crucially, supplying dealer Intercounty Truck & Van has also taken on the running of the vehicle maintenance units at AS Watson’s two principal distribution centres in Dunstable and Pontefract, where it is looking after 180 trailers as well.

The new partnership went ‘live’ last month (February) and the first 71 Mercedes trucks are already in service, with the remainder scheduled to arrive by the autumn.

The fleet will make some 2,500 deliveries a week, to around 900 Superdrug stores across the UK and Ireland, and a further 200 Savers outlets.

Most of Superdrug’s new tractors are being plated at 38 tonnes gcw and will be used for trunking as well as store deliveries; others, though, will be assigned solely to distribution duties, along with the rigids, and will be plated at 31.5 tonnes gcw.

Steve Zandi, AS Watson Logistics Director, said: “The arrangements for maintenance of the fleet were every bit as important as the vehicles themselves, and the package put together by the team from Mercedes-Benz and Intercounty Truck & Van took this into account.”

Steve Hunt is Dealer Principal at Intercounty Truck & Van, which has headquarters in Wellingborough and other dealerships in Milton Keynes and Peterborough. He says: “This highly prestigious contract with two of the best-known names on Britain’s high streets underscores our ability to provide fleet operators not only with the finest vehicles, but also with managed workshops staffed by fully-trained technicians able to keep them performing at optimum efficiency.”