Chambers aims high with low-entry Mercedes-Benz Econic
When Chambers Waste Management decided to invest in its first full-sized truck with a low-entry cab, the Mercedes-Benz Econic was the obvious choice.
“We wanted to try a low cab for health and safety reasons – getting in and out is going to be a lot easier for our crews,” explained Peter Chambers, Chairman and Managing Director of the Guildford-based recycling and waste management specialist.
“There are a lot of Econics on the road these days and the product has been around for long enough to have proved its reliability and suitability for the job.
“We see ourselves very much as a local business and as I’ve also been hearing good things recently about Mercedes-Benz dealer Rossetts Commercials, who have facilities in nearby Aldershot, I was very happy to put this order their way.”
Mr Chambers continued: “This is a ‘seed’ vehicle and we’ll be monitoring it closely to see how it does. These are still early days, of course, but the initial signs are certainly very encouraging.”
The 26-tonne Econic 2629LL has a mid-steer axle for increased manoeuvrability. It is fitted with a Geesink Norba compactor body and a lift for handling 1,100-litre commercial wheelie bins.
The truck is being used to collect dry recyclables – primarily paper and cardboard – from factories, industrial units and offices located within 30 miles of Guildford. An on-board weighing system allows Chambers to measure the precise weight of the bin being emptied.
The company runs a fleet of nearly 50 trucks which includes tippers, skip- and hook-loaders, as well as compactors. It will maintain the new Econic in its own workshops, but with parts and service support from Rossetts Commercials.
Chambers Waste PLC was established by Mr Chambers in 1969, since when the group has evolved into an integrated recycling, waste management and aggregates business, servicing a wide range of customers.
Its materials recovery facility in Guildford was opened in 2003 at a cost of £3 million and recycles up to 90 per cent of the materials coming in as commercial and construction waste.
For more information, visit chambers-group.co.uk.
