Solomon to deliver 72 new vehicles for Brakes

Haslingden-based Solomon Commercials has received an order for 72 delivery vehicles from national foodservice provider Brakes.

Solomon will work with Brakes, Iveco and Thermoking to design, develop, and produce refrigerated vehicles specifically for Brakes’ operations.

The order includes ten temperature-controlled 7.2t Iveco Dailys., which will feature an aerodynamic cab system designed to aid airflow around the body to increase fuel efficiency.

The new fleet also incorporates enhanced safety systems, including a camera system covering the outside of the body as well as the inside, flood lighting for operation during darkness, and a LED cycle safety warning system for cyclists and the general public.

Solomon also modified the body structure to support the condenser unit and internal recesses to accommodate the refrigerant pipework, with the Thermoking V500 under-mounted on runners to provide easy access for maintenance. Thermoking agent, Marshalls provided and installed the refrigeration, camera systems and remote temperature monitoring equipment.

Ian Lang, sales manager at Solomon Commercials, said: "Working with a company the size of Brakes is always incredibly rewarding and to be involved with new projects such as this, with all my colleagues but especially Phil Lochrie who led the project, is really something very special indeed.

"The team at Brakes had very specific requirements, so our technical team and our partners set about supplying something innovative and ideally suited to meet their requirements in terms of safety, practicality, and efficiency."

Paul Vernon, head of fleet for Sysco GB which owns Brakes, said: "The fantastic team at Solomon took our thought concept through to design drawings and worked collaboratively to deliver a bespoke vehicle which fits our business requirements perfectly.

"The unique offering provides the best of both worlds delivering a smaller tonnage vehicle with a great payload and mpg with added safety features supporting our aim to constantly improve the driver experience."