Whisper it quietly in today's world, but Britain remains a rural nation ...

With 70% of the land in this country given over to agriculture, managing our countryside is big business. And helping those responsible in a practical sense is what IAE are all about ...

IAE are Europe's leading manufacturer of agricultural, equestrian and fencing equipment. Established over 40 years ago and still firmly a family business, the company specialises in producing high quality galvanised steel products for customers throughout the UK and Europe. And today, it ranks many of the most prestigious farms, liveries and racecourses amongst its customers.

Allowing the company to service client requirements, IAE operates a 15-strong fleet from its Longton, Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing facility. 'We have customers - quite literally - from John O'Groats down to the tip of Cornwall, and across into Europe,' says Fleet Manager, Peter Plant, 'so flexibility makes running our own trucks sound commercial sense.'

Since 1994, Iveco have formed the backbone of IAE's predominantly tractor fleet. 

Two 500 bhp Iveco Stralis AS440S50TX/P SuperCube tractors were added to the fleet in September, whilst a 450 bhp version goes on the road this month, with another to follow in November.

'We've run Stralis tractors since Iveco first launched the product in 2002,' said Peter, 'and we're delighted with them. 450 bhp is our preferred specification - they're returning a consistent upper 9 mpg across the fleet - and with flat trailers and predominantly high and irregular loads, that's as good as it gets.'

'But we like to keep abreast of developments and the way the market's going - so we're trialling two 500 bhp Stralis to see what kind of increase in performance and productivity we could achieve ...'

Like all IAE's Ivecos, these new Stralis tractors are supplied and supported by Sherwood Truck & Van.