Kent-based Curd and Cure say their new CoolKit vehicles are helping to drive further growth for the company.
The artisan food and drink distributor placed their first order with refrigerated vehicle specialist CoolKit in July 2017.
Stuart Grant, who took over as Managing Director in January, was so impressed with the quality of the vehicles he placed an order for a further three.
Stuart said: “We are working tirelessly to improve our processes to ensure we continue to strive for the highest standard of service and delivery.
“We are really looking to grow the business. This year the company celebrates its 30th year of trade and we have heavily invested in new staff, new vehicles, larger storage for new product ranges and two new production facilities.
“Ordering vehicles through CoolKit has been a good move for us. The biggest improvement is in the build quality. The CoolKit vans are far superior.”
Stuart’s previous fleet consisted of Mercedes Sprinter Vans, but CoolKit’s sales team suggested a range of alternatives that would suit their needs – including the Renault Masters Van.
The new vehicles feature a fixed bulkhead offering dual temperature compartments for frozen and ambient goods.
Stuart said: “CoolKit have taken our bespoke measurements and requirements and maximised our space. The new vans can keep up with the workload and multiple drop offs. And because the insulated panels are thinner, we can fit five crates in rather than four so we are able to make the most of every square inch.
Curd and Cure, which has recently secured its Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) certification, employs 25 people and has five vehicles – two provided by CoolKit, and a further two on order.
Stuart added: “Our vehicles are the face of our company. Each product must be delivered safely and in a timely fashion. We don’t have a business if we don’t have the vehicles to deliver the goods.
The company, which delivers goods across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London, said the CurtAir technology – invisible air barrier – recommended by CoolKit has made a big difference to the inside temperature of the vehicles when delivering to areas with a high proportion of customers.
He said: “CurtAir has not only completely eradicated the need for PVC curtains, making it easier for our drivers to unload products, we have also seen an increase in temperature retention by up to 20 per cent.
Stuart said the company’s new vehicles cost less than their previous vehicles, with the added benefits of being delivered fully wrapped, with upgraded refrigeration unit, superior build quality and optional extras such as a rear safety T-bar, which doubles as a step, to protect the vehicle from collisions and damage from fork lift trucks while loading.
Stuart added: “I can’t rate CoolKit enough for their customer service and after sales. They have been adaptable to our needs and have delivered us a quality product. They have the best interests of their client in mind.