Further McLanachan Transport Fleet Expansion, and a First in Scotland

McLanachan Transport Limited (MTL) is delighted to announce its fleet's latest addition and continued expansion. As part of a £2.5 million investment in ten tractor units and ten trailers, this newest trailer keeps its strategic vehicle asset growth plans on track.

Based at the MTL depot, the industry-leading temperature-controlled trailer is also the first operating out of Scotland.

Damian McLanachan, pictured with Michael Cummings of Thermo King Northern

Damian McLanachan spoke this week about his excitement for the latest company development. He said, "We are renowned within our industry and with customers, and we continually hear how impressive people think our trucks and trailers are. It's nice to hear, but they are here to do an effective job. As we support many temperature-controlled GDP Cold Chain solutions for leading pharmaceutical companies' logistics throughout Europe, we place great emphasis, commitment and investment into our fleet."

"The temperature-controlled trailer is a great addition to our fleet and takes us to the next stage in our journey as a company. Temperature-controlled trailer units can be complex. However, working in partnership with long-term suppliers makes it successful. I want to thank Gray & Adams, Thermo King Northern, and TIP for all their support."

Watch our video, showcasing initial new fleet rollout

It makes a positive difference when you have suppliers who understand your business, service solutions and objectives. MTL’s trusted suppliers, who supported the rollout of the new trailer, all took time to comment.

Stewart Massie, Sales Manager at Gray & Adams, said, "We are delighted to have been chosen again by McLanachan Transport to supply their bespoke multi-temperature refrigerated trailers. Gray & Adams has had a long-standing relationship with MTL and first provided trailers to Damian's father, Matt, in 1995. To date, Gray & Adams has supplied 63 trailers to the McLanachan Transport fleet."

Stewart continued, "Over the years, MTL has always sought to be at the forefront of the latest designs and technologies. The newest addition takes their refrigerated trailer specification to the next level regarding performance and efficiency whilst focusing on the environment. The latest trailer, collected from the Gray & Adams main UK manufacturing facility in Fraserburgh this week, has been designed to offer maximum load-carrying volume and is equipped with the newly released Thermo King Advancer A500 multi-temperature refrigeration unit. This unit ensures precise temperature control and three temperature capability. This trailer includes two Gray & Adams gas ram-assisted interior moving bulkheads to split the trailer into three compartments. The front bulkhead has the additional feature of being able to be deployed vertically against the front of the trailer when in the two-compartment mode without affecting the airflow from the host fridge unit. From everyone at Gray & Adams, we wish MTL every success in the future.”

Peter Whelan, Country Sales Manager from TIP, added, "TIP is delighted to play its part in the fleet expansion plans of MTL by supplying the first of a batch of new refrigerated trailers on a long-term, contract hire basis. We are proud that MTL trusts us to provide the right assets to add to their fleet and on the terms to suit their business needs.

We have been supporting the MTL fleet operation by providing a range of short-term rental, longer-term lease and maintenance and repair services via our Glasgow branch for around fifteen years now, with our relationship strengthening significantly over that period - and long may that continue."

Finally, Michael Cummings from Thermo King Northern commented, "Thermo King Northern is extremely proud to deliver the first Thermo King Advancer A-500 Spectrum with S6A remote evaporator to McLanachan Transport Ltd. This new landmark in trailer refrigeration is built in our zero-waste manufacturing facility in Galway. It will be the first to operate out of Scotland.

The new Advancer, with unrivalled temperature control, has the fastest pull-down on the market whilst being the most fuel efficient. These are just a few benefits of operating the Advancer A-500 Spectrum, which is crucial for optimum load protection."

Thermo King Advancer Spectrum is the first multi-temperature trailer unit on the market that offers complete fuel level consumption transparency. MTL can access the fuel consumption and further data on both the unit and remotely via telematics, enabling them to optimise their fleet more innovatively.

The remote evaporators bring additional capacity to the remote zone, maximising the flexibility and efficiency of operations. Combined with the Advancer multi-temperature controller, MTL can precisely manage the temperature while gaining real-time insight into how the unit is running, how the temperature zones are performing and how much fuel the unit is using.

The MTL fleet is also in the process of a brand livery makeover, working closely with the team at CubeWraps to ensure all vehicles stand out, are on brand and are legislative.

We want to ensure a best-in-class service solution to customers while ensuring our fleet is more than fit for purpose. Some of the trailer highlights include:

• Reefer trailer has TK Advancer twin-temperature refrigeration unit fitted, the first on the road from a Scotland-based business
• Contract hire is for an initial 5-year term and includes regular service inspections, annual MOT, and European-wide roadside assistance
• Thermo King Advancer A-500 Spectrum with S6A remote evaporator
• Construction was in a zero-waste manufacturing facility in Galway
• Unrivalled temperature control with the fastest pull-down on the market
• Excellent fuel efficiency.

Damian McLanachan concluded, "Across our fleet, we want to give our drivers the best possible equipment and working environment combined with effective, safe trailers and trucks. We provide drivers, transport planners, and customers the peace of mind that MTL’s complete supply chain operations will continue adding value."