A new addition to the management team at CoolKit is Steve Ormerod, who started in May in the newly created role of Operations Controller.
The role has become necessary against the backdrop of consistently strong growth that the firm has enjoyed recently - it was becoming clear that Sales Manager Ben Millington had rather too much on his plate selling and planning!
Steve has 23 years of experience in Production and Quality Control roles for his previous employer - a company which has seen the kind of growth that CoolKit is looking to achieve over the next couple of years.
One of his first aims is to complete the implementation of the ISO9001:2000 standard. We wish him all the best.
Steve can be contacted on 07590 050622 or steve@coolkit.org
THINGS ARE HOTTING UP AT COOLKIT!
(12th October 2007)
CoolKit
has just delivered the last of five new conversions to one
of its customers, The Jolly Baker of Ashford,
Middlesex,
unusually configured for simultaneous hot and cold deliveries,
comprising 25% Oven & 75% Fridge.
The
conversions have been installed into Volkswagen Transporter
short wheel base vehicles and feature a stainless steel
oven enclosure at the nearside door – capable of sustaining
an air temperature of 85 Celsius, together with a chilled
rear section for maintaining sandwiches and confectionery at
+3
Celsius..
Extra equipment includes an extra loud klaxon to sound the arrival
of the vehicle for delivery purposes, dry powder fire estinguisher
for safety reasons and brushed stainless steel shelving to accommodate
bakery trays.
Rupert Gatty, the Managing Director of CoolKit enthused “We
are delighted with the outcome of this project & our new
diversity of products will prove invaluable in fortifying our
order book - which is presently stronger than ever before”.
CoolKit
pride themselves on a strong, durable & light
conversion, designed with optimum payload and durability
in mind. They
are becoming well establised in the refrigerated vehicle
conversion market with output approaching 1,000 lining
kits and they have
a wide array of products available for virtually every
panel van in the market. The kits are installed both
on site at CoolKit,
as well as through a growing network of agents both
in the UK
and abroad.
For
more information contact:
Rupert Gatty on 07918 174019 or rupert@coolkit.org
back
to top
BALLINLOUGH
REFRIGERATION APPOINTED AS SOLE IRISH DISTRIBUTOR FOR COOLKIT 27
February 2007
The
range of CoolKit refrigerated vehicle lining products for panel
vans is now available in the Republic of Ireland
and Northern
Ireland from Ireland's largest transport
refrigeration specialists, Ballinlough Refrigeration. This
new range complements Ballinlough's existing product lines
which include Thermo King Refrigeration systems,
Dhollandia tail lifts, Hussmann Koxka commercial refrigeration
and Waeco mobile solutions. Conversions for both chilled
and frozen applications are available for all the panel vans
on
sale today as well as older models
which have been on sale in recent years.
Dispatched to Ballinlough in kit form, the linings are produced
from laminated panels manufactured by CoolKit utilising components
with high compressive and tensile strength in conjunction with
materials with excellent thermal characteristics, to provide
maximum durability, thermal integrity and waterproofing. The
panels weigh only a fraction of that of the traditional products
available because of the exclusion of timber from much of the
construction. The panel integrity is warranted by CoolKit for
36 months.
Uniquely the panels are then cut by a CNC machine to very fine
tolerances, to closely fit the profile of the vehicle for which
they have been developed, and so that they then interlock with
one another to provide the strength typically only associated
with timber framed conversion processes. They are then fitted
in situ together with other pieces that are also pre-cut to minimise
the fitting time required. The kit can be installed by Ballinlough's
skilled fitters in a fraction of the time of wet laid conversions
making exceptionally fast turnaround times the new norm.
CoolKit Limited, a company based in the United Kingdom, have
been marketing their unique range of lining kits initially in
the UK, and more recently in overseas markets as their portfolio
of products has developed. The appointment of such a high profile
overseas distributor as Ballinlough Refrigeration is seen as
a major step in bringing the benefits of this method of refrigerated
vehicle converting to a wider market.
For
Ballinlough Refrigeration, Bernard McHugh commented "The
refrigerated panel van market has evolved over the
years. Customers and fridge companies alike realise
that the
insulation specification
is of equal importance to the refrigeration unit
fitted.
The
repeat orders for the CoolKit insulated lining over the traditional
wet lay option is testament that the market
place is more than
satisfied that CoolKit complete with Thermo-King
units is the future for refrigerated panel vans in Ireland."
Rupert
Gatty, Managing Director of CoolKit added "I
am looking forward to the opportunities this relationship
brings. There are clearly no rivals to this combination of
skills and
resources. I am confident the Irish market will
quickly realise the benefits of this new and exciting proposition."
For more information contact:
Rupert Gatty on 07918 174019 or rupert@coolkit.org
Bernard McHugh on 00353 14 600 322
back
to top
CoolKit
Launches Extended Kit Range For All New Van Models
For commercial vehicle dealers and fleet operators of refrigerated
vehicles a range of newly designed insulated lining kits to fit
all the recently launched vans on the market has been launched
by specialist CoolKit.
With variants for all temperature applications (including fresh,
chilled, frozen and heated), these new products are fundamental
in ensuring that CoolKit continues to fulfil its customers diverse
requirements. Having invested heavily in research and development
to produce the new kits, CoolKit is ready to build further upon
their strong 2006 results. Specific new products now developed
include those for the Ducato/ Boxer/ Relay, Scudo/ Expert/ Dispatch,
Mega Van, Maxus and Sprinter/ Crafter models, in addition to
minor changes to kits for face-lifted models including Transit,
Master/ Movano, Trafic/ Vivaro and Iveco Daily.
At
the same time, CoolKit continues to grow by way of a campaign
focussed on producing fast quotations and providing
competitive
pricing and also by way of maintaining high levels of
customer retention. In order to cope with the growth in the
Company's
order book from all this activity, additional members
of staff have been taken on in various departments including
manufacturing,
installation, refrigeration engineering and administration.
CoolKit
manufactures its own bonded panels which it then cuts into
fast-fit lining kits using CNC machinery. Customers
can
buy the kits direct from CoolKit, fitted and often
supplied with a transport refrigeration unit, or via one of
CoolKit's
appointed distributors, who buy the kits in flat pack
form to provide the convenience of local installation.
The kits
are exceptionally
light by virtue of the materials used in their construction,
which allow for what are normally regarded as unfeasibly
high payloads to be achieved.
"In a sector where many of our competitors appear to be having
a tough time, CoolKit has performed well. Quite simply,
this performance has been achieved by maintaining high standards of
customer service and product quality. We are poised
to improve our presence further by continually improving our proposition." added
Rupert Gatty, Managing Director.
For more information contact:
Rupert Gatty on 07918 174019 or rupert@coolkit.org
back
to top
Mega
Cool 11th January 2007
CoolKit have developed a lightweight insulated conversion kit
for the uniquely shaped electric Mega van.
The economical and environmental vehicle is ideal for urban city
life as the electric version will be exempt from congestion charges
in London.
The quirky, yet durable lining kit, installed
in a diesel Mega van was sold to a very
happy Robin
Fahidi
of Flavours
Ltd.
Robin, who transports kosher ready meals
in London commented "The
CoolKit design is ideal and matches the
concept of the lightweight funky design of the Mega van, it certainly
gets me noticed; I
can also manage around 200 miles from £15
worth of diesel‚."
CoolKit are now working in conjunction with Fork Truck Supermarket,
in Manchester, to boost sales of the Refrigerated Mega van which
can be delivered to the customer usually within 2 weeks of placing
the order. Both companies also offer a guarantee on the vehicle
and conversion, 2 and 3 years respectively which covers both
parts and service.
CoolKit also have designs for most panel vans and have seen their
workforce almost double of the last 12 months with the increasing
demand for the strong, durable, yet lightweight design.
For further information on this story please contact
Ben
Millington on 0845 459 5418 or ben@coolkit.org
back
to top
Successful
First Year for CoolKit (3rd November 2006)
A newcomer to the refrigerated vehicle converting world, CoolKit
is celebrating its first successful
year in business. During these first12 months, the Company
has attracted orders from customers
worth more than three quarters
of a million pounds and since day one the number of people
employed has doubled. The rate of
growth continues and results
from the highest standards of quality, reliability and timeliness
which have led to high levels of business
retention.
CoolKits
are either sold as flat packs to Distributors
serving
as installers and local
agents, or
they are sold direct to
the vehicle owner or operator,
installed by CoolKit. They
are distinguished
from rivals offerings by
their
exceptional quality of
fit - due to being CNC
cut - and by their
remarkably low weight – resulting
from the combination of
ultra light components
selected.
A fast fitting
time of less
than a day, for example,
for a small
van
chiller kit is also a major
selling point.
The
diverse range of customers for CoolKit's
insulated linings includes franchised
and independent commercial vehicle
dealerships, fleet operators
and vehicle management
companies, coachbuilders
and refrigeration engineers.
All
the Distributors agree that the time savings compared with
their traditional process
of boarding out and wet-laying the
interior are huge and
a key factor behind their decision to buy. Most buy complete
kits, but a
growing number elect
to buy only certain kit components, in cases
where - for instance,
they are able supply their own consumables
for installation. Many
particularly enjoy supplementing their incomes
in the winter months
by providing a kit fitting service to their
customers at a time
when there is less pressure for their core
services. By way of
reciprocal undertaking,
Distributors
also benefit from enquiries received
by CoolKit for work
that is considered by the customers to be too remote
from CoolKit itself.
Several significant Distributorships
are currently at
advanced stages in negotiation. It is anticipated
that most of the
sales growth in the
coming
year will come from
enhanced sales to
Distributors in the
UK as well as overseas.
Notwithstanding the growth in sales to
Distributors, CoolKit
is also on the list
of approved
and recognised converters
for vehicle manufacturers
including
Renault and Citroen,
with work ongoing
to secure further
approval
at this level from
other manufacturers.
Rupert Gatty, Managing
Director, commented
"thanks all our customers and those suppliers who have helped
to make this venture a success. The company is poised to further
enhance its proposition
and in so doing looks forward to delivering
further mutual benefit
to all."
For
further information on this story please
contact Rupert Gatty on 07918 174019 or rupert@coolkit.org
back
to top
CoolKit:
Maximum Payload from Lightweight
CoolKit Conversion (16 March 2006)
With
a view to helping
operators
of LCVs
in the food
industry
to operate
within
the law,
CoolKit has
developed
what it believes
to be
the lightest
range of
refrigerated
vehicle
conversions
on
the market.
This
is especially relevant
at this
time as
VOSA
(the Vehicle
and Operator
Services
Agency)
is
tightening
its grip
on operators
of overweight
vehicles
with
their new
WIMS (Weight
in
Motion
System). This system
accurately
weighs
every vehicle on
a
particular
route and
therefore
all vehicles
that
run
overweight
will be
caught not
just those
who are
unlucky
or
those
who look
overweight.
Operators of refrigerated
vehicles are particularly
susceptible
to payload violations
for two reasons.
Firstly, many types
of
produce that constitute
chilled
or frozen loads -
for example meat
or fish - are naturally
heavy as a result
of their moisture
content. Secondly,
many refrigerated
vehicle conversions
are heavy
as a result of the
extensive use of
timber and resins
in
their construction.
So
to minimise the risks of operating
overweight,
CoolKit has pioneered its
light
weight range of conversions.
They
have been made possible by
the
careful selection of light weight materials
in
conjunction with intelligent
design
to provide the structural and
thermal
integrity that is
pre-requisite.
The insulated panels used in a CoolKit
feature
materials with
high
compressive and tensile strength
in
conjunction with materials with excellent
thermal
characteristics,
to
provide maximum durability,
thermal
integrity and waterproofing.
In
conjunction with a radical computer
developed
engineering process, these panels
interlock
with
one other to provide the strength
typically
only provided with wooden reinforcement.
Kits
are
available for all light commercial
vehicles.
back
to top
Exciting
Launch of CoolKit (16th September
2005)
CoolKit is the name of a new
venture owned and
managed
by Rupert Gatty which
has acquired the
rights to manufacture
and
distribute a unique
and exciting range
of insulated vehicle
lining systems for
temperature
controlled vehicle
conversions. Earlier
versions of these
products
were previously marketed
by Icelite, which
recently went into
Administration.
The
products are
being sold
direct (as
installed products),
as well
as being
sold in
flat-pack form
through a
network of
accredited distributors
in various
UK and
overseas locations – for
installation locally
in those
territories.
CoolKit
is preparing
to provide
availability of
the products
ex-stock – in
order that
the fast-turnaround
needs of
the customers
of the
business can
be met.
Demonstrating the
validity of
this claim,
the first
kit orders
received have
been turned
around in
less than
a week.
The kits
comprise of
a number
of pre-formed
panels and
associated components,
together with
a variety
of consumables
required to
carry out
the installation.
There will
be variants
for all
the popular
light commercial
vehicles on
the market
to ensure
they will
maintain chilled
or frozen
temperatures.
The
kits are manufactured by CNC machine so
that the highest standards of accuracy
can be achieved in conjunction with
high capacity. With a factory based near Burnley in Lancashire,
the business is
using personnel with vast combined experience
in the field of refrigerated vehicle
converting. Six new jobs have been created
and Rupert Gatty expects the
business to grow rapidly, creating
the need for further personnel.
Rupert
comments "I am delighted with the opportunities
that this brings. I plan to develop the products
further, so that they become more suitable for a wider
range of applications and markets. I look forward to
collaborating
with all the customers and suppliers with whom I have
dealt over the years to create mutual value for all."
CoolKit
can be contacted on 0845 459 5418 or sales@coolkit.org
back
to top
