Woods Foodservice, a renowned foodservice supplier catering to top chefs in the hospitality industry, is making a significant move towards sustainability by transitioning to electric vans. The company recently acquired 12 refrigerated Ford E-Transit L4s from Progreen, the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire.
As a family-owned business with a rich history of over forty years in supplying high-quality products to hospitality providers and restaurateurs, Woods Foodservice has set a goal to become the UK’s leading Net Zero contributor foodservice company by 2030. To achieve this ambitious target, the company plans to replace its entire Euro 6 fleet with electric vehicles by the end of the 2025 financial year, complementing its existing investment in fully electric company cars.
The newly acquired electric vans are equipped with state-of-the-art features, including solar panels on the roof to reduce energy consumption during charging. Each vehicle offers multi-temperature storage capabilities, including chilled, ambient, and frozen compartments, which not only enhance Woods’ delivery operations but also minimize its environmental footprint. These electric vans, designed and managed by Progreen, will operate within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
To maximize efficiency and cost savings, Progreen has installed Geotab telematics across all 12 vehicles, providing Woods with real-time insights into vehicle performance and driver behavior. By monitoring these metrics, Woods can optimize its operations, reduce costs, and track CO2 savings, ensuring a smarter and more sustainable fleet.
Wayne Gregory, the operations manager at Woods Foodservice, expressed his satisfaction with the new electric vans, highlighting the significant efficiency boost achieved since their implementation. He emphasized the convenience of delivering various types of produce in a single vehicle and the substantial reduction in diesel fuel usage by 35%. The addition of solar panels on the vans’ roofs has also addressed one of the company’s major concerns by reducing strain on the batteries when running freezer units, thereby extending the vans’ range.
Michelle Miles, the head of Progreen, commended Woods Foodservice for its commitment to sustainability and the successful transition to electric vehicles. She praised the collaboration between the two companies and expressed excitement about supporting Woods in their mission to become a leading Net Zero contributor in the foodservice industry by 2030. Progreen looks forward to continuing their partnership with Woods Foodservice as they progress on their sustainability journey.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Prohire is a leading provider of nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire services. With a workforce of over 90 employees, the company offers fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance solutions to customers across the UK.
In conclusion, Woods Foodservice’s switch to electric vans marks a significant step towards achieving its sustainability goals and reducing its environmental impact. By partnering with Progreen and Prohire, the company has embraced innovative solutions to enhance its delivery operations while prioritizing eco-friendly practices. As Woods continues on its journey towards becoming a Net Zero contributor, its commitment to sustainability sets a positive example for the foodservice industry and beyond.
