Investment drives growth plan at CoolKit

CoolKit has seen a substantial increase in its output of van conversions and insulated bodywork, following a year of transformative investments across its manufacturing and assembly sites.

The largest specialist in temperature-controlled and refrigerated light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK has achieved remarkable increases in both output and efficiency, investing over £2m into its Lancashire facilities.

This includes an 800 per cent year-on-year uplift in box body production and an 80 per cent rise in light commercial vehicle conversions, reaching a record 125 conversions per month.

 A significant focus on operational efficiency – with the creation of several additional roles within its team and the implementation of rigorously managed lean manufacturing processes – means that CoolKit is now able to fulfil new orders more quickly – providing customers with a 60 per cent improvement in lead times. 

The Blackburn based business continues to make investments with the aim of optimising the quality of its products and services. 

Strategic appointments in product development, quality management, aftersales and continuous improvement, ensure that it is well-placed to satisfy the most demanding of applications for its products.

 The business has also made significant strides in improving health, safety and environmental performance.

Enhancements have been implemented in areas such as safe mechanical handling, air quality and the management of hazardous products.

Major updates include the installation of cranage, storage and waste recycling equipment aimed at eliminating waste streams in line with the ISO: 14001 Environmental standard, which CoolKit has held for 15 years.

This standard demonstrates CoolKit’s commitment to environmental responsibility with the benefits for their customers of cost saving, regulatory compliance and quality improvement - whilst also demonstrating their own environmental commitment.

Rupert Gatty, CoolKit’s founder and chief executive, said: “With our expansion well underway, we're better positioned than ever to deliver rapid, industry-leading order fulfilment of expertly engineered products while upholding our unwavering commitment to quality, durability, and functionality.

"As we look ahead, we remain committed to helping customers maximise the productivity of their fleet operations.

"It’s also encouraging to see that CoolKit continues to win recognition from our supply-chain partners, endorsed by recent accreditations from market leading OEMs, including Ford Pro, Mercedes-Benz and MAN Truck & Bus.”

CoolKit designs and manufactures a range of vehicle insulating kits which are sold as van conversions, ready-converted vans, kit-form conversions, and rigid insulated box bodies.

 A number of products to which CoolKit has sole distribution rights in the UK & Ireland complement that range.  These include firstly the Melform range of portable refrigerators for small load transportation and EV (electric vehicle) scenarios.

The pbx ecos range of transport refrigeration units is the first of its kind to utilise propane as a refrigerant to eliminate the global warming and environmental contamination threats posed by regular refrigerants.

It has won numerous industry awards and OEM accreditations and serves a diverse range of industries transporting perishable loads including foodservice, catering, pharmaceutical and healthcare distribution.

For more information about Coolkit, please visit: www.coolkit.co.uk