GREGORY Distribution in North Tawton has updated its fleet of temperature controlled vehicles used on the company's contract with the Appleby Westward Group servicing Spar stores across the south west of England.

The investment involves the acquisition of ten Carrier Transicold Vector 1950 multi-temperature refrigeration units, which have had many features bespoke designed for Gregory, making the trailers some of the most advanced and safe in current operation.

Innovative design includes improved all round lighting with directional reversing lights and greater rear illumination for loading and unloading. The units also have internal moving longitudinal bulkheads allowing the trailers' compartments to be altered and enabling varying payloads of frozen, chilled and ambient goods to be carried without compromising efficiency.

Simon Thomson, Gregory's Spar contract operations manager based at the business' Cullompton depot, played a major role in specifying the final design after consulting with warehouse staff and drivers as well as accompanying them on deliveries.

He said: 'A significant proportion of deliveries on this contract are made at night. Being a former driver and having gone out on current routes, we were able to identify difficulties and to develop solutions to suggest to Gray and Adams who designed and built the trailers.

'As an example, it became apparent that previous light configurations were inadequate, especially when reversing in tight situations so we wanted better night time rear vision, directional lighting when reversing and better tailgate lighting at all levels of operation to not only light but better protect the driver.

'Our drivers are delighted with the new trailers. They improve operational efficiency having the ability to haul larger loads by improved internal sections giving greater flexibility and utilisation, they reduce fuel consumption and greatly improve driver safety.'

The investment in new vehicles for Gregory's Spar contract also includes the acquisition of ten Scania tractor units.