Nobilia hails its ‘magnificent seven’ Mercedes-Benz Actros from Ciceley Commercials
Nobilia Projects, the fast-growing British contracts division of Europe’s largest kitchen manufacturer, is reaping the benefits of a switch to Mercedes-Benz trucks.
The seven Actros rigids are based at the 55,000 sq ft UK head office and distribution centre that Nobilia GB opened in 2018 on the Kingsway Business Park, Rochdale, a stone’s throw from Junction 21 of the M62.
Supplied by Ciceley Commercials, they are the subject of a Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreement under which routine inspections and maintenance are carried out at the Dealer’s Bolton workshop.
Nobilia Projects, which also has an extensive showroom in Surrey Quays, East London, is committed to providing a comprehensive and seamless kitchen service to housebuilders, developers and other contract clients nationwide.
Its latest trucks – four 26-tonners and three 18-tonners – are the first to wear the company’s smartly updated red and white livery, and work with 14 demountable box bodies built by Wheelbase Engineering, of Darwen.
Darren Steeles“As for workshop visits, Ciceley’s Bolton team are very flexible and accommodating. Our driver will drop his truck off in the afternoon, go home in one of the Dealer’s courtesy vehicles, then return at four in the morning to pick it up again, all done and ready to work. The arrangement works very smoothly, and is exactly what we need to ensure the efficiency of our own operation.”
All have aerodynamic StreamSpace cabs which, at 2.3m, are in the narrower of the two widths available. As 2530 variants the six-wheelers are powered by 7.7-litre engines producing 220 kW (300 hp); their four-wheeled stablemates employ 175 kW (238 hp) versions of the same in-line six-cylinder unit.
The Mercedes-Benz trucks have replaced the mixed-marque fleet of eight trucks that Nobilia Projects was using previously to deliver kitchens. Its former vehicles, among them a single 26-tonne Actros that had been exceptionally reliable, were all fitted with conventional fixed bodies.
Adoption of the demountable concept has brought efficiencies as loading can now take place seven days a week, even when the trucks are out on the road making their deliveries. The 26-tonners carry 18 stillages, six more than the 18-tonners.
Nobilia has been serving the UK contract kitchen sector for nearly 25 years and boasts a ‘blue chip’ client portfolio that includes the likes of Taylor Wimpey and Berkeley Group. Its ‘Logistics in motion’ system uses cutting-edge technology to speed up the process at every step of the delivery chain, ensuring that customers receive a reliable, quality-focused service with regular updates.
Darren Steeles, Nobilia GB’s Transport Manager, said the Actros were proving significantly more fuel-efficient than the vehicles they had replaced. Darren also puts in regular shifts at the wheel and is an enthusiastic advocate for the manufacturer’s ground-breaking, camera-based replacement for conventional mirrors.“MirrorCam is brilliant, a massive step forward in terms of safety,” he declared. “All-round visibility is so much better. Forward-facing blind spots are no longer an issue because you don’t have huge mirror housings blocking your view, and reversing is easier too. With conventional mirrors you know roughly where your wheels are but you can’t actually see them. MirrorCam allows you to see the edge of your wheel so you don’t hit anything, which saves on tyre damage as well.”
He also lauded the trucks’ Proximity Control Assist systems and radical Multimedia Cockpits, which feature twin, tablet-style screens – one with ‘touch’ functionality – instead of switchgear. “The adaptive cruise control is like nothing we’ve had before and takes a lot of pressure off the driver,” reported Darren, “while we all love the new dashboard, which looks great and is very easy to use.”
Other technological highlights include the latest version of Predictive Powertrain Control, which manages gear changes and ensures that full use is made of the Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission’s Eco Roll function to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and the Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system with enhanced pedestrian recognition capability.
If the trucks have impressed, so, too, has Ciceley Commercials. Singled out for special praise were Truck Sales Executive Diane Boag, who arranged for Nobilia to undertake week-long trials of Actros at both gross weights prior to placement of the order, and Senior Truck Trainer Gary McMurray, who used a Mercedes-Benz TRUCKTraining vehicle – specially converted with additional bench seat – to deliver a full programme of driver instruction.
“I can’t fault the service we’ve received from Ciceley Commercials, it’s been fantastic,” confirmed Darren Steeles. “Diane did everything we could have asked, liaising with the bodybuilder and managing the fitment of ancillaries such as the 360-degree camera systems, while also putting together a great finance and support package that provides the cover we need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If we do ever have an issue, we know we can go to her and she’ll jump on it straight away.
Nobilia builds “intelligently engineered kitchens with excellent design and for every taste”. Founded in Germany in 1945, by brothers Johann and Willy Stickling, it now has some 4,000 employees and more than 8,000 trade customers worldwide.
Gallery
Check Out Our Instagram
Great feedback for our Blackburn Service Team!⭐️
A huge thank you to the customer for their fantastic feedback, you can read more of our testimonials here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
The Mercedes-Benz diesel van range is built to keep your business moving. From the compact Citan to the versatile Vito and award-winning Sprinter, we’ve got the perfect van for every job.
🔥 Exclusive offers available now:
✅ Citan from £185* per month
✅ Vito from £395* + VAT per month
✅ Sprinter from £609* + VAT per month
✅ Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
Don’t miss out — these deals are only available while stocks last!
https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/offers/diesel-offers/
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! 🙌
As a proud family-run business, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting operators with exceptional service, strong relationships, and continued investment in the future. This new site marks an exciting new chapter for us — bringing our people-first approach and trusted Mercedes-Benz expertise to a whole new region.
The Eurocentral dealership will feature:
🔧 12 workshop bays
🚛 Full sales, service & parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz trucks
🚌 Service and parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz buses
🧰 An Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane
👷 Around 40 new local jobs
Construction starts soon, with a temporary workshop opening mid-2026 and the full dealership launching autumn 2026.
Read the full story on our website.
🚛 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.
Go further, cleaner, and quieter with the Mercedes-Benz electric van range. Whether it’s the eCitan, eVito, or eSprinter, enjoy zero-emission driving, impressive range, and fast charging times — all with premium Mercedes-Benz quality.
✅ The eCitan from £249* + VAT per month
✅ The eVito from £495* + VAT per month
✅ The eSprinter from £595* + VAT per month
Including:
4 FREE services
Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty
Switch to electric today and keep your business moving sustainably! See our website for more details.
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
🐝 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
-
Call Ciceley Commercials on 0333 014 6181
-
We're here to help. You can reach us via phone, email or our online form.
-
Find your local Mercedes-Benz dealer here.
-
Find out more information about your preferred model.
