Gray & Adams Ltd
Multi-temp Lifting Deck Semi-trailer pictured at Gray & Adams HQ
Internal view from rear of Multi-temp Lifting Deck Semi-trailer
Gray & Adams, the UK’s leading manufacturer of temperature controlled semi-trailers and rigid vehicles, is honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its refrigerated double-deck semi-trailer, which features a moving deck, multiple temperature-controlled compartments and an aerodynamic tapered body – a product that continues to set industry standards for innovation and efficiency. This marks the second time Gray & Adams has received a royal award for innovation. In 2020, the business was honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its pioneering dry- freight double-deck trailer design, which featured a full-length moving deck. Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, in the North East of Scotland, Gray & Adams is a household name in the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturing sector and has long been celebrated for setting the gold standard in quality and service. In addition to the main production facility in Fraserburgh, the family-owned company has manufacturing sites in Doncaster, Dunfermline and Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland. Award-winning design The innovative refrigerated double-deck semi- trailer design, which received this award, has a moving deck operated by an electro-hydraulically
controlled wire rope and pulley system, enabling operators to increase the volume of goods carried by almost 70% when compared to a standard semi-trailer, significantly reducing vehicle journeys and CO2 emissions. The body has an aerodynamic taper down to the height of the tractor unit, which reduces drag – improving fuel efficiency. A key aspect of the innovation are the components inside the body, which direct temperature-controlled air from the main refrigeration unit and remote evaporators to multiple compartments within the body, allowing goods to be carried at four different temperatures during transit. Leading the way Gray & Adams has a rich history of innovation. In the 1960s it was among the first companies in the UK to introduce mechanical forced air refrigeration on commercial vehicles and, in the 1980s, it was the first company in the UK to work on aerodynamic improvements on semi-trailers for enhanced fuel efficiency. In the 1990s the company was at the forefront of double-deck and lifting deck semi-trailer technology. Founded as a vehicle repair facility by Jim Gray in 1957, he was later joined by Jim Adams and the company became Gray & Adams. Over the decades the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a national market leader, employing
over 750 staff and supporting the supply chains of most major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op, Aldi, Morrisons and Iceland, as well as blue chip companies like DPD, John Lewis Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. The business’ family legacy lives on with its current joint Managing Directors, James Gray OBE and Peter Gray OBE, the sons of founder Jim Gray. James and Peter say, “We are delighted and deeply honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation. This award reflects the creativity, technical expertise and dedication of our entire team in pushing the boundaries of semi-trailer design. “It’s a proud moment for our employees and underlines our continued focus on delivering excellence and innovation to our loyal customers, who we must also thank as without their trust and support we would not have been able to achieve this prestigious award.” Looking ahead, Gray & Adams remains focused on driving innovation that supports decarbonisation and operational efficiency for its customers and the wider environment. GRAY & ADAMS LTD South Road, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, AB43 9HU Tel: +44 (0)1346 518001 james.gray@gray-adams.com www.gray-adams.com
www. kingsawardsmagazine .com
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