Member Article

CoolKit and VMS deliver GDP compliant vehicles for LF&E

A specialist pharmaceutical logistic company that prides itself on swift, accurate and reliable temperature-controlled vehicles has formed a partnership with VMS and CoolKit in line with their growing business plans.

LF&E Refrigerated Transport was established 10 years ago by Managing Director Jason Buckley and over the past decade the business has grown substantially. LF&E now employs 55 people and has a fleet of 40 specialist vehicles delivering medical goods across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

The growth of the business has allowed LF&E to invest in two new GDP compliant refrigerated Mercedes Sprinters, which can keep up with the demands of the job.

Jason said: “We specialise in delivering pharmaceutical goods – such as medication, syringes and viles - to patient’s homes, hospitals, care homes for homecare providers, NHS trusts and pharmaceutical companies.

“We ensure that the goods are there on time, in pristine condition with an auditable temperature record. There’s no margin for error.”

LF&E took delivery of the two new vehicles, purchased from VMS, one of the UK largest fleet management providers, and converted by CoolKit, at the end of September - just eight weeks after placing the order.

Jason said: “VMS spent time understanding our requirements and listening to our needs. We have received updates throughout the build process from both VMS and CoolKit. CoolKit also enabled engineers to come fit trackers to the vehicles during the build to prevent them being off the road once delivered.

“We have been really impressed with the build quality. It is a very neat, professional job and the recessed condensers in the roof not only offer a better look but will also increase fuel efficiency due to the improved aerodynamics.

“During a summer like we have had, just 20 minutes in heat of 30 degrees will dramatically affect the temperature of goods, potentially rendering them useless in a substandard vehicle. That is not a risk we are willing to take.

“Legislation is in place to ensure that consignments have been maintained at a stable temperature throughout transit in an auditable environment.

Calum Clelland, National Account Manager at VMS, said the vehicles were customised for LF&E to ensure it would tick all the boxes necessary.

“VMS are thrilled to be supplying the new temperature-controlled Sprinters to LF&E and are truly grateful for the hard work shown by everyone involved to meet Jason’s requirements and the deadline on lead times.”

LF&E, which currently has two depots, has ambitious plans to expand their operation into a national network with an 80-strong fleet. With two more depots due to be open in the next six months, the new Sprinters will allow them to carry larger loads between the depots up and down the country.

Mark Beaton, Sales Specialist at CoolKit, said: “We are delighted to have provided two quality vehicles to LF&E that will assist with their ambitious growth plans. We understand the importance of creating a vehicle that will meet the needs of our clients and pride ourselves on suggesting and delivering the finer details that set us apart from the competition.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Woodhouse .