P W Gates bolsters fleet with three DAF XG 530 tractors

Hertfordshire-based P W Gates is strengthening its fleet with the addition of three new generation DAF XG 530 tractor units as part of the company’s expansion plans.

The logistics firm, which is based at Welwyn Garden City, is adding the three tractors to eight other DAF units acquired earlier in the year.

The new additions, supplied by Harris DAF Lea Valley's truck sales division, will help manage the growing order book of the family-run business and bring the fleet size to more than 50 vehicles and around 90 trailers. The company has experienced an 88% revenue growth in the past five years.

Founded in the 1970s, P W Gates Distribution operates 255,000 square feet of warehousing and transhipment space from two sites in Hertfordshire and one in Bedfordshire, handling more than 4,000 pallets daily.

The 3PL will use the new tractors to power curtainside trailers of ambient foods to supermarket shelves as well as construction materials into the DIY and builders’ merchants’ market.

The new vehicles will operate nationwide from the company’s head office in Welwyn Garden City and satellite depot in Bedford.

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Peter Gates, P W Gates distribution’s managing director, said: "This further investment in the new DAFs allows us to expand our offering and continue to deliver on our promise to our customers.

“We’ve had DAFs on our fleet for a long time, but this next generation model brings with it a wider range of environmental, safety and driver comfort features that demonstrate our commitment to our customers and colleagues.

“It is also part of an ambitious growth strategy over the next few years – a business needs to invest to be the best,” he added.

Russell Rackham, from Harris DAF Lea Valley's  truck sales team, said the new vehicles come with added safety features.

He said: "The DAF XG comes standard with enhanced features that not only ensure the highest possible safety of the driver and other road users, but also contribute to vehicle versatility, fuel efficiency and comfort.”

“The new DAF XG also has City Turn Assist that helps to prevent an accident with a cyclist or pedestrian. City Turn Assist will alert the driver with audible warnings of an impending collision at the co-driver’s side. The system uses radar technology for optimal object detection which is a great asset to the P W Gates fleet.” he added.