Why Grupo Roxu from Asturias trusts robust Mercedes-Benz trucks

Since it was founded in 1979, your company has experienced continual growth. What is your biggest advantage over the competition?

García: Without a doubt, there are two things: our modern machines and the fact that we have our own fleet: 200 cranes and 100 transport units. The Roxu group includes, on the one hand, the specialist crane transport firm Grúas Roxu, itself divided into two business areas: the first is the vertical transport of machines using cranes of between 30 and 1,350 t, while the second handles light-duty and heavy-duty transport with more than 100 vehicles, of which 40 percent are heavy haulage trucks. Meanwhile, the second business of the group is the lifting platform specialist Plataformas Aéreas Asturianas (PLAAS), which has more than 500 lifting platforms and platform trucks with a reach of between 45 and 72 metres.

What role does Mercedes-Benz play in your fleet?

García: The Mercedes-Benz brand was always represented in our fleet. Today, our fleet is made up of around 70 percent Mercedes vehicles. As part of our fleet rejuvenation, we've just taken delivery of twelve Arocs trucks.

Your company is listed in the IC50 index, which is a listing of the biggest crane providers worldwide. Apart from having your own resources, what else defines your company?

García: A team which makes it possible to react quickly and efficiently whatever the situation. In order to carry out our work to a good standard, we need 100-percent commitment. Investments are also another key to our success – each year we have to sort out the special approvals for our heavy-duty trucks. These are crucial as they allow us to take on all possible types of transport task at any time and without any bureaucratic expenditure across all of Spain.

Which crane do you use most and for which tasks?

García: Alongside the small cranes, our cranes with capacities of 100 and 300 t are those which are most commonly requested. However, the most spectacular of all is our LTM 11200 with 1,200 t lifting capacity. Our main fields of operation are for the wind energy, shipping and industrial sectors. We are busy all over Spain, particularly in the renewable energies sector.

According to Spain's energy plan, by 2020 it should be possible for 30 percent of the country's energy requirement to be covered by renewable energies – that equates to 36 gigawatts. Half of that sum should come from wind energy. Do you think that's realistic?

García: I surely hope so. Firstly, because mankind and the planet would benefit from it, and secondly because it would create jobs and economic growth. For one, I think that wind energy is the most effective for society and the environment. And then there's also the fact that it is especially interesting for me, of course, as the majority of our transport tasks come from this sector.

Contact.

José Manuel García, Grupo Roxu
Email: roxu@gruasroxu.com

Photos: Begoña Tremps