The Volvo chassis-based vehicles, supplied by MC Truck & Bus, will enter service between now and March 2013, replacing some units which have been in use for around 20 years – a testament to the proven longevity of the Boughton equipment in one of the harshest operating environments in the industry.

The supply contract also sees the establishment of an engineering and service supply agreement between Boughton and MC Truck & Bus, one of the South and South-East’s largest commercial vehicle dealerships. MC Group, which won this year’s Motor Transport "Dealer of the Year" Award, serves commercial customers from eight depots across the region and boasts its own dedicated body repair facility and training centre.

Boughton group sales & marketing director, Allan Burley says, 'Where we can work closely in partnership with a dealer group which has such outstanding engineering capabilities, it makes very sound business and commercial sense for us to develop such relationships for the benefit and operating convenience of our shared end customer. We will pro-actively develop this type of working framework where we judge we can contribute and add value to the customer’s business – and this will apply particularly to after sales service and parts.'

Paul Cogger, MC Group’s regional sales manager at Maidstone says, 'We know the Boughton product well – and its proven reputation in the marketplace. We have our own specialist in-house facilities to be able to support our customer at a very local level – so it is an entirely logical step for us to work closely with the manufacturer of the equipment.'

The new Countrystyle fleet is based on Volvo’s latest FMX 8×4 tipper chassis with day cab. All units feature the I-shift gearbox with factory fitted power-take-off.  Boughton’s 8:32B specification hook loader is fitted, which incorporates rear axle stabiliser jacks. Other features include Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) Loadweigh on-board load cell equipment, sheet and pinning tube carriers and rear facing work lights.

To protect the rear of the vehicle in its operating environment, Boughton has incorporated an integral steel fabricated assembly which provides full and robust protection for rear components such as lighting and rear markings. Some units being supplied will also include a towing hitch, to operate with one of Boughton’s high-end specification, tri-axle close coupled trailers.