“We knew someone who had been operating an Ekeri for 17 years and not least, the remarkable condition of the trailer made us take a closer look,” says James Cole, director of the Virginia, Co Cavan-based operator.
“Also, we were very impressed by the combination of high security and multiple loading access through the sides – all the speed and ease of a curtainsider, but with the strength and reliability of an insulated van-type body,” he adds.
Specialising in the transport of diverse products such as food, FMCG, electronics and pharma, the family-owned business operates between Ireland, the UK and throughout Europe, with 120 trucks and 400 trailers. It also has three ambient and chilled warehousing facilities in Ireland and a fourth distribution hub in Tamworth, England.
Vehicle security at ferry terminals is crucial, says Cole, and the Ekeri trailer’s remote central locking provides reassurance that “nobody but us can gain access”.
Multiple side-door openings enable access to any part of the load, ideal for multi-drop routes, he adds, and the internal strapping system makes it easy to secure any type of product along the aluminium trailer bed.
Cole concludes: “Although the Ekeri trailer is just one small part of a large vehicle fleet, it’s already pulling its weight. Built to last, it does everything we want it to.”