Rab Jackson brings an impressive track record to his latest role as Group Service Manager at Northern Ireland Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI).

After serving a technician’s apprenticeship on heavy construction equipment he joined a franchisee for a Swedish truck brand and remained with that company for the next 33 years.

Now, after being snapped up by Northern Ireland’s official dealer for Mercedes-Benz trucks and Mercedes-Benz vans, Rab has fulfilled a long-held ambition to work with commercial and passenger-carrying vehicles bearing the famous three-pointed star,

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans ranges are the finest on the market,” affirmed Rab, who is responsible for the smooth running of the repair and maintenance operations at the 24-hour workshop on the Dealer’s headquarters site in Newtownabbey, and at its branch in Dungannon.

Immediately prior to taking up his new position Rab was working for a truck operator, a former customer who – like many others – had also become a friend. “But I realised I still had the dealer ‘bug’,” he laughed. “I love the work, while joining a great company, which represents one of the world’s best-known brands, has given me a great buzz. I’m relishing this challenge.”

MB T&V (NI) already offers industry-leading levels of round-the-clock after sales back-up, including emergency roadside assistance to operators of trucks and vans, as well as minibuses, buses and coaches.  As recently as 2015 it beat off the challenge of 17 other franchisees nationwide to win the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Customer Service Dealer of the Year Award, and last year its Dungannon team collected another trophy from the manufacturer, in recognition of their outstanding performance in repairing a German driver’s Actros tractor unit against the clock, so he was able to catch his ferry on time.

“I’ve inherited an excellent team of colleagues who have made me feel very welcome, while our workshop facilities are second-to-none,” continued Rab. “We have the perfect platform from which to drive the Service department forward, and I’m confident that under my leadership that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

He added: “We’re particularly strong when it comes to vans, but there are definitely growth opportunities within the heavy vehicle segment. My focus has always been on providing operators with the best possible support, and on restricting vehicle downtime to an absolute minimum. I am very customer-facing, and already talking daily to those who rely on MB T&V (NI) to keep their trucks and vans out on the road and earning.”

Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI)

About the Author: John Loughran