Vanfleet goes for Kogel March 2001

When Tom Fitzsimons of Vanfleet went into the market last year for twelve new customised trailers, he could have gone to anybody. But he chose Kogel Ireland.

Purchasing twelve new trailers is a massive investment by any standards. Selecting a supplier is not a decision taken lightly. Tom Fitzsimons put a great deal of thought into the various options open to him when he decided to bolster his fleet with twelve brand new trailers. In the end, the decision virtually made itself.

As he points out, what Kogel put on the table was by far the most flexible, practical and economical package available. It also comes with a back-up service that nobody else could match: “My requirements were quite specific and Kogel responded well to them. When I spoke to Tom Carroll of Kogel Ireland he came back to me with a package that fitted my needs perfectly. The quality of the product is way out on its own, with nothing else out there even coming close. Pricewise, I also got a good deal and the back-up service and response time are second to none.”

Kogel couldn’t possibly wish for a better recommendation. Vanfleet has been in existence for 23 years and provides an exclusive distribution service to Ireland’s largest retailer. (In fact, the Fitzsimons family have been in the haulage and logistics business for 65 years.)

The name Vanfleet has become synonymous with quality. They are the best; they work only for the best; they use only the best equipment. The fact that Tom Fitzsimons decided to go with Kogel speaks for itself.

The consignment bought from Kogel consists of twelve state-of-the-art, low-maintenance 13.6 metre GRP boxvan trailers especially adapted for the carriage of hanging garments. The trailers are fitted with an insulated roof, a side door on each side and rear roller shutter doors which afford Vanfleet maximum performance when loading or making deliveries.
All come complete with bpw axles and disc brakes

Tom wanted to buy the trailers on a five-year contract hire basis, with maintenance and tyres included - and this is exactly what Kogel has given him.

Being in business since 1934, Kogel are one of the largest trailer manufacturers in Europe. Using the very latest modern technology, Kogel builds a wide range of box vans/bodies, refrigerated trailers and Euroliners.
Despite its size, the company continues to give a very personal touch and - as Tom Fitzsimons can testify - are always on hand to answer any queries regarding an order or a prospective order.

To say that Tom is impressed with his latest purchase would be an understatement: “I wanted a particular package and they gave me precisely that. Tom Carroll has been in business for 30 years and he knows how to look after a customer. I have got twelve excellent trailers which meet my targets and also come with a superior finish.”

Operating out of a 100,000 sq. ft. premises in Santry Hall Industrial Estate since December 1999, Vanfleet was established by Shay Fitzsimons in 1978. The company looks after warehousing and distribution (of textiles) for Ireland’s largest retailer, covering Ireland and Northern Ireland, with a depot in Manchester, Anglo Overseas, servicing the UK. Vanfleet also goes directly into Spain.

At present, the fleet comprises some 29 vehicles - eleven articulated trucks, 14 rigids and four light commercials. The tractor units are a mix of Iveco and Scania, all being replaced by new models approximately every three years.
Vanfleet received delivery of the twelve new Kogel trailers in December and they were all put into immediate service. The company has installed a Monitcom Tracking System on its units to determine mileage, fuel usage and downtime.
Vanfleet employs a staff of 86, including 28 drivers.

What does the future hold for Vanfleet? “We’re looking at building a purpose-built facility within the next 18-24 months which should sustain us for a long-term period. We feel we need to do this in response to how we anticipate the industry changing. Previously, we have moved from available premises to available premises; our next move will be to a site of our own. We have a plan in place so it’s only a matter of time before we move again.

“In this line of business, you have to be constantly looking at new developments and new trends, how these can affect you and how they can be used to benefit both the customer and your own business. We are continually embracing new technology to provide a better service.

“We have just entered Phase One of our redevelop-ment plan and Phase Two has already been mapped out. Only by looking to the future can we safeguard it.”