FDBusiness.com

The Co-operative Group is continuing a decade-long trend of selecting Carrier Transicold UK transport refrigeration equipment with the delivery of 330 new Supra and Vector temperature-controlled systems. Carrier Transicold helps improve global transport and shipping temperature control with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The delivery includes 171 Supra 950 MT (multi-temperature) systems mounted to 18- and 26-tonne Scania rigid trucks and 159 Vector 1850 MT units on a variety of Gray & Adams refrigerated trailers. Both the rigid trucks and trailers feature twin-compartment load spaces, offering maximum transport flexibility, combined with slimline Carrier evaporators for ease of loading.

This order is particularly notable, marking the final development phase of The Co-operative’s new 467,000 square-foot regional distribution centre in Andover, Hampshire. This facility commenced operations in July 2011 and is now supported by a full-strength fleet, enabling it to handle 1.3 million cases of fresh, frozen, chilled and ambient products every week with deliveries to more than 400 stores across southern England.

“In our business, it is essential to specify equipment which is cost-effective, robust and flexible, but which is also backed-up by the highest standards of aftermarket support,” said Ken Thompson, group transport manager, The Co- operative Group. “With Carrier Transicold, we get the whole package. It’s why I have personally specified more than 1000 Carrier units for our fleet since 2002.”

The Supra 950 MT unit is the most powerful Carrier truck-mounted system that meets UK specifications, making it ideal for The Co-operative’s busy fleet, which carries out the bulk of deliveries to urban stores. Its high refrigeration capacity ensures enhanced product protection, even with frequent door openings when delivering to nearby stores in quick succession.

The Vector 1850 MT unit is built for intensive use where high capacity is needed and will be used for regional trucking as well as deliveries to Co-operative stores.

“Carrier’s Vector technology in particular has transformed the temperature- controlled market in recent years, and we welcome the extended service intervals and consistent fleet uptime that it helps us to achieve,” adds Thompson.

The new vehicles and trailers are expected to remain in service with The Co- operative for the next seven years. They join the Co-operative Group’s temperature-controlled fleet, which already includes more than 550 rigid trucks, 900 trailers and 600 tractor units.

The Co-operative has nearly 3000 stores across the UK, and delivers to approximately 4000 different food retail outlets, including stores operated by other co-operative societies.