Solid as Arocs

This bulk haulier’s smart new Mercedes-Benz Arocs delivers a fitting tribute to grandfathers who served during WWII.

As a self-confessed Formula 1 addict, Tony Rees usually decorates his Mercedes-Benz trucks with airbrushed artwork celebrating the sport’s stars and their cars. Instead of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, however, the latest bears an image of his grandfather, alongside pictures of his wife’s and driver’s grandfathers.

All three are depicted in uniform on the back wall of his new-generation Arocs 2553’s Stream Space cab, each having served during World War 2 in a different branch of the armed forces. The design, which also features a Spitfire and, on the sideskirts, a naval vessel and a tank, was commissioned as a personal tribute to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Established by Mr Rees in 2004, the company is based in Porthcawl, Bridgend, and specialises in the transportation of a broad variety of scrap, including everything from carpets and electrical items, to metals and plastics. It collects material from commercial clients nationwide and takes it either to recycling centres or to landfill sites.

Star quality

Tony M Rees runs a fleet of eight tractors, which work with bulk ejector trailers. Seven are by Mercedes-Benz – five tough Arocs models and a pair of older Actros – and were supplied by South Wales dealer Euro Commercials. The sole exception is a 17 year old Foden Alpha, which is the proprietor’s own “daily driver”.