New Schmitz Cargobull Fridge Unit brings cool confidence

27/01/2015

The first Schmitz Cargobull own-brand fridge has entered service with Fowler Welch, one of the country’s largest ambient and chilled logistics provider)

Schmitz Cargobull is introducing its own brand of temperature controlled refrigeration units into the UK market, available exclusively on its refrigerated S.KO Cool Executive trailers.

The first unit to arrive factory-fresh from the production line in Vreden, Germany, has entered service with Fowler Welch, one of the country’s largest ambient and chilled logistics providers.

The refrigeration unit is manufactured alongside Schmitz Cargobull’s state-of-the-art reefer trailer production line, and means customers can rely on Schmitz Cargobull quality for the complete trailer, from the fridge, to the running gear, to the floor, chassis and body construction.

With a compressor unit that can run on either two or four cylinders and includes variable speed control, the Schmitz Cargobull own-brand refrigeration unit offers excellent fuel efficiency, cutting running costs for operators. It also offers impressive cooling and heating performance and sets new standards for rapid defrosting. In addition to the new refrigeration unit, the trailer also includes a PIEK-certified multi-function floor, plus a rear roller compression barrier.

Fowler Welch will operate its new mono-temp asset on a dedicated trunking route between Slough, Northamptonshire and Lancashire, transporting chilled foodstuffs. Fowler Welch currently operates around 250 Schmitz Cargobull trailers and so is a perfect ‘first adopter’ of the revolutionary new unit.

Nick Hay, Managing Director at Fowler Welch, says: “We’ve used Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated trailers since 2010 and we’ve always been very impressed with the quality of the product and after-sales support.  That’s why we’re very interested in the new refrigeration unit and we are looking forward to seeing how it performs. If it’s anything like the quality of the actual Schmitz Cargobull trailers, we should be very happy.”

Paul Avery, Managing Director, Schmitz Cargobull UK, says: “We’re delighted to provide Fowler Welch with the first S.KO Cool Executive with our own refrigeration unit, as they are a true leader in their sector. They’re always prepared to take advantage of the latest technology and with this new trailer, they are continuing a tradition of being industry innovators.”    

The new Schmitz Cargobull trailer provides confidence in transporting temperature controlled goods. It is equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s unique TrailerConnect Interface (TCI), which provides an unparalleled level of monitoring for a refrigerated trailer.

In constant contact with Schmitz Cargobull’s European service centre in Germany, the system uses a series of temperature sensors to build a comprehensive picture of conditions within the trailer. Humidity and fuel level sensors are also available, allowing total control of fridge operation.

The connection with the service centre also means that drivers and transport managers can be alerted to any potential issues before they become a problem, and then advised on where to find their nearest service centre. Units come with integrated telephony so a driver can be contacted by text, email or phone.

Paul Allera, Head of Fleet, Fowler Welch, says: “The telemetry that’s included as standard is going to be very useful. We can track and trace everything and it means that Schmitz Cargobull can pre-empt most faults before they happen. We’re taking this unit for five years but we may well order more after the first 12 months.” 

Maintenance will be provided by Schmitz Cargobull’s official service partner, Michael Ward, which has been appointed to provide 24/7, UK-wide coverage, to support customers. Technicians at Michael Ward have been factory-trained by Schmitz Cargobull in Germany to provide the finest levels of service for the new technology.

The Schmitz Cargobull refrigeration unit is available on a lease-only basis on S.KO Cool Executive trailers through Cargobull Finance, giving flexibility, functionality and peace of mind to operators.