Hamilton-based Perry Metal Protection has taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz 2653 6×4 Mirrorless and Roadmaster tri-axle flat-deck semi combination. The Actros and Roadmaster trailer were both spec’d and sourced by TR Group, which is also managing and maintaining the unit (except for the tyres) for Perry Metals.
Based at the company’s Hamilton head office, the new unit is the first of two for the company as it continues to move its transportation requirements in house.
General manager Steve Halse says the company has a longstanding relationship with TR Group. “They’re easy to work with. We basically just said the truck needed to be able to support customers based east and south of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, and carry a minimum of 20 tonnes. The rest was left up to them. We looked at other versions of the Fuso [the Hamilton facility currently has a 2013 HD doing duty] and other trucks, and the Merc fitted the bill.”
Also fitting the bill is the Roadmaster tri-axle semi. Allan Flavell, Roadmaster area sales manager (central North Island), says this 15.7m flat-deck trailer is equipped with seven pairs of deck stanchions, removable mesh headboards, alloy bearer and tool boxes, and custom chain storage boxes. The SAF axles ride on air suspension and are fitted with Wabco disk brakes. Wabco SmartBoard helps keep everything in check.
Driver Geoff O’Sullivan moves out of the Fuso and into the Actros: “Geoff’s been with us for more than 20 years. He takes a lot of pride in his truck and the company he works for – he’s an extra salesman for us. So, it’s awesome giving him a new truck and knowing he’ll look after it,” Halse says.
In addition, Perry Metals has also hired a logistics coordinator. “He is ex-Mainfreight and will control all of our fleet from Hamilton. We can now be far more efficient with where we’re sending our trucks and what we’re picking up,” adds Halse.
Perry Metal Protection is New Zealand’s largest and only ISO 9001-certified hot-dip galvanizer and was formed in 1974 by Brian Perry, who features on the Actros’s striking branding. Second-generation company director Simon Perry says the company has five sites – Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Tauranga – with four baths, Hamilton being the largest facility.
