Eurest “takes off” with GRP for its latest airport vehicles

For its airside vehicle requirements at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, catering service company Eurest has updated its fleet with the addition of 16 new distribution vehicles that all feature GRP refrigerated van conversions and Carrier Transicold Xarios 150 refrigeration systems, as standard.

The new vehicles, including 11 Citroen Berlingo vans and 5 Iveco HR Daily vans, have been acquired by Eurest for use on vending routes and for the delivery of buffets, baguettes and sandwiches to British Airways staff catering facilities and BA hospitality suites, at both airports.

Eurest, which is the largest catering company within the Compass Group (UK and Ireland), has handled the BA staff catering contract for the past 22 years, however, it is the first time that Eurest has operated vehicles with GRP refrigerated bodywork for this contract. According to Karen Tate at Eurest, “The vehicles are proving to be excellent in operation, enhancing the level of service from Eurest to the various BA airside locations”.

Bodywork for airport vehicles has, for many years, been a significant part of the GRP product portfolio, ranging from the supply of specialist temperature controlled bodies for delivery vehicles through to the complex manufacture of bodies for airline support vehicles including ULD’s, CMP carriers and baggage bodies.

All 16 vehicles were converted to chilled specification by GRP at its Van Division manufacturing site in Leeds, going into service on a phased delivery basis from July, split between Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

The complete 16 vehicle order was supplied to Eurest on a three year contract hire agreement by Artegy, whose focus is on providing contract hire for specialist commercial vehicles.

The Head of Sales and Marketing for Artegy adds: “Eurest is a key account for Artegy who operate a range of specialist commercial vehicles nation-wide. Our operational understanding of Eurest’s business and the management of the supply chain with GRP, who are members of our approved supplier network, has ensured that Eurest have well specified, reliable and cost effective vehicles that support their business as it continues to expand”.