Tarmac has ordered 25 Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis-based concrete mixers and tippers.

The company helped Mercedes-Benz to pioneer the vehicle’s development for construction applications by commissioning the first Econic mixer. That vehicle, a 26-tonner, entered trials in 2015.

The decision last year by the sustainable building materials and construction solutions leader to appoint Mercedes-Benz Trucks as a preferred supplier means the process of uptake by its contractors is now gathering momentum.

Tarmac has ordered 25 Econics from dealer S & B Commercials – 18 of the 20 destined for operation in and around the capital are already in service.

Most are fitted with McPhee mixer drums, although a handful have insulated tipping bodies by PPG or Wilcox.

The Econic 3235Ls are powered by 7.7-litre six-cylinder engines producing 354PS and driving through six-speed Allison automatic gearboxes.

As ENA variants they have single front steer axles, double-drive bogies and rear-steer axles.

Tarmac has also recently purchased a 6x2 Econic 2630L, an ex-Mercedes-Benz demonstrator for operation in London by its Minimix business, which specialises in small loads.

In addition to the Econics, S & B Commercials will be delivering eight Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8x4 chassis to contractors based in other parts of the country. Most are mixers, although three will have tipping bodies.

Sean McGrae, Tarmac’s senior manager national rransport, said: “Tarmac is committed to improving vulnerable road user safety across the UK.

"It’s important that, as an industry, we continue to drive improvements, and the Econic’s design offers significant benefits in this area.”