Euro Foods Group
UK catering and specialist grocery industry supplier Euro Foods Group has launched a new brand, Kukd.com, on the back of two fridge-bodied Mercedes-Benz trucks.
The Newport-based food distributor returned to the three-pointed star after trialling a 26-tonne Actros demonstrator with temperature-controlled bodywork, laid on by South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials.
Euro Foods Group, which also has two depots in London, and others in Darlaston, West Midlands, and Sunderland, last bought a Mercedes-Benz truck – a 7.5-tonne Atego – from Euro Commercials in 2005. Since then, it has purchased vehicles by another manufacturer.
The operator’s new vehicles are both 26-tonne Actros 2532L ENA models with tag axles and ClassicSpace single-sleeper cabs. They are fitted with its first temperature-controlled bodies by Solomon – both are wind-cheating Slipstream single-compartment freezers with curved roofs – and making multi-drop deliveries and inter-depot trunking runs.
Key to Euro Foods Group’s decision to commission its first Mercedes-Benz trucks for a decade, was its recent appointment of Neill Cannell as Transport Manager. He recalled: “Despite the fact that he’d not received an order since 2005, Euro Commercials’ truck sales executive Huw Salway always stayed in touch and when I took on my new role I decided to give the new Euro VI Actros a try.
“I’d been attracted to the new model by its modern appearance and excellent reputation for fuel efficiency, and the demonstrator did not disappoint. The drivers sang its praises. They found it very easy to live with and particularly liked the Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission. When I drove it myself, meanwhile, I was most impressed.”
Turning to the bodywork, he said: “I wanted an insulated box that was as modern, stylish and efficient as the Mercedes-Benz chassis, hence the switch from our previous supplier to Solomon.”
The bodybuilder’s aerodynamic Slipstream concept is designed to manage airflow throughout its passage along the length of the truck, starting with the cab roof where twin curved fairings flank the Carrier 850 refrigeration unit. Rounded panel cappings reduce turbulence, while a ‘Kamm tail’ accelerates airflow down off the back of the vehicle, markedly reducing drag.
Euro Foods has also dispensed with its column tail-lifts and fitted Dhollandia slide-out versions giving, said Mr Cannell, “a cleaner appearance to the rear end”.
Completing the picture, the operator has enhanced the vehicles’ high standard safety specification by fitting integrated 360-degree camera systems by Kits-n-Bits, of Cardiff. As well as providing its drivers with improved visibility for urban operations, the footage recorded can also be used by the company’s insurers in the event of claims being made over alleged accidents or incidents involving the trucks.
The sleek new Actros are finished with eye-catching graphics by BP Rolls, of Andover, and represent an ideal launch platform for Euro Foods Group’s web-based brand.
Kukd.com is a new player in the online restaurant and takeaway market. It offers a consumer portal that will compete on a national level, with the added bonus of restaurant table bookings. Restaurant and takeaway businesses work with Kukd.com so they can ensure they create the eCommerce and support services they need to compete in the ever growing online ordering industry.
The two Actros are the subject of a Mercedes-Benz Financial Services lease agreement and are now being inspected and serviced by those Dealers whose workshops are most closely located to their operating bases in Darlaston and Hayes, West London.
Added Neill Cannell: “These trucks are truly fantastic pieces of kit…a great product at a good price, with fantastic service from Huw Salway and the team at Euro Commercials, backed-up by Mercedes-Benz.”
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