Gray & Adams Ltd
Last year, Gray and Adams secured its first Royal Mail contract for double-deck semi-trailers, highlighting continued growth and recognition. Leadership perspective The business’ family legacy lives on, with joint Managing Directors James Gray OBE and Peter Gray OBE, sons of founder Jim Gray, commenting: “We are delighted and immensely proud to have received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. This recognition reflects the creativity, technical expertise and commitment of our entire team in continuing to push the boundaries of semi trailer design. “It was a significant moment for everyone across the business and reinforces our ongoing focus on delivering the highest standards of quality and innovation for our customers. We would also like to thank our customers for their continued trust and support, without which, achieving this prestigious award would not have been possible.” Looking ahead As it looks to the future, Gray & Adams remains firmly focused on driving innovation that supports decarbonisation, operational efficiency and long- term environmental responsibility, ensuring its customers are equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern logistics. GRAY & ADAMS LTD South Road, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire AB43 9HU Tel: +44 (0)1346 518001 • james.gray@gray-adams.com www.gray-adams.com “This recognition reflects the creativity, technical expertise and commitment of our entire team in continuing to push the boundaries of semi trailer design”
Gray & Adams, the UK’s leading manufacturer of temperature-controlled semi-trailers and rigid vehicles, was honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2025 for its refrigerated double-deck semi-trailer. Featuring a moving deck, multiple temperature-controlled compartments and an aerodynamic tapered body, the award-winning design continues to set industry benchmarks for innovation, efficiency and sustainability. This accolade marked the second royal innovation award for Gray & Adams. In 2020, the company received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its pioneering dry- freight double-deck trailer, which incorporated a full-length moving deck and transformed load efficiency across the sector. Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, in the Northeast of Scotland, Gray & Adams is a household name within the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturing industry, widely recognised for setting the gold standard in quality, durability and customer service. Alongside its flagship Fraserburgh facility, the family-owned business operates manufacturing sites in Doncaster, Dunfermline and Newtownabbey, supporting customers across the UK and Ireland. Award-winning design At the heart of the award-winning refrigerated double-deck semi-trailer is a moving deck operated by an electro-hydraulically controlled wire rope and
pulley system. This innovation enables operators to increase load volume by almost 70% compared to a standard semi-trailer, helping to reduce vehicle journeys, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The trailer’s aerodynamic tapered body, designed to align with the height of the tractor unit, further reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Internally, a sophisticated airflow management system distributes temperature- controlled air from the main refrigeration unit and remote evaporators to multiple compartments, allowing operators to transport goods at up to four different temperatures simultaneously. Leading the way Gray & Adams has a long and respected history of innovation. In the 1960s, it was among the first UK manufacturers to introduce mechanical forced- air refrigeration on commercial vehicles. During the 1980s, the company pioneered aerodynamic enhancements to semi-trailers, delivering measurable fuel efficiency gains. In the 1990s, Gray & Adams once again led the sector, advancing double-deck and lifting-deck trailer technology. Originally established as a vehicle repair business by founder Jim Gray, the company later became Gray & Adams following the involvement of Jim Adams. Today, the business employs more than 750 people and supports the supply chains of the UK’s major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op, Aldi, Morrisons and Iceland, as well as leading blue-chip companies such as DPD, John Lewis, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.
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