MV Commercial Climbs the Ranks in Scotland’s Top 100 Private Companies: Driving Growth Through Innovation and Resilience

MV Commercial Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading specialists in commercial vehicle rental and sales, has achieved another milestone in our growth journey by securing 54th place, a six place increase year on year, in the Scotland Ltd. 2025 report, Grant Thornton’s annual ranking of the nation’s top 100 private companies.

The recognition cements MV Commercial’s position as a leading player in the UK’s transport and logistics sector, highlighting the company’s continued success in a challenging global economic environment and its dedication to innovation, customer service, and sustainable expansion.

A Resilient Performer in a Shifting Economy

The Scotland Ltd. 2025 report celebrates the most successful privately owned Scottish businesses, analysing performance based on turnover and EBITDA. Collectively, the top 100 companies generate £40 billion in revenue and employ more than 146,000 people, a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit driving Scotland’s economy.

MV Commercial’s inclusion in this year’s ranking reflects not just growth in numbers but a deep commitment to strategic investment and customer-focused innovation. In a sector often defined by tight margins and fluctuating demand, MV has continued to outperform through agility, quality, and a relentless focus on what it is best known for: haulage, crane trucks, and specialist trucks tailored for the UK construction and infrastructure industries.

Strategic Growth Built on Excellence

For Steven Cairns, Managing Director of MV Commercial, this achievement is the result of deliberate strategy and disciplined execution.

“The on-going growth of the MV business from both a truck rental and sales perspective has been achieved via a mix of targeted investment and a strong focus on the UK construction-based sector where specialist premium products, reliability, and service excellence are key,” Cairns shared in the Scotland Ltd. report.

He continued:

“Despite the various economic challenges we have faced in the last 12 months, our commitment to continued investment in research and development, IT, systems, people, and fleet continues to be at the forefront of our business model. Our culture and identity are underpinned by our approach and mentality towards top quality service, and as one of the largest independent truck dealers in the UK, we are proud to be Scottish-based and to be supporting the growth of our loyal customers big and small throughout the length and breadth of the UK.”

From Local Startup to National Powerhouse

Founded in 2001, MV Commercial began as a modest Scottish enterprise with a simple mission: to provide flexible, reliable, and high-quality trucks for the UK’s growing construction and logistics industries.

Today, that mission has evolved into a national operation with 6 depots across the UK and a manufacturing footprint exceeding 80 acres. The company’s expertise spans the design, manufacture, rental, and sale of specialist vehicles, including crane trucks, plant trucks, and bespoke trailers built to exact customer specifications.

The Fruehauf Acquisition: A Catalyst for Transformation

One of the defining moments in MV Commercial’s recent history came in September 2021, when it acquired Fruehauf, the UK’s iconic tipping trailer manufacturer, rescuing the business from administration.

The acquisition secured over 120 jobs and marked the start of a £30 million investment roadmap aimed at modernising Fruehauf’s operations and reigniting its legacy. The investment revitalised Fruehauf’s 64-acre, 550,000-square-foot facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire, now a hub of innovation and efficiency.

Modernised production lines, advanced fabrication machinery, and automated systems have doubled trailer production since the acquisition. The facility has also expanded its product range to include blower trailers for bulk transport, rigid bodies, and sub-frames for MV’s extensive hire fleet.

This integration not only boosted output but strengthened MV Commercial’s ability to control quality and lead times, a crucial advantage in a market facing global supply chain disruptions. It also positioned the company as a UK manufacturing leader, reducing dependency on imports while opening doors for innovation in sustainable and technology-driven transport solutions.

Recognised for Service and Independence

MV Commercial’s independence remains one of its greatest strengths. Free from manufacturer ties, the company can offer bespoke, high-spec vehicles from leading brands such as DAF, Volvo, MAN, Scania, Hiab, and Palfinger all tailored precisely to customer needs.

This flexibility, combined with an unrelenting focus on service, has earned MV Commercial multiple accolades, including Commercial Motor’s Independent Dealer of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.

Fruehauf’s own resurgence has mirrored this momentum: UK tipping trailer registrations under the brand have risen dramatically from 14.3% to 39.4%, reflecting surging demand and customer trust.

Looking Ahead: Driving Sustainable Growth

As Scotland’s private sector continues to adapt to shifting market conditions with transport and logistics showing 4.8% turnover growth according to the Scotland Ltd. report  MV Commercial stands poised for its next chapter of expansion.

Future plans include:

• Expanding manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand.

• Investing in sustainable materials and vehicle technologies to align with environmental goals.

• Developing and introducing new specialist products for emerging industries and infrastructure projects.

• Enhancing digital systems to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

Through innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted Scottish identity, MV Commercial continues to drive forward,  not only as a business success story but as a symbol of how strategic vision and community-focused leadership can power national growth.

About MV Commercial

Founded in 2001, MV Commercial Ltd is a leading UK specialist in truck rental, sales, and manufacturing, headquartered in Airdrie, Scotland. The company operates nationwide, offering bespoke vehicle solutions to the construction, logistics, and transport industries. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer service, MV Commercial continues to set the standard for excellence in the commercial vehicle sector.