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BRS launches big chill
Page 23
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• BRS Northern has spent £3.5 million on launching a trial reefer rental scheme which, if successful, could be extended nationally.
The company, which is offering 16 vehicles for short, or long-term, rental from its Bolton depot, hopes to have 70 reefers in two years. Although the industry has shied away from refrigerated rental in the past because of its high capital costs, BRS Northern's contracts and rental services director Don Butterworth is confident the venture will work.
Market research shows there is a demand for these vehicles on short-term rental, from poultry, meat, fruit and frozen food producers and distributors. This has grown because of recent laws forcing these firms to keep many foods colder, longer, he says.
Long-term customers can opt for Contract 12 — which offers benefits of contract hire for up to a year, without the traditional cornrnittment of the three-to six-year agreement. Users can also put their own liveries on vehicles.
Of the 16 vehicles at Bolton, 11 are 17-tonners, five 7.5tonners and one a 3.5-tonne van. Most of the bodies are built by Solomon Commercials of Rossendale. Several have meat hooks, tail lifts and dual temperature control.