Dawsongroup Supporting Mawdsleys’ Drive To Net Zero

Mawdsleys, one of the UK’s largest independent pharmaceutical distributors returns to Dawsongroup to acquire its Volvo electric tractor and eCool trailers on contract hire. In fact, it’s the customer’s first electric tractor unit – a Volvo FM Electric, hitched up to a trailer with Carrier eCool electric fridge motor – all operating on power generated by Mawdsleys’ own solar panels.

A Changing Market

Contract hire is becoming a more popular choice for businesses during tough economic times, keeping hardwon investment capital for the greater returns of long-term business development. This becomes even more vital, as the cost of readily available electric vehicles can be two or three times more than ICE equivalents.

“Dawsongroup described its contract hire package to us as a ‘try before you buy’ opportunity. All any operator really wants is the well-managed use of the vehicles – exactly what we get with contract hire. It means we can hold onto investment capital for areas that will help build a stronger business for our future,” said Chris Juster, Transport Director at Mawdsleys.

The company is already looking for more electric tractor units and rigids, alongside other variants as they hit the market from Dawsongroup. A further four eCool trailers are on order, having a positive impact on their company cars and 65% of the power demands from its now 300,000sq ft building after a doubling of the area to accommodate the solar panels.

Looking Towards Net Zero

The customer is a market leader in the sensitive healthcare sector. Therefore, acquiring these solutions is part of the customer’s plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045, recognising the importance of acting responsibly to improve sustainability. To further support this, the customer has also partnered with one of our sister business units, Dawsongroup energy solutions, who work closely with truck and trailer as their electric truck fleet and customers increase.

The company is trialling a CV charging unit from them, which is part of the customer’s solar system, translating part of that supply from an existing three-phase socket outside the building into sufficient power for the Volvo through a mobile unit and standard charging cables. This removes the problems and costs of on-the-road charging, alongside saving capital for the customer.

“It can cost up to £250 just to get an 80% charge, compared with almost ‘free’ self-generated power from our solar panels,” said Chris.

The Future of Collaboration

Mawdsleys has suggested the potential to share charging facilities with customers and partners, aiming to reduce the dependence on on-the-road points. With long-term benefits, it could become a wider seen approach within the entire industry after combating challenges, including insurance and site security. This could see further partnerships with Dawsongroup, who are experts in EV charging, with many seen on their various sites, alongside helping customers install their own. It’s a big step towards sustainability, and both Mawdsleys and Dawsongroup are leading the way towards a greener future.

“I have worked with Mawdsleys for over 10 years and have seen their business grow, it has been a great journey to grow with them and support their fleet requirements. We started with two 7.5T boxes, moving to refrigerated and into 18T, 26T, and tractor units with trailers. Now we have the exciting prospect of supporting them with EV trucks and trailers,”said Ian Brownson, Dawsongroup’s Area Sales Manager.