Langridge Organic Products grows its Isuzu distribution fleet

Langridge Organic Products has been progressively expanding its distribution fleet based primarily on the Isuzu 7.5 tonne truck range now for over eight years, and these vehicles now account for over 60% of the company’s commercial vehicle fleet. As part of the latest vehicle upgrade, seven new Isuzu N75.190 refrigerated trucks fitted with Easyshift automated gearboxes have recently entered service within the company’s fleet, operating out of the head office in Feltham, Middlesex. Two of the new Isuzu trucks are specified with brand new temperature-controlled bodies manufactured by local company TLC Bodies, whilst the remaining five new Isuzu 7.5t chassis have had existing Paneltex refrigerated bodies refurbished and swapped from five incumbent Isuzus that have now been replaced.

Alex Pearce, managing director, Langridge Organic Products said:

 “This latest fleet truck deal is our third replacement vehicle programme based on the Isuzu marque and the vehicles will be in our fleet for a further five years. Quite simply, we find that the Isuzus are very much like our products in that they have all the good things we need and none of the bad, ticking our box for payload, compact footprint, and proven reliability.”

Revealing more about how the Isuzu fleet representation has grown naturally over the years, Alex continues:

“When we first started specifying Isuzus in the fleet, it was the payload that really attracted us to the brand, easily far better than any other manufacturer at 7.5 tonne GVW. As we deliver regularly within the M25 conurbation, the compact footprint of the Isuzu chassis was also a significant factor which, combined with the Easyshift automated gearbox, made the trucks very easy to drive in built-up urban areas.

Now that we have operated them for eight years, we have also been the beneficiary of the Isuzu’s legendary reliability, which has really risen to the fore during this time. All our Isuzu trucks have been exceptionally, and consistently, reliable in service, which is exactly what we need for our distribution operation.”

The latest Isuzu truck order was supplied by local ITUK dealer Cordwallis Commercials at Heathrow and is supported by a fully inclusive Repair & Maintenance support package through Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd. Covering approximately 40,000 km per annum, the Isuzus are delivering a full range of organic fruit and vegetables to wholesale suppliers, restaurants, food manufacturing sites, schools and other locations throughout the south of England as well as the Midlands and East Anglia.

Two of the new Isuzu chassis are fitted with single compartment refrigerated bodies manufactured by TLC Bodies, and these are designed to operate at 5?C, as well as being specified with nearside access doors and rear tail lifts. The five-remaining new Isuzus feature existing fleet bodies as Langridge opted to fit single-temperature Paneltex refrigerated bodies, swapped from vehicles that are now leaving the fleet. Alex continues:

“We have an excellent relationship with Cordwallis who are literally around the corner from us, which means they are ideally located for any breakdowns and planned routine inspections. Their service has been consistently excellent, right from when we first started using them many years ago.”

With over 30 years’ experience in the organic fresh produce industry, Langridge Organic Products are the UK’s largest wholesaler of local and seasonal organic produce, working with a network of organic growers throughout the UK.

The company operates from a purpose designed 17,000 ft2 head office and warehouse in Feltham Middlesex, where they coordinate the wholesale products to customers throughout the UK.

Stuart Beeton, head of sales, product & marketing, Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd said:

“The foodservice sector has been a significant market for the Isuzu 7.5 tonne truck range now for many years, where its attributes of impressive payload, compact footprint and proven long-term reliability are critical operational factors to established operators such as Langridge Organic Products.

We look forward to working closely with Langridge over the next five years as their Isuzu trucks continue to deliver these organic products, naturally.”