FRAIKIN KEEPS WILLIAMSON FOODSERVICE ON THE MOVE IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Inverness-based family business Williamson Foodservice has taken delivery of two new temperature controlled DAF trucks from Fraikin on a five-year full-service contract hire deal, marking a move away from outright purchase for its truck fleet.

Williamson Foodservice operates a 30-strong commercial vehicle fleet comprising 17 light commercials, six of which are already sourced on contract hire, and 13 trucks ranging between 7.5 and 18 tonnes that are all owned by the business.

The two new DAF LF 7.5-tonne rigids replace older vehicles in the fleet and will supply fresh and chilled food and drink to catering and retail customers in some of the remotest parts of Scotland.

The decision to turn to Fraikin was based on its ability to alleviate the workload associated with managing a truck fleet, by providing a comprehensive maintenance and servicing package – vital given that each vehicle travels across the Highlands and by ferry to the Western Isles.

Gary Williamson, Managing Director at Williamson Foodservice, says: “Fraikin was committed to providing a maintenance package that was perfectly suited to our business needs. Our vehicles clock up a high mileage delivering well off the beaten track for most truck fleets, so maximising uptime was pivotal – particularly when carrying temperature sensitive loads.”

All maintenance work will be managed by Fraikin via an approved third-party network on a collection and delivery basis, with work proactively scheduled out of hours to ensure Williamson Foodservice’s fleet is always on the road when it’s needed.

Williamson adds: “What separates Fraikin from the rest of the pack is the commitment they showed to truly understand our needs. From the start they really got to grips with how we work, ensuring we got the perfect vehicles for the job, as well as putting in place the fleet management support we need moving forward.”

Both DAF rigids have been mounted with Tekbo insulated bodies and Thermo King refrigeration units. In operation six days a week, Williamson Foodservice will receive all the benefits of full-service contract hire for both trucks, including tyre replacement, routine safety inspections, road fund licencing, 24/7 breakdown support and relief vehicle cover.

Established 60 years ago as a fresh fruit and vegetable distributor, Williamson Foodservice is today a full-service wholesaler. The company, which has additional depots in Glasgow and Stornoway, has an ever-growing product range which includes dairy, drinks, dry store and delicatessen.

ends

Notes to editor:

About Fraikin
Fraikin Ltd is part of the Fraikin Group, the largest commercial vehicle fleet services company in Europe, providing expert fleet management, contract hire and rental solutions to both the private and public sector. The Fraikin Group, established in France in 1944 by Gérard Fraikin, has operations in 16 countries, with more than 2,800 employees, 7,000 clients, 180 branches and a fleet of 60,000 vehicles. Its operations span Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Poland and the UK. Since 2007 Fraikin has been owned by CVC Capital Partners, one of the world’s leading private equity and investment advisory firms.

For further press information please contact:
Gary Baker at Garnett Keeler PR on 020 8647 4467 or by email to gary.baker@garnettkeeler.com

To access Fraikin’s online newsroom please visit https://gk.news/fraikin

FRA/084/17


About Fraikin

Fraikin Ltd is part of the Fraikin Group, the largest commercial vehicle fleet services company in Europe, providing expert fleet management, contract hire and rental solutions to both the private and public sectors. The Fraikin Group, established in France in 1944 by Gérard Fraikin, has operations across Europe, with more than 3,000 employees, 11,200 clients, 171 branches and a fleet of more than 60,000 vehicles. Its operations span the Benelux countries, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.


Contacts

Jack Hunsley, Garnett Keeler PR
+44 (0)20 8647 4467
jack.hunsley@garnettkeeler.com
Fraikin
Fraikin Ltd
First Floor, 2M, Middlemarch Business Park
Siskin Drive
Coventry
CV3 4FJ


+44 (0)2476 694 494
talk-to-us@fraikin.co.uk
http://www.fraikin.co.uk