JW Filshill has upgraded its fleet of vehicles as it ramps up its commitment to sustainability and continues its drive to produce cleaner emissions.
The Glasgow-based food and drink wholesaler has invested in the region of £600,000 in five bespoke vehicles – three 18-tonne and two 26-tonne lorries – as it strives to reduce its carbon footprint. More fuel-efficient than older trucks, these additions to the fleet meet the latest Euro 6 specifications.
As part of ongoing efforts to be more energy-efficient and achieve cost-savings, Filshill incentivises drivers to obtain higher mileage per gallon. Trucks are fitted with OptiDrive vehicle tracking technology which measures 12 operational parameters such as breaking, steering and revving to help drivers lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, reduce wear on the vehicle and improve road safety.
Stuart MacKenzie, senior operations manager in charge of logistics and warehousing at Filshill, said: “We are increasing our fleet and replacing older vehicles and have worked with Motus Commercials DAF at Cumbernauld to tailor these new trucks to match our exact needs. Another trusted partner, Tekbo in Clydebank, has designed and manufactured the bodywork.
“As we use cages for deliveries, we don’t need quite so much height so these new vehicles are a foot lower than our existing fleet, making them more energy-efficient. Combined with a full telematic system featuring eight cameras and bespoke satnav supplied by Belfast-based Simplicity Group that coaches drivers – plus on-site training – this new fleet will form a key component of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Covering all of Scotland and the north of England as far as Leeds, we have previously rerouted journeys to reduce our mileage significantly, creating carbon and cost-savings which we have been able to reinvest in upgrading the fleet.”
Mr MacKenzie joined Filshill in March, bringing with him nearly 20 years’ experience in logistics with leading distributors including Brakes. In addition to supervising the build of the new fleet, he is overseeing logistics requirements at the wholesaler’s brand-new distribution centre at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport.
Filshill, one of Scotland oldest independent food and drink wholesalers suppling nearly 200 KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England, will relocate to the 120,400sqft purpose-built distribution centre in early 2022.
The facility is being built to the company’s exact specification and will provide pallet capacity of 12,000 in a 14-metre-high warehouse with 12 loading docks. There will also be 10,000sqft of fresh and chilled space to accommodate growth in this category.
Simon Hannah, chief executive officer of JW Filshill, said: “As we gear up to moving into our new distribution centre in 2022, we are investing in all aspects of our business to ensure that we operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible while focusing on our sustainability commitments – our new fleet is a prime example of this.
“Westway is a prestigious location just a few miles away from our current base and will ensure job security for our staff and facilitate additional job creation in Renfrewshire in a tough economic climate as well as allow us to further strengthen the high levels of service that our customers expect from us.”
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