The Tamworth-based manufacturer of cement- and bitumen-based products, Instarmac, has taken delivery of seven XD 450 FAX 8x2 rear steer rigids as part of a conquest deal, becoming the first DAF trucks on the company’s fleet for more than 25 years. Established in 1977, Instarmac launched with DAF products and has now gone full circle by making a major investment in its mixed fleet.

The company, which specialises in the manufacture and distribution of cement and bitumen-based products, was looking for a truck that would offer payload and efficiency benefits, with the XD ticking all the boxes. The seven trucks are all 32-tonners and are replacements for 26-tonne vehicles on Instarmac’s 40-strong fleet. The remainder of the fleet comprises two artics and 31 other rigids, all of which are 26-tonners.
 
The decision by Instarmac to move to larger trucks was made to take advantage of the extra payload and carrying capacity that they offer. “Our product tends to be particularly heavy, so the more tonnes we can get on the truck, the more efficient our operations can be,” explains Murray Lythgo, Head of Logistics at Instarmac. “We also looked at our carbon footprint and the larger trucks mean fewer journeys, which was a key driver for these DAF XDs. In the first four weeks, we averaged three fewer trucks on the road, due to the superior carrying capabilities of the new trucks.

As the seven new XD rigids are the first from the DAF brand for some time, Instarmac is now operating an even more mixed fleet than before, with three other brands on the books. However, as Lythgo explains, the company is always open-minded when it comes to getting the right truck for the business and a lot of factors aligned with the new XD FAXs. “There was good availability of vehicles, the lead time was good and the trucks offered exactly what we wanted in terms of payload,” he says. Better manoeuvrability is also achieved thanks to the steered trailing axle on the XD FAX, which is a particularly beneficial feature when navigating tight spaces and when delivering in or travelling through urban environments.

With the new 32-tonne trucks in operation now for a few months, Lythgo and his drivers have been hugely impressed with the fuel economy returns. “From the first four weeks, the mpg figures were as good as those that we were seeing in the 26-tonne trucks,” he reveals. “Carrying the same payload, we're getting a similar MPG in the new XD as we do for one of our 26-tonne rigids, which is pleasing given the additional weight on the larger vehicle.”

 

Driver approval was also an important element with the new XDs, with feedback encouraged from those previously behind the wheel of other brands. “Some of our lead drivers went out and looked at trucks from all of the manufacturers as a comparison and they had an influence on what direction we went in,” adds Lythgo. “They were very happy with what they saw in the DAFs and, having now driven them for a while, there are certainly no complaints. There were concerns over the camera mirrors because they are something different and new, but now they have got used to them they wouldn’t be without them!”

The vehicles also have the robust front execution, which – along with the specification of the DAF Digital Vision System and Passenger Door window – means the trucks achieve a four star London Direct Vision Standard, allowing safe operation in the capital.
 

Next year, Instarmac will be celebrating 50 years in business and, although Lythgo is staying tight-lipped, the new XD rigids could be joined by more DAFs to celebrate. “Brand awareness is very important to us and we might end up with a truck with unique livery next year to commemorate 50 years in business, you never know…” he says. “We’ve got a few things lined up, including an open day for drivers, staff and their families to look around the factory and see our trucks up close. It should be a great occasion and it is a fantastic achievement for the business.”

Instarmac’s new magnificent seven DAF XDs were supplied by Adam Edwards at Motus Commercials in Halesowen and are subject to a five-year DAF MultiSupport R&M contract which will be handled by the local Greenhous DAF Dealer in Tamworth. “We had several meetings with Adam and the team at Motus and they definitely gave us all the answers we needed to hear. Confidence in what they were delivering was key and I think they well and truly delivered on that,” concludes Lythgo.