WCB Utilities

Published on: 24th February 2026

Overview

WCB Utilities is one of Southern England’s leading utility and civil engineering contractors, with nearly 20 years of specialist experience delivering projects across the South East, including London East and West. Their services cover a broad scope of infrastructure works, from major utilities installations to complex construction projects – requiring a transport fleet that can operate safely, efficiently, and with maximum reliability.

To support these operations, WCB Utilities recently invested in a Sterling Multiload, mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8×2 32T chassis and equipped with a Fassi F455 crane supplied and fitted by Walker Crane Services. This plant body has been built to specification from headboard to ramp to deliver exactly what WCB needs for their demanding, high-pressure utility projects.

Why the Sterling Multiload?

For utility contractors like WCB, versatility and resilience are critical. Jobsites are often constrained, schedules are tight, and equipment demands vary daily. The Sterling Multiload was selected for its dual-purpose capability, functioning as both a crane truck and a beavertail – allowing the same vehicle to lift heavy loads into place, while also transporting plant and machinery safely between sites.

This approach consolidates fleet operations, reduces reliance on multiple vehicles, and ensures that WCB can respond quickly and reliably to project demands.

The Specification

This Multiload was built to WCB Utilities’ exact operational requirements, including a range of optional extras designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and adaptability in live operational environments.

3-Stage Ladder with Stowage Under the Beavertail

• Stows neatly under the body, saving deck space.
• Essential for urban and utility environments where working at height compliance is paramount.

12,000lb Electric Winch

• Enables recovery and loading of non-driven or immobilised machinery.
• Reduces the need for additional lifting equipment, saving time and cost.
• A robust tool for loading items like compactors, trenching machines, or static generators that are common on utility sites.

3.5T Ball & Jaw Coupling

• Expands operational capability by allowing the Multiload to tow ancillary equipment and trailers.
• Provides flexibility for hauling smaller plant items without needing a second vehicle.
• Increases fleet efficiency by consolidating multiple tasks into one movement.

Hardwood Deck with Steel Mesh Overlay

• Combines the resilience of hardwood with the grip of a steel mesh surface.
• Delivers excellent durability under heavy loads and reduces slip risks during wet conditions.
• A practical solution for loading tracked or wheeled plant, ensuring safer movement in varied site conditions.

Operational Benefits for WCB Utilities

The tailored Multiload specification provides real-world advantages across the utility and construction environments where WCB operates:

• Multi-Functional Utility: Functions seamlessly as both a crane and a beavertail truck, covering diverse transport needs in one unit.
• Increased Safety Compliance: Features like the stowable access ladder, non-slip deck, and controlled winch loading ensure safer working practices on busy utility projects.
• Greater Fleet Efficiency: By reducing the need for separate plant carriers, crane trucks, and towing units, the Multiload maximises ROI and reduces fleet operating costs.
• Improved Responsiveness: With versatile kit onboard, WCB teams can adapt quickly to unexpected site conditions or last-minute client requirements.
• Durability for Demanding Jobs: The hardwood and steel deck, galvanised components, and rugged design ensure long service life in harsh working environments.

Client Feedback

WCB Utilities shared the following feedback after taking delivery of their new Multiload:

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Grant and the team at Sterling Bodies for the fantastic work carried out on our new HIAB lorry. From start to finish, Sterling Bodies were on point – from the initial sit-down with Grant to go through the available options and the elements we wanted to improve from our previous lorry, right through to the finished product. Even with a last-minute addition to the specification, Grant and the team still delivered the body on time. WCB couldn’t thank Sterling Bodies enough for their support, and no doubt we’ll be working together again on a future project.”

Conclusion

The Sterling Multiload, mounted on a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8×2 chassis with a Fassi F455 crane, has provided WCB Utilities with a powerful, adaptable plant body for their fleet. With its upgraded specification, the vehicle combines lifting power, safe plant transport, and added towing capacity – all within a single plant body.

For WCB, this investment ensures that their transport capability keeps pace with the complex, time-critical demands of the utilities and construction industries. The result is a solution that not only improves operational safety and efficiency but also strengthens WCB’s ability to deliver for clients across the South East.