Service with a smile - A.N. Richards supporting customers towards a golden future.
A.N. Richards, of Froncysyllte, near Llangollen in Wales, celebrates their 50th anniversary of serving customers from their Froncysyllte location, over 20 of those supporting MAN Truck, Bus and Van customers.
Located directly adjacent to the A5, which runs some 260 miles from London to Holyhead, and just metres from the Llangollen Canal and the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, A.N. Richards moved to its current site in 1976. Today, A.N. Richards, now managed by second and third-generation family members, is renowned for providing customers with enviable, award-winning levels of service and support.
Becoming part of the MAN Truck & Bus-approved franchised partner dealer group in 2003, the highly skilled team at A.N. Richards offers a comprehensive range of vehicle repairs, maintenance services, MOTs, inspections, 24/7 recovery and accident repairs, for the entire MAN model range, covering vehicles from 3.5-tonne TGE Vans to 250-tonne heavy-haulage specialist tractors, as well as MAN Neoplan coaches.
The family-run A.N. Richards business, originally founded in 1962 by Arthur Neville and Dorothy Richards, continues to be run by their sons, Bryn and Gary, Bryn’s wife Rose, daughter Johanna and son-in-law Daniel Cooke.
Bryn Richards, son of the founder and Managing Director at A.N. Richards Ltd, commented: “Over the last 50 years, we’ve made it our promise to supply customers with an unrivalled level of service and care. To continually ensure we deliver on this promise, the entire team works on the principle of treating customers with dignity, respect and honesty.
“Across the business, our word is our bond, and because of this, we’ve been supporting some customers and their haulage businesses for over four decades. These relationships are both special and valuable, and I’m delighted to say that over the years they’ve evolved into close friendships.
“Over time, we’ve ensured we’ve continually modernized the business, kept abreast of changes and updates in both vehicle and industry technologies, and treated our staff with respect,” added Bryn.
As a franchised partner of MAN Truck & Bus, A.N. Richards services and maintains the full range of MAN vehicles sold in the UK, including TGE vans from 3.5 to 5.5 tonnes, trucks from the TGL at 7.5 tonnes to TGX tractors at 44 tonnes, TGX specialist Heavy Haulage tractors up to 250 tonnes, and Neoplan Coaches.
Bryn continued, “50 years of supporting our customers and serving the needs of the local transport industry, and over 20 years of working with MAN, is something we’re all extremely proud of.
“With the support of my wife Rose, my brother and business partner Gary, and now Johanna – Jo – and my son-in-law Daniel in the business, alongside the simply amazing A.N. Richards team, I look back with a smile and forward with an even bigger one.”
“As we continue to build for the future, there is more to come from A.N. Richards, so here’s to the next 50 years.” Concluded Bryn.
Marking the 50th anniversary and as part of the ongoing investment in the business, A.N. Richards is opened a new drive-through ATF facility at Whitehurst Garage in Pentre.
Johanna Cooke, A.N. Richards Director, said: “When we look back over the last 50 years, we all reflect with fondness, knowing that it’s hard work and dedication that have brought us to where we are today. We became an ERF truck service provider in 1992. When MAN bought ERF in 2000, we became a MAN service provider, and then in 2004 we became a fully-fledged MAN Truck & Bus approved franchised partner.
“Today, the entire A.N. Richards team is focused on delivering an unsurpassed level of class-leading service to our customers. As we look ahead, with sustainability playing a major role in shaping our future and electric vehicles rapidly becoming the norm, the opening of our new AFT facility, which features electric vehicle charging posts, is the next step in our journey.”
Johanna concluded, “To mark our 50th anniversary we hosted an open day featuring family fun activities, including a ride-and-drive event with MAN battery-powered eTrucks and TGE vans. Some customers are bringing their latest MAN trucks. Refreshments will be on tap, and we’ll even have a few classic vehicles to appreciate.”
In addition to running a thriving service centre, A.N. Richards also runs a truck & trailer hire business. With over 300 assorted MAN trucks, TGE vans and trailers in the fleet, A.N. Richards can offer customers flexible hire packages across a range of vehicles, including tractors, tippers, LCV’s, Flat Bed’s and Pick Ups.
David Allen, a long-term A.N. Richards customer and family friend, of Cecil S. Allen & Sons Haulage & Storage of Legacy, Wrexham, commented, “The service we’ve received from Bryn, Gary, Jo, and the entire team at A.N. Richards is nothing short of incredible. Their word is their bond, and I’m proud to say that the relationship we’ve formed over the years has grown into a friendship, too. They look after our vehicles as if they were their own. Nothing is too much trouble, and they are genuinely nice people to work with.”
Jan Kollmeier, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK said: “I’d like to both congratulate and thank Bryn, Rose, Gary, Jo, Daniel and the wider A.N. Richards team for all their support over the years. Their dedication to delivering a class leading level of customer service is indeed something to be incredibly proud of.
“It’s also really exciting to see Bryn and the team open their new ATF facility, with electric vehicle charging stations, a real statement where customer service meets the next level of vehicle technology and sustainability.”
A.N. Richards timeline
1962 – A.N. Richards established by Arthur Neville and Dorothy Richards
1976 – A.N. Richards moves into Froncysyllte, Llangollen, Wrexham, LL20 7RA. Where it remains to this day.
1992 – A.N. Richards becomes an authorised ERF Truck service agent
2000 – A.N. Richards joins MAN as a service provider
2003 – A.N. Richards becomes a MAN Truck & Bus approved franchised service partner.
2005 – A.N. Richards purchases their own MAN as a hire vehicle to offer their customers
2011 – A.N. Richards opens their first on-site ATF facility
2017 – A.N. Richards becomes an approved TGE sales and service provider
2026 – A.N. Richards opens a new drive-through ATF (Authorised Test Facility) at Whitehurst Garage, Chirk (Postcode)
A.N. Richards Ltd
Froncysyllte
Llangollen
Wrexham
LL20 7RA
01691 777835