Scotland’s pre-eminent bulk spirits logistics specialists, McPherson Ltd of Aberlour, boost their fleet performance with New MAN Trucks.

Featuring the popular and lightweight MAN TGS TM cabs, the six new vehicles are uniform in their specification and are all 6x2 26.480 models with mid-lift axles. At 2,240 mm wide the TM cabs delivers the drivers an ergonomically designed, compact and comfortable workspace, with two bunks, copious amounts of interior storage and unimpeded cross cab access.

All six vehicles are powered by MAN’s latest generation Euro6E compliant, six-cylinder D26, 12.4 litre, 480 hp (375 kW) engines. This latest generation low-consumption engine range has proven to be gentle on service costs as well as frugal on fuel. Furthermore, the D26’s lightweight construction significantly improves payload efficiency, which in turn positively impacts a fleet’s total cost of ownership (TCO) and vehicle whole-life performance.

Scott McPherson, Director, McPherson Ltd, said: “Our customers demand quality and that means any vehicle delivering our customer product needs to be of a high standard, modern and ecofriendly. These new MAN’s are entering the business when we have a major focus on sustainability, so depending on their location they will run on HVO and, or Diesel. As a drop in fuel, HVO has no detrimental impact on MAN’s servicing requirements, or their warranty terms and conditions, and as we know HVO delivers a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to fossil based fuels, as a haulier it’s our duty to reduce emissions and deliver a greener future.”

“MAN Trucks have played a part in our business reaching back some 50 years, so we know they can be trusted. They are reliable, robust and efficient, furthermore, they are popular with our drivers who openly wax lyrical about their high levels of comfort. We hold our driver's views and opinions with high regard, being out on the road is a challenging and demanding job at the best of times, so giving them the best tools for the job is paramount.” Added Scott.

To address the needs of safety, a keystone across the McPherson business, each of the new vehicles comes with a full complement of advanced MAN Trucks technology, including Electronic Braking System (EBS) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Lane Change Support (LCS) Drivers Airbag, Active Brake Assist (ABS), Anti-Slip Control (ACS) ESP, EBA and ESS. To ensure the drivers have a clear view of their surroundings each of the vehicles is equipped with blind spot cameras and dash-mounted high-definition monitors. Additionally, all six have been specified, during their factory build, to meet stringent ADR regulations. A full chassis catwalk helps the drivers as they couple and uncouple from trailers.

Scott concluded, “We have a long term established relationship with MAN, their local dealer, Elgin Truck and Van, and, with their Area Sales Manager, Andrew Rennie. These relationships are built on trust, understanding and respect. All parties understand the pressures of our business and with their customer care and customer first promise, we feel that MAN offers a high level of partnering service.” 

Operating from 35 sites across Scotland and Northern England, today McPhersons has a fleet of 150 vehicles and 500 specialised drinks industry trailers. In addition to these six vehicles, McPherson Ltd has a further 15 identical vehicles ordered for delivery in 2025.

Based in the whisky-producing heartland of Speyside, McPhersons core business caters for every aspect of the production side of spirit supply. This ranges from the transportation of grain and malt to and from distilleries to the movement of Bulk Spirit all the way to its final destination at the bottling and packaging plants.

Andrew Rennie, MAN Truck & Bus UK Area Sales Manager, commented, “I would like to thank the McPherson family and Martin Brown for the continued support in MAN and the long term relationship. I am convinced these vehicles will serve McPhersons well and I look forward to delivering more vehicles in 2025 and beyond.”

Each of the new vehicles was prepared and PDI’d by MAN’s franchised partner, Elgin Truck & Van Centre Ltd, Elgin. Throughout their working lives they will be serviced by the MAN dealer network.

All MAN vehicles are supported by MAN Truck & Bus UK's Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Dealer network, with many operating extended hours, including round-the-clock servicing and customer-tailored solution maintenance.

The entire MAN range benefits from MAN's Mobile24 24-hour assistance service, which guarantees customers a professional roadside partner throughout Europe 365 days of the year.