GRP makes welcome return to Willow Foods

The decision by North Wales company Willow Foods to choose GRP refrigerated bodywork again marks a return to specifying the GRP marque, after almost a decade since GRP bodied vehicles were last in their fleet. As Malcolm Acott from Willow Foods explains, ”GRP used to be a regular sight within our distribution operation many years ago, however, after a period of absence, we are pleased to welcome GRP back into the fleet with this latest three vehicle order. Without doubt, the GRP quality of workmanship is a credit to the company and already the three vehicles are giving us excellent performance in service.” These latest vehicles to join the 24 strong distribution fleet at Willow Foods includes two Mercedes Benz 311 Sprinter integral vans together with a single Ford Transit Jumbo panel van, all plated at 3.5tonnes GVW. Each vehicle features a GRP refrigerated van conversion, manufactured at the main GRP factory in Leeds. Refrigeration is provided from a GAH RC21T direct drive refrigeration unit, with standby facility, whilst Transcan temperature monitoring equipment is fitted as standard. The specification for the three vehicles is identical as they are all involved in the distribution of sandwiches at temperatures ranging from 0° C. to +5° C, with each body being specially adapted for pallet load operation. Wrexham based Willow Foods is a private independent company, established in 1992, specialising in distributing quality chilled and frozen products. In addition, Willow Foods also offers a chilled distribution and courier service throughout the Midlands and North West for third-party customers. It is on this operation that the three new vehicles will be involved, primarily in the distribution of the company’s range of pre packed sandwiches “It is always reassuring when a well established company, such as Willow Foods, specifies GRP bodywork for its new vehicles, especially when citing the quality of manufacture as the principle reason for putting GRP back on their supplier list,” said Sales Director at GRP Group.

29 August 2007