Some of the vehicles represent growth for the Scottish company. Others are replacements for 7.5-tonners made by rival manufacturers; Isuzu is now the operator's first choice at this weight.

All of the newcomers are equipped with Easyshift transmissions and curtainsider bodies and were sourced through dealer A M Phillip.

Better payload capacity than most rival 7.5-tonners is among the reasons why Menzies opted for the Forward plus the reliability and fuel efficiency of other Isuzu models it has operated.

“If we had a complaint about Isuzu's previous 7.5-tonner it was that drivers were critical about the size of the cab and the uncomfortable seats,” says Menzies Distribution logistics manager, Stuart McLean. “However, the new cab on the Forward range has addressed these areas of concern.”

Menzies has also placed an order for one of Isuzu's new 18-tonners.