SPAR Obtain 200th Volvo.

SPAR retailer, wholesaler, and distributor James Hall & Co. Ltd is celebrating a significant milestone with established Volvo truck supplier Thomas Hardie Commercials.

The family business, founded in 1863, has recently taken delivery of its 200th Volvo truck from Thomas Hardie Commercials.

The relationship passed through the 30-year mark in 2025, as James Hall & Co. Ltd first introduced articulated Volvo trucks into its fleet in 1995, with its first 26-tonne GVW 6x2 rigid Volvo trucks joining operations in 2016.

The introduction of single-drive, three-axle rigids as well as of two-axle vehicles is driven by changes in the size and accessibility of SPAR stores, allowing the business to operate larger delivery vehicles for greater efficiency.

James Hall & Co. Ltd serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston. This scale of operation demands proven reliability, making Volvo Trucks a trusted and longstanding choice.

The company’s fleet consists of 78 trucks, 65 of which are Volvos, with an even split between articulated and rigid vehicles.

More than 30 years into the relationship, Thomas Hardie Commercials continues to play a key role, providing dependable support that helps minimise downtime and keep vehicles on the road—an increasingly important factor as the industry places greater emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.

Ian Farnworth, Fleet Engineering Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said:

 “The team at Thomas Hardie Commercials are always flexible to meet our business needs and communication is strong.

“I think adaptability, combined with regular, open dialogue and the offer of a high-quality product, has been key to maintaining reliable fleet operations and has been the cornerstone of our business relationship.”

Steve Wilson, Sales Director at Thomas Hardie Commercials, said: “I am delighted that our long-standing partnership continues to prosper. We marked 40 years in business in 2025, and James Hall & Co. Ltd have been integral in that journey.

“Close collaboration, customer feedback, and high service standards remain central to delivering effective, tailored transport solutions which fuel the food chain.”