LWC gets the lowdown with Mercedes-Benz Antos
Rapidly expanding LWC Drinks has raised the comfort bar for its drivers by commissioning the first vehicles from an order for seven ground-hugging Mercedes-Benz Antos rigids.
The Manchester-based beverage wholesaler has already taken delivery of three 26-tonners with lowered frames, low-profile tyres and all-round air suspension. The result is a reduced deck height which – with the suspension lowered – can be dropped up to 200 mm lower than a standard model. This makes life as easy as possible for drivers who deliver to pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants across the UK.
Supplied by Dealer Ciceley Commercials, the new trucks are all Antos 2530 Lnr models with ClassicSpace cabs finished in gleaming black. Their buckleless curtain ‘smoothsider’ bodies, meanwhile, are by PPS Commercials, of Bury, and printed with images of LWC products. Each is also fitted with a 1,500 kgcapacity DEL column tail lift. A fourth, identical vehicle, along with three similarly equipped Antos 1824 Lnr 18-tonners, are due to enter service before the end of November.
Stuart Tinnion“I know from long experience both with LWC and in previous roles within this industry, that the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star is an assurance of quality. Ciceley Commercials also supplied us with five Actros tractor units which we run from our hub depot in Manchester, and which have proved superbly reliable."
The LWC fleet now extends to more than 100 trucks, ranging from 7.5 to 26 tonnes gvw. National Operations Manager Stuart Tinnion explained: “Traditionally we’ve tended to run vehicles at the lower end of the weight range, but that approach is changing now. “We’re making more deliveries and handling larger consignments than ever before, so we need trucks that offer bigger payloads. At the same time, though, we need to retain a low working height to make life easier – and safer – for our drivers.
“These Antos are ideally suited to the drinks industry and perfect for our operation. As well as their low height they have steering rear axles which means they’re highly manoeuvrable, a big advantage given the tight access at many of the city centre locations on our delivery lists.
“They also look really smart, so double as a great mobile advertisement for our business and high operating standards.” Established in 1979, LWC was recently described by The Sunday Times as “the fastest-growing privately-owned drinks company in Britain”. It boasts a roster of 6,000 customers and offers more than 7,000 product lines. In addition to its head office, LWC operates 13 depots nationally, from Cornwall in the South-West to Teesside in the North-East, all of which provide a seven-days-a-week service – orders placed before noon are delivered on the same day. The company also owns and runs a string of 50 pubs.
Purpose-designed for heavy duty distribution work, the Mercedes-Benz Antos combines exceptional comfort with precise handling. LWC’s new trucks are powered by advanced, fuel-efficient 220 kW (300 hp) six-cylinder engines that drive through smooth eight-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions.
Mr Tinnion continued: “Our new Antos have replaced three vehicles by another manufacturer. We shopped around and asked several suppliers for their proposals before placing our order. The response from Ciceley’s Fleet Sales Manager Guy Beech was quick and comprehensive, and the price was highly competitive.
“The Dealer’s back-up is first-class too. We’re confident our new trucks will play a significant part in our plans for further expansion.”
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🚛 Ciceley Commercials Joins the Actros L ProCabin Tour! 🚛
Yesterday we joined Mercedes-Benz Trucks at Route 74 Truckstop, Glasgow, for the Actros L ProCabin Tour — giving drivers the chance to step inside the next generation of comfort and innovation.
The Actros L ProCabin is more than just a truck – it’s a workspace, a rest space, and a tech hub on wheels.
✨ Here’s what makes it stand out:
🖥️ Digital Cockpit & MirrorCam for ultimate visibility
🪑 Ergonomic Design built for all-day comfort
🔋 Outstanding Efficiency that delivers every mile
We loved seeing everyone who stopped by to take a look inside, chat with the team, and experience the future of trucking first-hand.
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🐝 From Hive to Jar! 🍯
Today we visited @eastlancshospice with our Beekeeper John to watch how he turns our MerceBEES hard work into delicious honey! 🌼
It was fantastic to share the experience with the hospice’s staff and patients, showing how the honeycomb is spun, sieved, and jarred to create the finished product.
This year, we’re proud to be selling our Ciceley honey with all profits donated to our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice – supporting the incredible work they do every day. 💛
Our MerceBEES have been busy since we first introduced four hives and 320,000 bees to our Blackburn and Darwen sites as part of our ongoing sustainability journey. 🐝
🏁 On 5th September, our all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completed the 2025 EV Rally, driving from West Bromwich to Tatton Park, Cheshire ⚡🚛.
Along the way we:
☕ Recharged at Peak View Tea Rooms
🚚 Stopped at Sixt Van & Truck, Eccles
☀️ Showcased clean energy at Chamber House Solar Farm, Rochdale
🌳 And crossed the finish line at Tatton Park
Covering 248km fully loaded at 40t, the eActros 600 proved its range, efficiency, and cost savings – highlighting that zero-emission trucking isn’t the future, it’s here today. Get in touch with the team to put the eActros to the test
#evrally #explorer #collaboration #solarpower
✨ Another fantastic review for our Blackburn team! ✨
We’re proud to provide a service that makes things simple, stress-free and reliable for our customers.
Read more of our customer reviews here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
🍂 Autumn is here, and so are the chilly mornings!
Did you know that with the Mercedes-Benz app, you can pre-heat your electric Mercedes-Benz van before you even step outside?
✅ Warm and comfortable from the moment you get in
✅ Defrosted windows without scraping ice
All managed straight from your phone, giving you convenience and comfort whatever the weather.
❄️ A smart way to start your day as we head into winter.
⚽ Ciceley Takes on the Vantasy Football League! ⚽
Today, our Ciceley football team proudly represented us at the Mercedes-Benz Vantasy Football League at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football!
Competing alongside eight teams made up of van drivers and Mercedes-Benz Van dealers from across the country, our squad battled hard and made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing an impressive 3rd place overall! 🥉💪
The Vantasy Football initiative is about more than just football – it’s a fantastic campaign supporting mental health awareness for van drivers, many of whom work in isolating roles. We`re proud to support this important cause. 💙
A huge shout out to our amazing team:
Rob Claringbold, Gary Bridge, Jack Burgess, Matthew Coombe, Alex Lewis, Lee Holden, and Damian Holroyd – a brilliant mix from across our Sales, Service, IT, Accounts and Management teams.
Well played, team! 👏⚽
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/vantasy-football.html
#VantasyFootball #MercedesBenzVans #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamCiceley #StGeorgesPark #VanLife #FootballForGood
🌍 Tomorrow we’ll be at GreenFleet LIVE! 2025 in Rochdale!
Come and see us to explore the latest in electric vans and sustainable fleet solutions — and chat with our team about how we can support your journey to net zero. ⚡🚛
We’re looking forward to meeting fleet, transport and sustainability professionals from across the UK. See you there!
#GreenFleetLIVE #ElectricVehicles #CleanFleet #NetZero #LCV #Sustainability #CiceleyCommercials
☀️ Our eActros 400 has been out and about in sunny Scotland yesterday, with driver training sessions led by Jordan Lowe and Richard.
Great to see more drivers getting behind the wheel and experiencing the future of fully electric transport first-hand! ⚡🚛
#eActros #ElectricTrucks #DrivingTheFuture #CiceleyCommercials
💬 More great feedback for our Carlisle team!
This is what we`re all about — great service and working to keep you moving.
👉 Book your next visit with our team by contacting them today
https://ow.ly/baCN50WXZVc
⭐ Excellent feedback for our Carlisle team! ⭐
We’re proud to support businesses in Carlisle and beyond, keeping vehicles on the road and running smoothly.
Get in touch with the team to book your vehicle in today.
https://ow.ly/eI1l50WXZPK
We were proud to play our part in powering Sam Fender’s People Watching Tour – the first live music tour in the UK & Ireland to run entirely on electric trucks ⚡🎶
When called upon to urgently mobilise an additional Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, our teams in Bolton Service, Sales Support, Accounts, and Digital Services Consultant worked flat out to register, prep and deliver the vehicle within hours – ensuring the tour stayed on schedule and made it across to Northern Ireland.
This was a landmark moment for sustainable entertainment logistics, and we’re delighted we could play a part in making it happen.
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