Majorcan company Vitrac is profitable with the Arocs
Economics & Logistics
Miguel Reus, a construction haulier based in Majorca, is defying the crisis in his industry. He is currently working on a major project at the port in Palma with his two Arocs trucks.
Even in recent years, Vitrac Obra Pública S.L. from Majorca has grown steadily, setting it apart from other companies in the construction sector: many companies have had to downsize, with some even disappearing from the scene altogether. "The secret lies in cost control," affirms General Manager Miguel Reus. Vitrac has participated in important construction projects on the island of Majorca, such as the MA 20 motorway, better known as "Vía de la Cintura" – a ring road that eases traffic congestion around Palma de Mallorca.
The Balearic Islands, most notably Majorca, are always associated with tourism. Its strategically favourable location and privileged climate have made the island one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. 2015 is expected to be the best cruise-trip season in history, with estimates indicating that more than two million passengers will come ashore at the capital city's "Port de Palma".
Vitrac is also involved in the development work at the port. As part of the construction project, the docking line of the wall known as "Dique del Oeste" is being extended so that even the largest ships in Palma can dock there.
Stone, earth and gravel. Vitrac employees and their trucks have transported around 300,000 tonnes of material for the development of the port in Palma de Mallorca over the past two years.
During the course of this development work, Vitrac has transported some 300,000 tonnes of material – stone, earth and gravel – over the past two years. Material stocks are currently being compiled for the construction of three concrete box girders, which are to be used for extending the platform at "Dique del Oeste". Once the construction work is complete, the North docking line at "Dique del Oeste" will be 445 metres long – 160 metres longer than at present.
Vitrac divides its work equally between the public and private sectors. As a result of the Tourism Law on the Balearic Islands, which increases the minimum requirements to be met by existing installations and makes it easier to build new four and five-star hotels, the hotel industry is currently creating a great deal of work in the private sector.
"The construction sector without doubt remains decisive for our growth," affirms Miguel Reus. He believes that Vitrac's modern vehicle and machinery fleet is the main factor that gives the company its competitive edge. In addition to numerous heavy-duty machines – front loaders, excavators, bulldozers, tracked loaders, rollers and the like – the company also has ten Mercedes-Benz trucks. It recently purchased two Arcos trucks.
"I test drove them myself in Düsseldorf in 2013," says Miguel Reus. "I immediately noticed their outstanding traction on demanding uphill gradients, their engine power and their robustness. Mercedes-Benz has once again set the standards when it comes to technology." He thus purchased an Arocs 3363 6x4 and an Arocs 1845.
The first vehicle has a permissible GVW of 120 t and is perfect for transporting heavy machinery between construction sites. "High power and low fuel consumption – with a 16-litre engine," states Miguel Reus, coming straight to the point. The two Arocs trucks at Vitrac clock up around 400 kilometres a day. Further advantages Miguel Reus is quick to point out are its manoeuvrability, high torque and Mercedes PowerShift 3 automatic gearshift.
Tough. At Vitrac, the Arocs has truly proven itself on difficult terrain thanks to its extraordinary robustness and outstanding handling.
Six years ago Miguel Reus asked one of his most experienced drivers, Andreu Pons, which truck brand was the best in his opinion. Pons answered with a question of his own: "Do you want a robust truck or one that breaks down every two years?" And so it was that Vitrac opted for trucks bearing the Mercedes star.
In the eyes of this particular contractor, cost minimisation and control are the keys to profitability. As an example, Miguel Reus cites the earthworks for Majorca's first Bauhaus store. "There were some 110,000 cubic metres of earth. After working for two days, we established that the tip was too far way and that the job wouldn't be profitable," he explains. They immediately found another tip closer to the construction site to make the project profitable. "Businesses go to the ground if they are not profitable," concludes Miguel Reus, who in this sees another reason for choosing the Arocs.
Incidentally, as well as selling trucks, his Mercedes-Benz partner Autovidal offers outstanding after-sales service. "They meet every requirement – just like Vitrac", he smiles.
Photos: Begona Tremps de Pablo
Miquel Reus, Vitrac Obra Pública S.L.
email: miguel@vitrac.es
Comment
Please log in to post a comment.
No comments yet