Company History

Merlin Trucks was formed in 1994 by brother and sister Paul and Vicky Harrison.

Paul, who remains Managing Director to this day, had previously worked alongside his father, Willie Harrison, and uncle, Michael Harrison, at Harbro Trucks and Wilfred Harrison Transport in Canklow, Rotherham. Both businesses were subsequently closed following the compulsory purchase of the land to make way for the dual carriageway connecting Rotherham town centre with the M1 Motorway at Junction 33.

Following the closure, Paul and Vicky, under the guidance of their father, established two new companies: Merlin Trucks and Meadowhall Transport. The businesses initially operated from rented premises on Meadowbank Road, Rotherham.

The building at the new site was quickly converted into an HGV maintenance facility. Inspection pits were dug, roller shutter doors installed and a temporary parts shed constructed towards the rear of the garage. A small cabin, positioned beneath trailer floor boarding in another corner of the workshop, served as an office.

Portacabin offices and portable toilets were positioned outside, utilities were connected and the fledgling businesses were ready to go. It was, by all accounts, a fairly makeshift beginning - but Merlin Trucks was open for business.

Meadowhall Transport operated from the same site, with Merlin Trucks providing its maintenance and repair facility while also servicing external retail customers. A day and night shift operation was established to help keep the wheels turning on the vehicles passing through the garage.

From the outset, Paul was determined to secure a permanent home for both businesses. Just 18 months later, that ambition became a reality.

A new garage was built on a two-acre site, complete with offices, a dedicated rest room, toilets and a parts department constructed from two 40-foot containers. The businesses moved to the new premises, which remain our home today.

Over the years, the site and the business have continued to develop alongside the needs of our customers.

In 2026, we completed the purchase of neighbouring land, giving Merlin Trucks additional parking capacity as well as valuable space for future growth and development. This latest investment reflects our continued commitment to the long-term future of the business and to providing the facilities our customers need.

Today, Merlin Trucks remains a family-owned and operated business.

Paul continues to lead the company as Managing Director, while his son Bradley Harrison works alongside him. Together, the family remains committed to providing a personal, dependable service and ensuring every customer receives a first-class experience - whether their vehicle is with us for a scheduled inspection or service, routine maintenance, running defect repair or a more involved mechanical repair.

Our maintenance facility is a five-bay HGV workshop, equipped with:

• Four full-length inspection pits
• One lifting ramp
• Modern vehicle diagnostic equipment
• Digital roller brake tester
• Vehicle washing facilities
• Welding equipment
• Dedicated parts facilities

Our technicians are all long-serving members of the Merlin Trucks team, bringing years of experience and knowledge to every vehicle that enters the workshop. We work to a standard that meets, and where possible exceeds, the expectations of the DVSA, with safety, reliability and roadworthiness at the heart of everything we do.

When you contact Merlin Trucks, you can expect a friendly, knowledgeable and personal response from our experienced office team:

Bradley Harrison – General Manager
Jason Kirk – Service Manager
Craig Lund – Assistant Service Manager

Whether you operate a single vehicle or a larger commercial fleet, our aim is simple: to keep your vehicles safe, reliable and on the road.

With more than three decades of experience, a skilled and long-serving team, and continued investment in our facilities, Merlin Trucks is proud of where we have come from - and excited about where we are going.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.