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Dodds of Sittingbourne
Page 52
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Distance isn't an issue for Dodds Group's Sittingbourne depot, which out-sources truck maintenance to its neighbouring Mercedes dealership, Sparshatts of Kent.
"It makes it so much easier to control our operating costs," depot manager Graham Pask explains.
Forty of his 50-strong fleet are nearly new Mercedes Actros and they were all supplied through Sparshatts. Being so close to each other makes this a sensible repair and servicing arrangement.
Dodds maintains its own fleet of some 150 trailers at Sittingbourne and runs a workshop there with four fitter/mechanics. "However, despite their long service intervals we just couldn't look after the Actroses as well," says Pask. "It's a very high-tech product and we'd need to invest heavily in technicians, training, specialist tools and equipment."
With the present arrangement Dodds makes good use of Sparshatts' overnight servicing facility, so the vehicles are able to work throughout the day.