UD Trucks have enabled one of Australia’s largest chemical companies to operate with maximum efficiency, safety and reliability by deploying the robust UD Quon in its fleet.
Leigh Smart, Owner and Director of Formula Chemicals Pty Ltd in Sydney, NSW purchased his first UD Quon 18 months ago and claims that the company has not looked back since.
Formula Chemicals specialise in the manufacturing of strong acids, alkalisers and detergents for the food and dairy industry, and count on reliable trucks to ensure their products are transported safely and efficiently across their 33,000 annual routes in NSW. Founded by Leigh in 1973, Formula Chemicals has been a family-owned and run business since day one, with Leigh’s children and grandchildren working for the company and maintaining a vision to excel in product satisfaction and customer service.
Having been operating in the industry for more than 50 years and being a prominent member of the ATA, Leigh Smart understands all too well the need for robust and dependable vehicles to maintain a productive and profitable fleet.
During the UD Trucks Lap of the Map visit through NSW, Leigh explained how Formula Chemical’s sturdy UD Quon CD 6x2 360hp trucks have supported their fleet and provided exceptional fuel efficiency. “The fuel efficiency on these trucks blows you away,” said Leigh.
“One of our guys will take a trip down to Albury and come back again and he’s still got a full tank of fuel. They’re a great truck and the drivers love them. It’s incredible how fuel efficient they are compared to our old trucks. Just unbelievable.”
Leigh explained that when it came time to buying another truck a year and a half ago, it was essential that they found the right truck to continue their operations, particularly with transporting dangerous goods safely. While Formula Chemicals had been exclusively purchasing another Japanese truck brand for 35 years, Leigh reached out to his local UD Trucks dealer after the brand was recommended to him by a friend and was immediately impressed with the professional service and support he received.
“Both the Sales Manager and Sales Executive came out here had a meeting with me,” Leigh said. “They showed that much interest in what I was doing and what they could do to help me. I can’t say as much as I possibly can about the service people.”
“They bought out a truck for our drivers and they couldn’t believe it. We’d never get them to go back to the old trucks, no way in the world.”
With his trucks carrying dangerous goods all over NSW, Leigh said that safety remains an utmost priority for Formal Chemicals. With a raft of safety features on the UD Quon including Traffic Eye Brake System, Traffic Eye Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System and UD Stability Control as a standard, UD provides an ideal platform for safer transport.
“They’re carrying dangerous goods and that’s the most important thing. We’re looking at a modern truck with all the latest technology, all the stuff you want in a truck and that you need. I couldn’t ask for any more,” said Leigh.
When asked about the Lap of the Map during the visit, Leigh said “I think it’s fantastic.”
“You’re selling a quality product and you’ve only got to drive it to know. Everyone’s going to see a UD truck driving around Australia!’
“We’ve got the latest UD truck being built now. Will be an absolutely magnificent truck and everyone can’t wait to see it and drive it.”
When commenting on the Lap of the Map and the customer visits that have taken place, Vice President of UD Trucks Australia, Lauren Pulitano said that it has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with customers like Leigh and hear the genuine everyday stories of UD.
“Hearing Leigh’s story is one that makes us very proud of the work we do at UD Trucks in consistently going the extra mile to deliver reliable, safe and efficient trucks that the industry needs and relies on. We’re excited to continue our journey of Australia and meet the many faces of the UD family,” said Lauren.
“UD customers and dealers across Australia have been key to our ongoing success for nearly 50 years, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating customer success and our partnerships along the way.”
Follow the Lap of the Map journey on TikTok and Facebook. #UDTrucksLapoftheMap
For further information please contact:
Matt Wood – Public Relations and Media Manager (Volvo Group Australia) Mobile: +61 (0)436 681 117
Email: matthew.wood@volvo.com
Picture Captions:
L1: Owner and Director of Formula Chemicals, Leigh Smart
L2: Volvo Group Australia PR and Media Manager, Matt Wood and Owner and Director of Formula Chemicals, Leigh Smart, during the Lap of the Map stopover in Sydney, NSW.
L3: The Formula Chemicals UD Quon CD 6x2 360hp trucks at the Sydney premises
L4: Leigh Smart with Formula Chemicals staff
