A large pharmaceutical distribution firm has taken delivery of a new fleet of converted vehicles from CoolKit and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to help it ensure GDP compliance on temperature controls.
The business provides first-class distribution services for the supply of medicines and other healthcare products across the UK via a fleet of more than 1,200 vehicles, and required improved temperature control and load security to meet increasing Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliance constraints.
While half its fleet was already made up of temperature-controlled vehicles, the business was seeking a long-term partner to gradually replace its non-temperature-controlled stock to fully satisfy GDP compliance across the entire fleet.
Glenn McCulley, sales and marketing director at CoolKit, explained: “In line with strict operating requirements, the vans needed to have a controlled ambient section at +8°C to +25°C in the main load space area and a small section for refrigerated pharmaceuticals at +2°C to +8°C.”
Following a tender process, CoolKit was selected for the work due to its track record at dealing with large orders and its existing relationship with Volkswagen, which has signed up CoolKit as its Integrated Partner.
The work also included collaboration with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as well as other specialist services including video recording, telemetry and sign writing.
The work saw the fleet replaced at a rate of 16 vans per week and deliveries commenced in August 2020.
McCulley added: “This is a great example of combining innovation with collaboration, and we hope to continue innovating bespoke solutions to all industries that require temperature controlled solutions.
“Whether GDP compliance is necessary or not, we will always put the customer’s needs first and use creativity to produce the highest standard of vehicle conversion that is required.”
