Welsh transport and warehousing specialist Owens Group has taken delivery of 20 MAN TGXs for its new Magor Gateway Hub.
The new vehicles, which are all TGX 26.480 6x2 models, will work out of the Owens Group’s new 14,540 square metre warehousing facility at Magor Gateway 156, which is situated next to junction 23A of the M4.
The vehicles all feature MAN’s GM cabs and a number of added specifications, including under-bunk fridges, comfort mattresses, satellite navigation, and MAN’s SmartSelect, which provides the driver with a touch-free infotainment system.
The TGXs also feature an additional audible handbrake warning system along with standard specification Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Turn Assist, Lane Change Support (LCS), Lane Return Assist (LRA) ACC Stop & Go, MAN AttentionGuard, High Beam Assist, and Airbag and seat belt and belt tensioner system.
All 20 vehicles are powered by MAN’s latest generation Euro 6e compliant, six-cylinder D26, 12.4 litre, 480 hp (375 kW) engines. The D26’s lightweight construction also improves payload efficiency, which positively impacts a fleet’s total cost of ownership (TCO) and vehicle whole-life performance.
Family-owned Owens Group provides transport, warehousing, pallet networks and express distribution services and has depots in Llanelli, Office, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport, Droitwich, Wrexham, Carrington and now Magor.
The group, which was founded in 1972 by Huw Owen MBE, operates a fleet of 200 vans, 50 rigid trucks, 350 artic vehicles, 850-plus trailers, nine transport depots and 25 warehouses providing 2.5 million sq. ft. of storage.
Eurof Owen, Owens Group commercial director, commented: “Over the last three decades MAN tractors have played a major part in our vehicle fleet and I’m pleased to say that they have proven to be robust, reliable, and extremely efficient. Moreover, the relationship we have with MAN is built on mutual trust, partnering and respect.
“Like any business, we always look forward to new vehicles joining the fleet, but these new MAN TGXs are special as they coincide with the opening of our new Magor Gateway 156 warehouse.”
“Marking a major investment for the Owens Group the combination of these new vehicles and the Magor facility will help boost jobs across the region, enable business growth ensuring we continue to offer our blue-chip customers an industry leading level of service, and, increase our operational efficiency throughout the group.”
Owen continued: “The MAN TGXs are a firm favourite with our drivers who appreciate the cabs’ spacious interior, the build quality and the overall driving experience. By adding some creature comforts and enhancing the specification we can see these new vehicles being even more driver friendly and welcoming.
“Over the years we have formed an excellent working relationship with our local MAN dealership, W.G. Davies of Swansea. The team there totally understand the needs of our business and offer us an outstanding level of support, helping us maximise our fleets productivity and uptime. They are always on hand and ready to assist.”
Lee Stoddart, MAN Truck & Bus UK regional fleet sales head, South West & South Wales, commented: “I would like to thank the Owens Group family, Huw, Eurof and Emyr, for their continued support in MAN.
“Having a close relationship means we have a solid understanding of the operation and how our high level of service, across the board, both adds value to the Owens Group business.
“I’m convinced these vehicles will serve the Owens Group well and I look forward to delivering more vehicles in the future.”
The new vehicles were prepared and PDI’d by MAN Truck & Bus UK’s franchised partner, WG Davies of Swansea and will be serviced and maintained by the MAN dealer network.
