Holdsworth Foods is significantly expanding its fleet of multi-temperature vehicles with the addition of 16 new DAF XB210s, 2 new DAF XB290s, and 1 new DAF XD340 truck. This investment will bring the total multi-temperature fleet to over 140 vehicles.
All 19 vehicle bodies are being constructed by Solomon Commercials and are equipped with the latest safety and fuel efficiency features. These include enhanced aerodynamics, non-slip seamless flooring, heavy-duty load restraint systems, and premium stainless-steel fittings to ensure long-term durability.
Driver safety and operational efficiency have been a central priority. Each vehicle is fitted with a comprehensive 4-camera Mobile Digital Recorder (MDR) system with an in-cab 7ā monitor, white-noise reversing alarms, and strategically positioned LED lighting for optimal visibility during all loading and unloading operations.
For the new XB290s and the XD340, Holdsworth Foods is particularly proud to be investing in the purely electrically driven ECOOLTEC TM182 transport refrigeration units. These units are designed for larger, rigid, multi-temperature applications and represent a revolutionary step within the transport refrigeration industry, delivering both economic efficiency and significant environmental benefits.
The TM182 units utilize the natural refrigerants R1270 and R744. Unlike F-gases, these refrigerants do not contain environmentally harmful PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and possess a negligible Global Warming Potential, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.
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The ECOOLTEC TM182 units offer substantial operational advantages, including reduced maintenance requirements, zero ozone-depleting potential, and excellent performance, representing a clear benefit for the company.
By selecting these ECOOLTEC Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) instead of traditional units, Holdsworth Foods is achieving a significant environmental saving. This switch results in a reduction of over 14.5 tonnes of $\text{CO}_2\text{e}$ per vehicle, accumulating a total saving of $43.65$ tonnes of $\text{CO}_2\text{e}$ across the three vehicles. Crucially, unlike diesel refrigeration machines, the ECOOLTEC units generate neither local pollutants nor $\text{CO}_2$ emissions during battery operation, and they achieve up to $98\%$ fewer emissions when running via alternator drive.
As an independent family business, Holdsworth Foods prioritizes collaboration with other independent family businesses within its supply chain. Solomon Commercials, which has been operating for nearly 50 years, was one of Michael I Holdsworth Ltdās very first customers. Similarly, ECOOLTEC was founded by Peter GroĆkopf, a respected figure in the transport refrigeration industry and the original founder of Frigoblock.
The installation of all refrigeration units is being handled by CC Refrigeration, another independently owned business with whom Holdsworth Foods has maintained a long-standing partnership.
The DAF XB210s are equipped with Frigoblock EK13 refrigeration units. These reliable units now offer reduced $\text{CO}_2$ emissions and lower noise pollution, ensuring dependable performance for the 12-tonne vehicles during their demanding daily, multi-temperature, and multi-drop operations.
Holdsworth Foods remains firmly committed to sustainable investment, consistently adopting new technology that simultaneously reduces environmental impact, enhances operational safety, and supports long-standing partnerships with independent businesses across their industry.
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