Bury, Lancashire-based steel fabrication specialists, Wm. Hare Group has taken delivery of its first-ever Volvo truck – a brand-new FM-460 6×2 tractor unit with Globetrotter cab – which will be used for inter-depot and site deliveries across a large part of the UK.

Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, supplied Wm. Hare Group’s inaugural Volvo prime mover, which features a 3,900mm wheelbase and a 7.5 tonne fixed pusher axle.

Powered by Volvo’s D13K 13-litre engine rated at 460hp, the truck also features Volvo’s award-winning, I-Shift automated transmission system, with Long Haul gear changing software. Rear air suspension, a Jost JSK37 cast iron fixed fifth wheel and a drive axle with a ratio of 2.64:1 completes the business end. The FM also comes with the top option, Volvo Gold Service contract for 36 months, which delivers carefree operation and complete peace of mind to operators, like Wm. Hare Group, wishing to focus solely on their own core business and customers.

“Before purchasing a new truck, we asked some of our sub-contractors for feedback on truck makes and performance standards,” notes Amie Smith, Transport and Logistics Manager at Wm. Hare Group. “Volvo came back as the top choice for reliability and durability, so we were happy to proceed with the order for an FM-460 with Thomas Hardie Commercials.”

Amie adds. “We needed a workhorse to haul steel and fabrications between our network of depots across England. The Volvo FM has been in service since early July and it works mostly night shifts. I’m happy with its performance and so far its fuel returns across the M62 Motorway are impressive and a real improvement on our other two trucks.”

Wm. Hare Group’s new Volvo is also proving popular with its driver. “He really loves the FM Globetrotter Cab’s comfort levels and it has proved an easy truck to work with. We’ll definitely consider Volvo again for future fleet purchases,” Amie concludes.