Drinks wholesaler Ale & Beer Supplies has switched to Mercedes-Benz vans as it seeks greater vehicle reliability.

The St Helens-based company had previously relied on vehicles by a rival manufacturer, as they were the cheapest on offer.

“That proved to be a false economy,” said Chris Lawler, managing director or Ale & Beer.

“They were terrible – something was always going wrong. Not only were we were paying a fortune to keep them on the road, but it was also a huge job to meet our delivery schedule, and live up to the dependable service promise we make to customers.”

Their replacements, a trio of long-bodied Mercedes-Benz Sprinters arrived via the Warrington branch of Dealer Roanza Truck & Van.

Ale & Beer Supplies delivers alcoholic and soft drinks to pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels across the north west.

Thanks to its direct partnerships with leading manufacturers it offers customers not only a comprehensive product range, but also full brand technical support.

The company’s new vans are 20^th Anniversary special edition Sprinter 313 CDIs.

They are the subject of a hire purchase agreement with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and are being maintained under a service care plan that covers all labour costs and parts required for scheduled servicing.

“Having had them on the road for six months, our decision has been vindicated," says Lawler. "They are far better built than our previous vans, and are popular with staff too."