Major ice-cream and frozen food wholesaler Hunt’s Foodservice has been reaping the rewards of its recently installed Thorworld loading bay: a solution which, when combined with a double-deck trailer, has proved pivotal in reducing delivery trips, fuel consumption and working man hours.
The company’s Cornish hub, situated in Redruth, has long been supplying retailers across Cornwall with a wide range of frozen consumables, despatched from Hunt’s headquarters in Dorset.
Historically, the deliveries leaving Hunt’s Foodservice for Cornwall were prepared and packed for their intended end retailer at source, which meant small shipments of mixed items were loaded onto lorries without fully utilising the space available.
While the method ensured that retailers conveniently received all their frozen goods in one instalment, it did leave room for improvements in efficiency, as Will Harvey, Operations Manager at Hunt’s Foodservice, explains:
“The nature of our business means delivery quantities are relatively small, which is convenient, but not necessarily productive, and would lead to us having to choose between filling a trailer too small for the delivery, or under-filling one the right size.”
Will and the team wanted to improve delivery function and streamline the overall logistics process, so opted to have double-deck racks installed within the vans.
“Double racking the vehicles was more conducive to delivering smaller pallet loads, however to effectively load and unload, you need a forklift, and for that, you ideally need a loading bay – which is why we contacted Thorworld.”
Having experienced positive customer service in the past, Will felt confident that returning to Thorworld with its niche product line, was the right solution.
By creating a mobile working environment in which the forklift could operate - with adequate space to load, unload and manoeuvre, Thorworld Industries gave Hunt’s a bespoke piece of equipment, which combined both yard ramp and platform.
As space was at a premium, Thorworld designed its loading bay for outdoor use and storage, and fitted it with integral dock lights.
“The installation process was fantastic,” Will continues, “and was performed on time and with minimal disruption.
“We started using the equipment as soon as possible, filling vans appropriately, and improving efficiency.
“Since installation, we’ve saved a fortune in delivery costs, as our journeys take an average of three hours each way - for which we must pay labour and fuel.”
Will says that he would wholeheartedly recommend the loading bay solutions created by Thorworld, complementing the quality and design concept of the equipment and customer service, as well as the results Thorworld’s solutions can deliver:
“Our decision to choose a Thorworld loading bay, in conjunction with double-decking our trailers, has been truly rewarding. Not only in terms of efficiency and productivity, but also financially, as in only five months, the equipment we purchased has already paid for itself.”
Contact:
Thorworld Industries Ltd,
Tel: 01246 260981,
Email:info@thorworld.co.uk