Value and durability caps body choice for Irish food distributor04 September 2014

Chilled and frozen food distributor PRM has extended its fleet with two more Mercedes trucks equipped with Gray & Adams bodies.

The Irish operator's latest acquisitions, like others in its fleet, are on Mercedes chassis – one is a 26-tonne Antos 2532, the other is a 15-tonne Atego 1518.

The Atego is the first rigid truck in Ireland to be fitted with Gray & Adams' latest-generation cappings. These are more aerodynamic, so reduce diesel consumption as well as giving the vehicle a more streamlined appearance.

The 6.1m body also has upgraded insulation on the sidewalls, roof and floor for enhanced thermal efficiency. A Thermo King T-1000 Spectrum refrigeration unit gives a constant temperature of -25°C – crucial as the vehicle is being used to distribute ice-cream.

The 8.9m box body on the 26-tonne Antos has been already served eight years, but has been refurbished by Gray & Adams before being refitted to the new chassis. This work included overhaul of the tail-lift, a new roof deflector with integral catwalk, and repair to the panels and cappings.

Philip Morrow, PRM's managing director, says the company's decision to go with Gray & Adams was based on build quality, durability and value for money.

"There are many alternatives ... but I know from many years' experience that I'm investing in a premium body or trailer which will perform reliably and withstand long years in operation," he says.

"We'll run our rigid bodies for six or seven years, then get them refurbished so that – as with our latest 26-tonner – they look immaculate, and are ready to go again for a second time."

The Lisburn-based operator has 35 rigid vehicles of varying sizes, as well as 17 tractor units and 22 trailers.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Gray & Adams Ltd
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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