Sydney-based operator, Eather Group, has taken a major first step in its sustainability journey with the purchase of a Euro 6-rated Mercedes-Benz Actros 2658.
The family-run company, which focuses on construction, infrastructure projects, bulk haulage and land rehabilitation, has made the fuel-efficient, low-emissions Actros the first vehicle in what it calls the first stage of its Green Transport Plan.
“We are always looking at what we can do better, especially from a sustainability perspective,” said Eather Group Marketing Manager Divinia Eather.
“We are not ready for electric [trucks] yet, but Euro 6 is the basis for our next step and that is something we can do straight away and it makes a big difference.”
While the Actros joins a fleet largely made up of conventional American-style trucks, early signs show it’s already setting the standard when it comes to fuel economy and driver satisfaction.
Powered by a 16-litre six-cylinder engine and a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the Actros 2658 is now recording the best fuel consumption figures in the fleet.
But it’s not just the fuel savings turning heads — safety and driver comfort are also front and centre.
“Safety is really important to us, so the safety tech built into the truck is really next level,” Divinia said.
Eather Group is no stranger to rigorous safety demands, especially with the compliance required to operate on large-scale government infrastructure projects. The Actros’ suite of integrated active safety systems adds another layer of assurance.
“The fact the Actros is so comfortable and quiet also means that the driver is less fatigued and that is also important,” Divinia added.
Behind the wheel of the Actros is experienced driver Rob Matuszewski — a former die-hard fan of another brand in the Eather fleet. But the new truck quickly changed his mind.
“After a day in the Actros he said: ‘Don’t put me back in the other truck, I’m staying in this one’,” Divinia laughed.
She said Rob noticed the difference not just in handling, but in how he felt after a long shift.
“Rob said the work takes much less of a toll on him in the Actros than the other trucks.”
The investment in the Mercedes-Benz is part of a broader Eather Group philosophy that prioritises both people and performance.
Established in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Peter and Sally-ann Eather, the company has grown to employ more than 40 people, with a fleet of over 20 trucks and a suite of earthmoving machinery.
More than just equipment and contracts, the Eather Group is focused on social inclusion and workforce diversity — values that extend across its hiring and training programs.
“Our team has always been diverse because we give people a go,” Divinia said.
“The industry average is 13 per cent female, with just two per cent actually on the tools. Currently, in our business, 36 per cent including four female drivers and three female machine operators.”
Eather Group also actively supports on-the-job development, with nearly a third of its workforce currently upskilling.
“Importantly, 28 per cent of employees at Eather Group are involved in on-job learning and upskilling,” said Divinia.