GreenThumb, the UK’s leading lawn care specialist, is to be one of the first in the country to take delivery of a huge fleet of all-new Mercedes-Benz Vito vans, part of a growth strategy which also sees new managerial appointments,  the creation of a training academy and the introduction of new products.

North Wales-based GreenThumb’s nationwide network of franchisees runs a fleet of more than 750 vans, used as part of a fast-expanding lawn care service that treats over two million lawns each year. This year around 120 vans, wearing the company’s distinctive new GreenThumb livery, will be supplied through North West dealer Roanza Mercedes-Benz, with the remainder of the fleet due to be replaced before the end of 2017.

GreenThumb’s Managing Director, David Griffiths, said the decision to switch from its previous vans to new Mercedes-Benz vehicles was part of the company’s growth strategy, which includes the appointment of new National Sales and Customer Service Managers, the creation of a customer service training academy for operatives and the introduction of advanced new fertilisers and grass feeds.

“We have ambitious plans to expand our share of the UK lawn treatment market through new products and outstanding customer care and these distinctive and high quality new Mercedes-Benz vehicles underline our commitment to that strategy,” said Mr Griffiths. “We already have more than half a million happy customers served by a network of over 220 branches, making us one of the most successful franchise operations in the UK.”

The latest generation Mercedes-Benz Vito model is set to make its debut at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham (NEC April 14-16). As well as being more economical than its predecessor, the new Vito offers lower emissions. It is also unique in the medium-sized van segment in offering a choice of front- or rear-wheel drive.