Progreen delivers Fairfax Meadow’s first electric vehicles

Fairfax Meadow, Catering Butcher of the Year 2023, has taken delivery of its first electric vehicles from Progreen, the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire, the leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions.

Delivered as the UK’s biggest foodservice catering butcher celebrates its 50^th anniversary, the two Ford e-Transit refrigerated vans will operate within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), delivering meat to Fairfax Meadow customers in the capital including Browns Restaurants (Mitchells & Butlers), Drake & Morgan, Ivy Collection and Gordon Ramsay.

The bespoke vans, which have been designed and managed through the production process by ProGreen, are part of Fairfax Meadow’s sustainability strategy. The state-of-the-art electric vehicles, which have been supplied on long term contract hire, including full repair and management, feature a Solomon Insulated body and a refrigeration system from GAH capable of dealing with both chilled and frozen meat products.

The vehicles have been fitted with an entirely new on-brand cab and body livery designed by the marketing team at Fairfax Meadow.

Progreen has fitted Geotab telematics to both vehicles which will enable Fairfax Meadow to monitor driver behaviour and report on CO2 savings. The systems will also allow Progreen to provide remote fault diagnosis, tracking and accident detention to ensure optimum performance. Full driver training will be provided by Prohire training academy, ProCademy.

Penny Tomlinson, managing director of Fairfax Meadow, said: “From the outset, Prohire stood out as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic EV fleet supplier and, with their support, we’ve taken our first steps on the EV journey as part of our sustainability plan. The new EVs are an important part of future proofing our business, from an environmental, cost management and customer perspective.”

Michelle Miles, head of ProGreen said: “We’ve worked closely with Fairfax Meadow every step of the way, to make sure these first electric vehicles hit every aspect of their brief. Supporting a company in realising its sustainability strategy through the provision of electric vehicles is a real privilege and I’m proud of the solution we’ve delivered.

“What a way for a company to celebrate its 50^th year with such a fantastic innovation. We look forward to continuing to support Fairfax Meadow in its transition to alternative fuels in the years to come.”

Following full site surveys at Fairfax Meadow’s London depot, Progreen also managed the installation of the charging infrastructure for the electric vehicles by MER UK.