Holdsworth Foods invests in 19 new DAF vehicles

Holdsworth Foods is expanding its fleet of multi-temperature vehicles with 19 new DAF vehicles – including models equipped with the latest ECOOLTEC TM182 transport refrigeration technology.

Founded in 1969, Holdsworth Foods supplies a wide range of chilled, ambient and frozen goods to caterers. Its head office is in Tideswell, Derbyshire, and it operates from 10 depots in Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Worcestershire, Powys, Essex and Dorset.

This latest investment will take the wholesaler’s multi-temp fleet to over 140 vehicles.

All 19 vehicle bodies are being built by Solomon Commercials and are fitted with the latest safety and fuel efficiency features, including enhanced aerodynamics, non-slip seamless flooring, heavy-duty load restraint systems, and premium stainless-steel fittings for durability.

Driver safety and operational efficiency have been prioritised through a comprehensive four-camera MDR system with in-cab 7” monitor, white-noise reversing alarms, and strategically positioned LED lighting for optimal visibility during loading and unloading.

Of the new additions, 16 are DAF XB210s, two are DAF XB290s, and one is a DAF XD340 model.

The XB290s and the XD340 feature purely electrically driven ECOOLTEC TM182 transport refrigeration units, which suit a larger, rigid, multi-temp application. These units are described as ‘revolutionary in the transport refrigeration industry, delivering economic efficiency and being environmentally friendly’. The TM182 makes use of the natural refrigerants R1270 and R744, which, unlike F-gases, do not contain any PFAS that are harmful to the atmosphere. Furthermore, these refrigerants are said to have a negligible Global Warming Potential.

The reduction in CO2e by choosing these ECOOLTEC Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) over traditional TRUs is over 14.5t of CO2e per vehicle. Unlike widely-used diesel refrigeration machines, the ECOOLTEC unit produces neither local pollutant nor CO2 emissions in battery operation, and up to 98% fewer emissions via the alternator drive.

A spokesperson for Holdsworth Foods said: “As an independent family business, Holdsworth Foods is proud to be working with other independent family businesses in our industry supply chain. Solomon Commercials has been operating for almost 50 years and Michael I Holdsworth Ltd was one of its first customers! ECOOLTEC was founded by Peter Großkopf, well known and respected in the transport refrigeration industry as the founder of Frigoblock.”

All of the vehicle refrigeration units are being fitted by CC Refrigeration, another independently-owned business that Holdsworth Foods have worked with for many years.

The XB210s are fitted with Frigoblock EK13 refrigeration units. These units now offer reduced CO2 emissions as well as reduced noise pollution, whilst maintaining reliable performance on the wholesaler’s 12t vehicles during their demanding daily, multi-temp and multi-drop roles.

“We are committed to operating and investing in the future of our business in a sustainable manner – investing in new technology that helps to reduce our environmental impact, improve our operational safety, as well as maintaining relationships with, and supporting, independent businesses in our industry,” added the spokesperson.