DVSA inspectors have begun conducting truck MOT tests at Newmarket based Mercedes-Benz dealer Orwell Truck & Vans.

The new Authorised Test Facility (ATF) bay is a key element of the newly built dealership on the Pines Industrial Estate in Exning, which was opened by the company in February costing £1 million.

Truck MOTs take place every Tuesday from 7.30am, a popular time for operators keen to minimise vehicle downtime. As demand grows Orwell expects to extend the service by adding extra days.

The new workshop is three times the size of the one at the Dealer’s previous base on the same estate. The first vehicle to go through the MOT was a 6x2 Actros 2543 drawbar rigid belonging to Getinge Group.

Mark Chennells, transport manager for Getinge, said: “What I really appreciate is that although we only have three vehicles, branch manager Lee Seager and his colleagues treat us exactly as they would a major fleet customer.

“The Mercedes-Benz brand is very strong but excellent quality of service is every bit as important to an operator like me. Seager and his dedicated team have worked incredibly hard to get their new dealership up and running.”

The former City Link distribution centre additionally incorporates a larger and better-stocked parts department, reception area and office accommodation that meet the latest Mercedes-Benz standards.

Mercedes-Benz dealer principal, Jonathan Ager, said: “Our new facility in Newmarket represents a huge step forward and is enabling us to provide locally-based operators with an even more responsive and focused service.”