The firm, which is a division of Grafton Merchanting GB, the fourth largest builders merchant in the UK, will locate the 3.5-tonne vehicles across 100 different Plumbase and Plumbline branches nationwide. They will be used to deliver plumbing, heating and bathroom supplies directly to building sites, tradesmen and DIY consumers.

The order comprises 83 Daily 35S12 panel vans built on a 3,950mm wheelbase to offer 15.6 m³ of load space. Each of these vehicles features a wide side-sliding door and twin rear doors, with new hinges allowing the driver to select fixed rear door opening angles of either 90°, 180° or 270°. The delivery also includes a mixture of 24 Daily 35S12 and 35S13 chassis cabs – 17 mounted with box bodies and tail-lifts. The remaining seven feature bespoke bodies which are half curtainside and half box, with tail-lifts, to ensure maximum flexibility.

Phil Alexander, head of transport at Grafton Merchanting GB, said: 'Iveco Dailys have formed the mainstay of the Plumbase fleet for nearly ten years. It was a simple decision to replace like for like based on their proven performance and reliability.

'Each vehicle has a demanding role, carrying out multiple deliveries six days a week to a diverse customer base. This is where the Daily’s exceptional manoeuvrability really comes into its own, as we frequently need to deliver to properties with limited access – often in urban areas where narrow streets can be lined with parked cars,' he added.

The new Dailys replace a fleet of five-year-old vehicles and are expected to remain in service until 2015, backed up by an Iveco Elements repair and maintenance agreement. The 107 new Dailys are being supplied by Stormont Truck & Van and join a fleet totalling more than 400 commercial vehicles operated by Grafton Merchanting GB, comprising 211 light commercials and 213 heavy trucks.