The Company - Then and Now.
Still a family business, Bell Bro. began in 1919 when Joseph Bell left the army and operated a delivery truck from Ashington to Newcastle with his own father. A haulage company - Bells of Ashington - was built up by his sons operating from Bedlington, delivering goods all over the country and sometimes in Europe. This was sold in 1996 to a local haulage firm.
In 1974, Bell Truck Sales Limited was set up in Bedlington (next door to the haulage company) as a Mercedes-Benz truck dealership by Jim Bell. Bell's reputation for offering a superbly engineered product and an efficient after-sales service resulted in the company achieving steady growth over the years in the North East of England.
By 1978 the Birtley depot was opened to service and sell Mercedes-Benz vehicles and parts and, in 1987, the Bedlington operation was moved to the larger site in Longbenton, Newcastle. This quickly expanded an already successful commercial vehicle business. In 1990, we were proud to have our work recognised when we were awarded Dealer of the Year by Mercedes-Benz.
In 2001 a new opportunity presented itself: to become a Mitsubishi Canter franchise. Now known as FUSO, Bell Truck and Van sell vehicles and provide service and parts for this product. In 2003, we acquired the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle business to cover the Teesside / Durham area.
In 2006 Bell Truck's after-sales team were recognised by Mercedes-Benz and awarded the After-Sales Dealer of the Year. Once again, the after-sales team proudly won After-Sales Dealer of the Year in 2014.
The Van Sales team were recognised for their efforts in 2015 with Retail Team of the Year, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Van Team of the Year and Most Improved Dealer of the Year.
Bell Truck Sales now operates out of four depots at Longbenton, Billingham, Spennymoor and Stockton.