21 May Gray & Adams (Ireland) provides Rea Distribution with multi-temp trailer for pharma distribution
As one of the first haulage companies in Ireland to purchase a purpose-built refrigerated trailer, Rea Distribution (formally Rea Transport) have firm roots in the industry.
Over the years the nature of its business changed and, with Rea Transport becoming Rea Distribution, there was less of a focus on temperature-controlled deliveries. However, with a growing pharmaceutical customer base bringing an increased demand for temperature-controlled vehicles, Rea Distribution selected Gray & Adams as its trusted supplier. The order was for a 13.6m multi-temperature trailer – its first temperature-controlled trailer in modern times. The trailer is also fitted with the latest seven telematics system, enabling real-time temperature monitoring.
Richard Rea, Director at Rea Distribution said:
“Right from the very beginning, Gray & Adams stood out from the rest. From having the initial call with the sales team, it wasn’t very long before they had a demonstrator trailer in our yard. The trailer specification was first-class and the team provided excellent recommendations. Gray & Adams (Ireland) is right on our doorstep and with the availability of service and parts from their Newtownabbey site, it will minimise downtime. We are over the moon with the customer service.
He continued,
“we are the appointed distribution partner of MHRA licence holders Transbridge Freight Service, who offer a viable groupage solution that is fully licensed and GDP compliant. With their experience in the pharmaceutical market, they were able to provide insights which allowed us to tailor the build to industry requirements.”
With the current Covid-19 pandemic, Rea Distribution expects to see an increase in operations as the demand for pharmaceuticals and other essential products inevitably rises. The team are well-versed in managing their service through fluctuating periods of demand, having worked with food and retail customers during the run up to Christmas, or pharmaceutical companies during the cold winter months. With this in mind, Rea Distribution are well-positioned to handle this uplift in business.
As a family-run business since the early seventies, now in its third generation, the company has a rich heritage. Founder, John Rea Senior, sponsored long-term friend and motorcycle racer, Joey Dunlop. Through this, Rea Distribution became synonymous with racing. This continued through subsequent generations, with John’s son Johnny experiencing a successful racing career, including an Isle of Man TT win, whilst also working at Rea Distribution.
Johnny’s eldest son, Jonathan Rea, now holds five world superbike championships – making him the most successful World SBK rider in the history of the championships. Jonathan used to be actively involved in the business before his motorcycle career overtook. However, he has always kept an eye on the current progress of the family business and is a great ambassador for Rea Distribution.
Stuart Martin, Sales Director at Gray & Adams (Ireland) said:
“We are delighted to be bringing Rea Distribution to the forefront of temperature-controlled distribution with the delivery of this trailer. Our trailers are well-engineered for pharmaceutical deliveries, ensuring we support our customers in making safe and carefully monitored deliveries within a crucial sector.”