Gray & Adams’ Demonstrator Trailer Becomes First to Feature Carrier Transicold’s [R]eCool Pack
Industry Legend – Gary King
Staff Spotlight – Introducing Grant Gillies, Our New Sales Manager
As we welcome the arrival of spring, this edition of the Gray & Adams newsletter reflects a period of continued progress, innovation and partnership across the business. The longer days bring renewed energy, and it’s an ideal time to reflect on the collective effort that continues to drive our success.
In this issue, we are pleased to share a number of strong customer partnerships that demonstrate our consultative approach and commitment to delivering tailored, high‑quality solutions. On page 4 we feature a customer case study with AAH Pharmaceuticals, highlighting the delivery of a new generation of bespoke trailers designed around safety, compliance and operational efficiency within a highly regulated distribution environment. Further customer stories follow throughout the edition, including Samworth Brothers (pages 8 and 9), Pilgrim Foodservice (page 11) and Moran Logistics (page 17), each showcasing the value of long‑term collaboration and shared standards.
Innovation and sustainability remain key themes for Gray & Adams. On page 6, we share the news that our demonstrator trailer has become the first to feature Carrier Transicold’s [R]eCool Pack, marking another step forward in lower‑emission refrigerated transport solutions. In parallel, page 7 celebrates Gray & Adams achieving ISO 45001:2018 certification, reinforcing our commitment to occupational health and safety and further strengthening our triple ISO accreditation across quality, environment and safety. Our people continue to sit at the heart of the business, and this edition brings that to the forefront. On page 10, we introduce Grant Gillies, who joined the team as Sales Manager earlier this year, while page 15 marks an important leadership milestone with the appointment of Andrew Brown as Managing Director of our Doncaster operation. We also celebrate the wider industry on pages 12 and 13 with an in‑depth feature on Gary King, whose career has spanned more than four decades and mirrors the evolution of temperature‑controlled transport.
Partnership and heritage are also recognised on page 14, where we celebrate 150 years of Warburtons, a valued customer whose family values and long‑term outlook closely align with our own. That focus on long‑standing, family‑run partnerships continues on page 16, where we mark an important milestone with Farmlay Eggs as the business celebrates 80 years of operation.
Team involvement beyond the workplace is highlighted on page 5, with Gray & Adams Fraserburgh taking part in, and winning, the Business Fives charity football tournament in support of the RNLI. Giving back to the communities in which we operate remains important to Gray & Adams, and page 18 highlights our support of the Bentley community through local initiatives and events.
As always, we take time to recognise the dedication of our long‑serving colleagues. On page 19, we feature a retirement spotlight on Alick Neish, marking 24 years of service with Gray & Adams and thanking him for his contribution to the business.
We would like to thank our customers for their continued trust and partnership, and our teams across Fraserburgh, Dunfermline, Belfast and Doncaster for their professionalism, commitment and hard work. As we move through 2026, we look forward to building on these strong foundations together.
James Gray OBE and Peter Gray OBE
Joint Managing Directors
AAH Pharmaceuticals Upgrades Fleet with Bespoke Trailers from Gray & Adams
Gray & Adams has partnered with AAH Pharmaceuticals to deliver a new generation of bespoke trailers, supporting the wholesaler’s nationwide pharmaceutical distribution operation. Designed around safety, efficiency and temperature control, the fleet reflects Gray & Adams’ consultative approach to complex, regulated transport requirements.
About AAH Pharmaceuticals
Established in 1907, AAH Pharmaceuticals serves over 27,000 customers nationwide, delivering twice daily from 11 depots across the UK, including Glasgow, Southampton, Wales, and Belfast. Its fleet of 970 vans, 58 HGVs, 18-tonners, and 41 trailers moves more than 50 million packs of medication each week, supplying hospitals, pharmacies, prisons, and Ministry of Defence contracts.
Customer Requirement
AAH Pharmaceuticals required a fleet refresh with health and safety at its core. Operating nationwide, often overnight, and transporting high volumes of temperature sensitive medication, the business needed vehicles that reduced risk for drivers and warehouse colleagues while supporting consistent, compliant operations. The focus was on safer working practices, improved conditions and a fleet capable of supporting future growth.
Gray & Adams Solution
Working closely with AAH’s fleet team, Gray & Adams designed a fully bespoke trailer specification tailored to pharmaceutical distribution. The solution includes triple temperature capability, underslung tail lifts, super single wheels for improved road handling, sliding Mavis rails, LED working lights and ultra quiet floors. Factory visits allowed AAH to review builds in progress, with refinements made to ensure the trailers perform effectively in real world operation.
Gray & Adams Added Value
Gray & Adams’ consultative build process ensured the trailers were shaped around operational reality. By challenging, refining and enhancing the specification alongside AAH, the team delivered a solution that exceeds standard health and safety expectations while providing long term durability and value.
Ryan Mazgaj, Sales Manager at Gray & Adams, comments:
“AAH Pharmaceuticals has a demanding operation, and this project shows what can be achieved through collaboration. Their focus on safety and efficiency aligns closely with our approach, and this partnership demonstrates the strength of our consultative and bespoke approach to trailer design.”
Customer Impact
The first bespoke double-deck trailer is currently in trial, with full deliveries scheduled from 2027. Single deck trailers will enter service from March 2026, alongside 18 tonners. Leased through Dawsongroup, the fleet supports increased demand for temperature controlled distribution while improving safety and efficiency across AAH’s national network.
“The team at Gray & Adams listened to exactly what we wanted and made it happen. From bespoke temperature zones to innovative safety features, the quality and detail of their trailers is outstanding. Seeing the build firsthand gave us confidence in the longevity of the fleet, and we’re excited to continue this partnership for years to come.”
— Barry Key, National Fleet & Transport Manager, AAH Pharmaceuticals
A Winning Performance for a Great Cause at Business Fives
Gray & Adams Fraserburgh are proud to have won this year’s Business Fives charity football tournament in Aberdeen, marking a fantastic achievement for the team and supporting a cause close to our local community.
Staff from our head office in Fraserburgh travelled to Aberdeen in March to take part in the annual five a side charity event for the first time, competing against businesses from a wide range of industries across the region. The afternoon provided a great mix of competitive football, networking and fundraising, creating a brilliant atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
The Gray & Adams team delivered a dominant performance throughout the competition, going on to win the tournament. As a result, Business Fives will make a £350 donation to our chosen charity, the RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station. Supporting charities within the communities where we live and work is something Gray & Adams is extremely proud of, and we are delighted to contribute to the vital work carried out by the RNLI.
It was a clean sweep of awards for Gray & Adams, with the team also claiming every individual honour on offer. Lewis Duncan was named Player of the Match in the final, Sean Butcher finished as the tournament’s Top Goalscorer with an impressive nine goals, and goalkeeper Gordon McLennan secured the Golden Glove award.
Former professional footballer Fraser Fyvie attended the event as guest speaker, sharing stories from his playing career and assisting with the presentation of the awards, which added a memorable touch to the day.
By winning the tournament, the Gray & Adams team have now qualified for the Scotland National Finals in Glasgow later this year, where they will once again compete to secure further charitable donations. In the build up to the finals, the team will continue fundraising efforts in support of the RNLI Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station.
The players representing Gray & Adams at the event were John MacKinnon, Gordon McLennan, Ross Brown, Chris Grieve, Aiden McDonald, Graeme Smith, Sean Butcher and Lewis Duncan.
Well done to everyone involved for representing Gray & Adams so positively and for helping support a charity that plays such an important role in our local community.
Gray & Adams’ Demonstrator Trailer Becomes First to Feature Carrier Transicold’s [R]eCool Pack
Gray & Adams is proud to announce that our demonstrator trailer has become the first vehicle to be retrofitted with Carrier Transicold’s innovative [R]eCool pack, supporting The Reed Boardall Group’s commitment to lower emission transport solutions.
[R]eCool is a digitally connected, optimised battery system incorporating Lynx Fleet telematics that converts diesel trailer TRUs into fully electric reefers, reducing operational costs, emissions and noise.
The system delivers extended all electric run times while retaining automatic diesel engine backup, ensuring total product protection. Trailers remain fully operational across any depot network, route, weather or traffic conditions, removing concerns over battery charge or cooling performance. Ultraefficient power electronics from Carrier’s sister company Addvolt allow a full battery recharge in just over two hours using a standard 32amp TRU standby socket, minimising dwell time and avoiding complex infrastructure. Installation is straightforward, requiring no additional power sources, and [R]eCool can be transferred between trailers as needed. This flexibility allows operators to see immediate benefits on new trailers, extend the life of older TRUs, and redeploy [R]eCool on new equipment as fleets are upgraded.
Commenting on the retrofit, Gray & Adams’ Managing Director Doncaster Andrew Brown said,
“We’re thrilled to lead the way in showcasing practical, lower emission solutions for the refrigerated transport sector. [R]eCool demonstrates how innovation can deliver real operational benefits while supporting sustainability targets.”
Scott Dargan at Carrier added,
“The installation on Gray & Adams’ demonstrator trailer highlights the versatility of [R]eCool and how well two leading edge engineering partners can come together to support mutual customers. It offers operators a seamless transition to electric operation without compromising performance or reliability.”
By offering [R]eCool on a new or retrofit basis, Carrier and Gray & Adams are helping to make future proofed, lower emission technology accessible to operators today.
If you’d like to experience the benefits for yourself of the demonstrator trailer with [R]eCool pack, please contact your Key Account Manager to arrange a trial.
Gray and Adams Ltd Achieves ISO 45001:2018 Certification for Occupational Health & Safety
Gray and Adams Ltd has officially achieved ISO 45001:2018 certification, demonstrating that our occupational health and safety systems meet internationally recognised standards. This accreditation confirms our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace for all employees.
What this means for our team
• Reduced Risk: A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hazards before they occur.
• Operational Excellence: Creating a safer environment that reduces disruptions and improves output quality,
• Total Accountability: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, not just meeting minimum standards.
• Leadership: Empowering every team member to take ownership of their environment, making safety a shared responsibility.
• Wellbeing Focus: Promoting overall staff wellbeing and a sustainable work life balance, beyond just physical safety.
Impact for Gray & Adams Ltd
This certification represents our commitment to employees, customers, and partners. It ensures a safer workplace, more robust training, ongoing investment in modern technology and equipment, and a culture where everyone can go home safe each day.
We aren’t just building high quality products, we’re fostering a safer workplace, a stronger culture, and a better future for our industry.
Achieving ISO 45001 reflects our belief that no job is so important that it cannot be done safely. Continuous improvement is central to this standard, and we remain committed to enhancing our processes to create an even healthier and safer environment.
“Gaining this certification has been a team effort. I want to thank the Gray and Adams team for their diligence, discipline, feedback, and commitment, all of which made this possible,”
said David Smith, Group Quality Manager.
Triple Certification
Gray and Adams Ltd now holds triple ISO Certification, including ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001. This ensures we continue delivering high quality vehicles while operating in a greener, safer environment. Our commitment to BSI (British Standards Institution) certifications lays strong foundations for quality, reliability, sustainability, and workplace safety.
“These three standards work together to create a Total Management approach,”
said Chris Grieve, HSE Manager.
“It’s not just about compliance, it’s a competitive advantage that keeps our manufacturing chain ethical, unbroken, and performing at its best.”
This milestone reinforces Gray & Adams’ commitment to a safer, higher quality, and more sustainable workplace, strengthening both our team and the trust of our customers and partners.
Samworth Brothers
Samworth Brothers
For more than 30 years, Gray & Adams has supported Samworth Brothers in delivering chilled food across the UK. What started as a supplier relationship has evolved into a true partnership, built on trust, technical expertise and a shared commitment to operational excellence.
“We take pride in understanding our customer’s business as well as our own,” says Andrew Brown at Gray & Adams.
“Working closely with Samworth Brothers allows us to anticipate needs, respond quickly to challenges, and ensure the fleet performs at its best when it matters most.”
Samworth Brothers sets high standards across its supply chain, and trailer specification is no exception. The fleet includes doubledeck and twincompartment trailers, designed to maximise load efficiency while maintaining precise temperature control. Each trailer is built to last 12–14 years, with features that ensure long term reliability and protect product quality.
Refrigeration units are predominantly Carrier, selected to meet the company’s demanding performance requirements. On time delivery is critical, particularly during peak trading periods, and new trailers are often taken just ahead of the Christmas surge. Finished in Samworth Group corporate livery, the fleet also reflects the premium quality of the brand on the road.
Sustainability is increasingly influencing fleet decisions in today’s world. In 2024, following a successful trial, Samworth Brothers partnered with Gray & Adams and Sunswap to fulfil a third of their 2024 fleet upgrade with battery and solar-powered refrigerated trailers. This innovative and forward thinking approach has continued through to today and has allowed Samworth Brothers to recently explore all electric tractor units paired with electric trailers to reduce environmental impact without compromising operational performance.
Paul Marrow at Samworth Brothers comments:
“Gray & Adams have been a consistent and dependable partner for over three decades. We trust that they will supply quality products and give sound advice on innovative solutions that keep our business moving forward. Their technical expertise and responsiveness has helped us build a fleet that performs reliably day after day, season after season.”
Through strong collaboration and open communication, Gray & Adams ensures Samworth Brothers’ fleet strategy remains aligned with long term goals. Together, our partnership provides tailored solutions that are focused on performance, longevity, and future focused innovation.
Introducing Grant Gillies, Our New Sales Manager
As Gray & Adams continues to grow and strengthen our position in the market, we’re always looking to bring in new talent who can build lasting relationships with our customers and thrive within the business for the long term. Our consultative approach to sales has been at the heart of the company for over 65 years, and attracting people who share our values is key to maintaining that tradition. With this in mind, we were delighted to welcome Grant Gillies to the team at the beginning of this year.
In this article, Grant shares his career journey so far and what excites him about the opportunities ahead at Gray & Adams.
Can you tell us a bit about your career to date and what led you into sales?
My sales career started five years ago at a trailer manufacturer in the dry freight market and eventually wanted a change. An opportunity came up at Gray & Adams, a company I’ve always admired for both how they operate and their product range. I couldn't wait to join the team.
What attracted you to Gray & Adams and to this role at the Doncaster depot?
It’s the reputation of the company and the people within it. There aren’t many companies in this industry with such strong products, backed up by genuine support. The family owned culture and the level of trust really appealed to me. The role itself is varied, covering rigids, trailers, and double decks, so it’s a chance to really develop my knowledge across the product range rather than specialising in one area.
How have your first few months with the company been? Any highlights or challenges so far?
The main highlight has been the incredible level of support I’ve received from everyone, both internally and externally. From suppliers to colleagues, everyone has helped me settle in and answer any question, simple or complicated. It’s been great to feel so welcome in a company of this size and to experience the genuine family run culture from day one.
As you get settled in, what are you most excited to be working on?
I’m looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the product base and being able to contribute proactively. At the moment, I’m mostly absorbing information, but soon I hope to play a tangible part in supporting the business. I know I will have every opportunity to succeed here at Gray & Adams.
Have you had any memorable experiences since joining?
The warm welcome has been the most memorable. From the very start, I felt trusted and included, almost as if I’d worked here for years. A site visit to our Headquarters in Fraserburgh has been part of that, but it’s the culture and the people that have stood out the most.
How do you see your career developing within Gray & Adams?
I see myself being here for the long term. Gray & Adams is a place where people make a home, and that’s exactly what I want it to be for the rest of my career. I’m focused on being as successful as I can within the company and contributing to the team’s continued success.
When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your time?
Away from work I have a keen interest in all things live music, I try and get to as many events as I can. I have a keen engagement In most sports and again, I like to watch as many live sports, mainly in the (albeit short) British summer time. All with a good dose of humbling DIY attempts on my home.
Supporting Pilgrim Foodservice with Durable Fleet Solutions
For more than two decades, Gray & Adams has proudly supported Pilgrim Foodservice with robust, temperaturecontrolled vehicle bodies built to withstand the demands of daily distribution.
Founded in 1979, Pilgrim Foodservice is a secondgeneration, familyrun business supplying independent hospitality operators across the East Midlands, East of England and parts of Yorkshire. Their offering spans premium ingredients, foodservice essentials, freshly prepared produce and high quality meat from their own butchery.
Operating in a fastmoving environment, Pilgrim relies on equipment that delivers reliability, durability and consistent performance. Our reputation for quality and service has made Gray & Adams a natural longterm partner, with the relationship continuing to grow as both businesses remain aligned in their focus on excellence.
Customer Requirement
Pilgrim Foodservice’s latest project with Gray & Adams involved the refurbishment of 35 existing box bodies across their fleet. These bodies were originally built in 2016 and, now after ten years in service, have gone through a comprehensive refurbishment programme to further extend their working life.
This large-scale refurbishment enhances fleet performance, extends vehicle life and supports the company’s commitment to maintaining a dependable, efficient delivery operation.
Gray & Adams Solution
Maintaining product quality during distribution is critical to Pilgrim’s service promise. Our highperformance insulated bodies ensure precise temperature control from depot to delivery, safeguarding the integrity of chilled and frozen goods.
We also offer flexibility by coordinating with Pilgrim’s other contractors and enabling additional work to be completed at our facility. This integrated approach reduces vehicle downtime and keeps their fleet operating at maximum efficiency.
Designed for daily use in challenging conditions, Gray & Adams bodies are engineered for durability. Our builds are trusted across the logistics sector for their reliability, longevity and ability to perform under pressure.
Added Value
Our partnership extends far beyond the initial build. The team at our Doncaster site has supported Pilgrim with a comprehensive suite of services, including body repairs, vehicle wraps and refrigeration work.
This flexible approach allows Pilgrim to streamline fleet management, saving time and simplifying operations with a single dependable partner.
Customer Impact
Pilgrim Foodservice has grown significantly in recent years, including the addition of new crossdock depots. As their operations scale, the need for a reliable and hardworking fleet becomes even more important.
Vehicles now operate across tougher terrain, busier routes and longer schedules. Our bodywork is built to handle these realities, often delivering durability that can outlast the chassis itself.
By delivering longlasting, highperformance solutions, Gray & Adams continues to play a key role in supporting Pilgrim Foodservice’s growth and longterm operational success.
“I have nothing but praise for Gray & Adams. The quality and service we’ve received over the years has always been excellent. Their boxes are incredibly durable and stand up to the demands of our day-to-day operations, which gives us confidence in what they deliver – we know they’re built to last.”
– Alex Christopher, Fleet & Compliance Manager, Pilgrim Foodservice
Gary King
With a career spanning more than four decades, Gary King’s influence on the UK temperature-controlled transport sector is both deep and wide-ranging. From hands-on engineering roles to senior national fleet management positions within some of the country’s biggest retail operations, Gary’s journey mirrors the evolution of modern refrigerated transport and throughout it all, Gray & Adams has been a constant presence.
“I started out as an apprentice technician at Christian Salvesen, that was where everything began.”
What followed was a 20 year tenure that saw him progress steadily through the ranks, from chargehand, to fleet engineer overseeing workshops, and eventually to national fleet manager,
“I learned the business inside out, technically and operationally.”
After two decades at Salvesen, Gary’s relationship with Gray & Adams was already firmly established.
"I’d been working on Gray & Adams trailers since I was 16 because that’s what Christian Salvesen ran. Then as national fleet manager I was directly involved in specifying and purchasing the Gray & Adams equipment."
After his time at Salvesen, Gary moved to Tesco, where he spent three and a half years managing fleet operations and working closely with suppliers, this meant continuing to buy Gray & Adams product, but this time within a different retail operation. Gary was later headhunted into Sainsbury’s, where he would spend the next 19 years shaping fleet strategy during a period of significant industry change.
“When I arrived, Sainsbury’s didn’t have many Gray & Adams trailers, but that changed fairly quickly. As competition dropped off and Gray & Adams consistently met the operational specifications and the customer need, the balance of the fleet shifted. They simply delivered what we needed.”
“From a refrigeration perspective, the introduction of double-deck trailers was the biggest game changer, and Gray & Adams are the specialists in that space. A lot of work went into making the double-deck practical for retail operations.”
Changing delivery profiles have been another constant challenge, particularly as retailers adapted from supermarket based distribution to high street and urban delivery models.
“Urban delivery transformed everything, payloads, access, manoeuvrability, all of it had to change. Gray & Adams were very good at working with us on that journey, not just building to a spec, but helping us shape it. They innovate with you, not just for you.”
That collaborative approach extended across the business. Gary worked closely with Peter Gray, Brian Fraser and Jim Webster, but also valued the wider engineering consultancy approach.
Reflecting on the biggest technical developments during his career, Gary points to one innovation above all others.
“One of the real strengths of Gray & Adams is that you deal with specialists, you’re not locked into one conversation, you can access different engineering experts to make sure the final product truly meets the operational requirement. They were always willing to help and provide support when we needed it.”
Sustainability became an increasingly important focus as Gary’s career progressed.
“If there was any opportunity to innovate, to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact or meet new legislation, we looked at it, we carried out several major trials with Gray & Adams and their partners, particularly around refrigeration systems on double-deck trailers at Tesco. Those trials covered not just the body build, but the sub-components too. The challenge was always finding the most cost-effective solution that still met the demands of the business.”
That balancing act, cost versus quality, is something Gary feels strongly about.
“Cheap isn’t always the best way to go, from a business perspective, one of the hardest things is explaining that if you buy better quality, it lasts longer, and over the lifespan, it’s actually cheaper. That’s the benefit of buying a quality product like Gray & Adams, it stands the test of time.”
Equally important to Gary has been aftersales support.
“From a customer service and aftersales perspective, Gray & Adams dominate that market, if there’s a problem, they fix it. That level of support is rare now, and it makes a huge difference when you’re operating in a high-pressure environment.”
And high pressure it certainly was.
“We were constantly juggling innovation, cost, stakeholder expectations and environmental targets, all while making sure operations had what they needed. Knowing that if Gray & Adams committed to a delivery date, they would deliver, genuinely eased some of that pressure.”
Gary stepped away from his role at Sainsbury’s in October 2024, but he hasn’t left the industry behind. Now working as a fleet consultant, he’s using his experience, knowledge and contacts to support smaller businesses.
“I’m helping companies become more cost-effective, more operationally efficient and more sustainable, I’ll probably keep doing this for a few more years, just at a reduced pace.”
Importantly, this new chapter allows more time where it matters most.
“I still enjoy the work, but it also gives me more flexibility and more time with my family.”
Looking back, Gary’s career is defined not just by technical expertise, but by partnership, pragmatism and long term thinking. His enduring relationship with Gray & Adams reflects that ethos, built on trust, shared problem solving and a belief that quality always pays off in the end.
150 Years of Warburtons: Celebrating a Valued Partnership
As Warburtons marks 150 years in business, Gray & Adams is proud to celebrate a customer whose heritage, ambition and family values closely reflect our own. From a small Bolton bakery founded in 1876 to Britain’s largest bakery brand, Warburtons has built a reputation for quality, consistency and innovation across five generations of family leadership.
Their growth has never come at the expense of their principles. Long term thinking, reinvestment and a strong sense of responsibility to colleagues, customers and communities remain central to the business. As a fellow family founded manufacturer, that approach resonates strongly with us. Shared values create strong foundations, and they also create strong partnerships.
Innovation continues to drive Warburtons forward. From expanding product ranges to investing in modern bakeries and more sustainable operations, the business consistently adapts to meet changing consumer needs. Supporting that evolution requires robust, reliable distribution, and Gray & Adams has been proud to play a role in that journey for more than 20 years.
Our temperature controlled vehicles are designed around the specific demands of bakery logistics, helping ensure products reach retailers nationwide in peak condition. Ongoing collaboration between our teams has enabled continuous refinement as Warburtons operations has grown and developed.
Brown, Gray & Adams
“Working alongside Warburtons is a partnership built on mutual trust and shared standards. Their 150-year milestone is a testament to the strength of their leadership and values, and we are proud to support their ongoing success.”
Reflecting on the anniversary, Jonathan Warburton adds,
“Reaching 150 years is a celebration of our people and partners. Long-standing relationships, such as the one we have with Gray & Adams, are an important part of our continued journey.”
We congratulate Warburtons on this remarkable achievement and look forward to supporting the next chapter of their story.
Andrew
Managing Director Doncaster, comments,
Gray & Adams Appoints Andrew Brown as Managing Director of Doncaster
Effective 1 January 2026, Gray & Adams has announced the promotion of Andrew Brown to Managing Director of its Doncaster operation.
After almost 35 years promoting Gray & Adams product in a customer facing role, Andrew was delighted to step into this new position. Having built his career within the business, his appointment reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within and recognising sustained contribution.
The promotion underlines Gray & Adams’ focus on supporting its people at every stage of their careers, with continued investment in training and clearly defined
Andrew Brown said,
“I am delighted to take on the role of Managing Director at Doncaster. Gray & Adams has given me the opportunity to grow, learn and take on new challenges over many years, and I look forward to leading the team as we continue to develop the site and deliver for our customers.”
Gray & Adams congratulates Andrew on his promotion and looks forward to the continued success of the
Gray & Adams Celebrates 80 Years of Farmlay Eggs with Continued Fleet Investment
Gray & Adams is proud to be working alongside Farmlay Eggs as the family-owned business celebrates its 80th anniversary, a major milestone that reflects decades of commitment to quality, service and trusted partnerships.
Founded in 1946, Farmlay Eggs has grown steadily over three generations while remaining firmly rooted in family values. Today, the business continues to be run by the family, with the third generation now leading the company and previous generations still actively involved.
Reflecting on the achievement, Farmlay Eggs Director Iain Chapman said:
“Reaching 80 years in business is something we’re very proud of. We’re still a family company, with my parents still involved and my wife working in the business too. Over the years, Farmlay has been built on two key things, service and quality. Getting the product delivered on time and in the right condition is absolutely essential to us.”
Those values extend throughout Farmlay’s supply chain, including its long‑standing network of egg producers, many of which are also family farms. Relationships are treated as partnerships, built on trust and shared standards.
A long-term partnership
Farmlay’s relationship with Gray & Adams spans many years and has evolved as the business has expanded. Initially supplying rigid box bodies in 1996, with twin member trailers that followed. The partnership further progressed in 2011, with the introduction of the first Gray & Adams lifting floor trailers to the Farmlay fleet.
The decision was based on a strong alignment of values. Both businesses are UK‑based, family‑owned and focused on producing quality products supported by dependable service.
John Burnett, Sales Manager at Gray & Adams, commented:
“Farmlay Eggs is a business that really values quality and long-term relationships, which makes it a great fit for Gray & Adams. We’re proud to have supported the company as it has grown and to continue supplying equipment that plays a key role in its operation.”
Since 2010, Farmlay has added a number of Gray & Adams double deck trailers to its fleet, with its latest investment seeing two new trailers delivered in March this year alongside new DAF tractor units. In total, Farmlay now operates six Gray & Adams lifting floor trailers.
Supporting growth and efficiency
The most recent trailers were added to support increasing demand from major retail customers, including Aldi and Lidl. After previously using third‑party hauliers to service Lidl’s Doncaster distribution centre, Farmlay made the decision to bring this work in‑house to improve reliability and delivery accuracy.
The Gray & Adams double deck trailers provide increased capacity, allowing Farmlay to transport more product in a single journey, improving efficiency while maintaining high standards of product care.
Looking ahead
With key retail customers continuing to grow at pace, Farmlay is expanding its production and logistics capability to match. Efficient, high‑capacity transport solutions will remain central to that strategy.
Gray & Adams is delighted to support Farmlay Eggs as it celebrates its 80th year and looks forward to continuing a partnership built on shared values and long-term success.
Moran Logistics
Gray & Adams is proud to support Moran Logistics, one of the UK’s leading food logistics providers, in delivering a reliable, safe, and sustainable fleet solution. With over 150 trailers currently on order, including lifting decks, urban trailers, dual decks, varidecks, and standard trailers, Gray & Adams is helping Moran optimise their operations across a complex network of chilled, ambient, and frozen food deliveries.
Tailored Fleet Solutions
Moran Logistics’ operations demand precision, safety, and efficiency. Gray & Adams works closely with the team there to design and supply trailers that meet these standards. Our trailers are built to meet the needs of our customers, such as to maximise uptime, integrate the latest technology, and support real time monitoring of temperature and operational performance. We are proud to support Moran Logistics with their carbon reduction goals while meeting the legislative requirements of their blue chip clients across major food producers and all of the large food retailers.
Collaborative Partnership
The relationship with Moran Logistics is built on collaboration and responsiveness. From initial specification through to delivery, Gray & Adams ensures every asset aligns with the customer’s operational and sustainability objectives.
Andy Deighton, Head of Fleet, Compliance and H&S at Moran Logistics says,
“Gray & Adams consistently delivers trailers of exceptional quality. Their products give us confidence that our fleet operates safely, reliably, and to the highest standards.”
Supporting Growth and Sustainability
Moran Logistics’ fleet strategy is focused on meeting the specific needs of their blue-chip clients while driving sustainability and efficiency across operations. Gray & Adams works closely with Moran to ensure each trailer specification matches the intended customer and operational profile, whether it’s lifting decks, urbans, or dual deck trailers.
Beyond supply, Gray & Adams provides guidance on emerging technologies, such as solar powered refrigeration and real time monitoring systems, supporting Moran’s goal of reducing carbon footprint and achieving its own net zero targets. Moran Logistics has also placed orders for delivery in 2027 and 2028 for a further significant quantity of Floating Floor Double Deck trailers to support its growth plan.
Delivering Added Value
Gray & Adams brings value beyond manufacturing trailers. Our team collaborates on specification changes, provides insight into emerging technologies, and ensures every investment aligns with Moran’s strategic objectives.
Ryan Mazgaj, Sales Manager at Gray & Adams, who manages the partnership, says:
“Our role is to understand Moran’s business and provide trailers that deliver reliability, safety, and innovation. By working together, we help them achieve operational excellence and meet their sustainability targets.”
Future-Focused Fleet
By partnering with Gray & Adams, Moran Logistics can continue to grow their business while improving safety, reducing carbon footprint, and integrating the latest fleet technologies. Together, we are futureproofing operations and supporting their position as a supply chain partner of
Gray & Adams Supports the Bentley Community
With a long-established depot in Doncaster, Gray & Adams is proud to be part of the Bentley and Scawthorpe community. Supporting local initiatives reflects a wider commitment to the areas in which the business operates, shaped by its core values, teamwork, responsibility, and community spirit.
Working closely with local partners, Gray & Adams continues to support projects that bring people together and create lasting benefits for residents. During 2025, the business contributed to a number of activities delivered by the Bentley Area Community Partnership (BACUP), helping the organisation extend its reach across the ward.
Councillor James Church expressed his appreciation for the support, highlighting the difference it has made to community events and initiatives,
“To mark the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII, poppies were placed across the Bentley Ward, including along Great North Road and the Pipering Lane entrance to Gray & Adams. The generous donation enabled BACUP to reach every area of Bentley, and the tribute was warmly received by the community. The poppies will be used again this year in time for Remembrance Sunday.
James continues,
Gray & Adams also funded festive activities for local families at the Bentley Park Christmas Fair and lights switch-on. Hundreds of children were thrilled to see the reindeer, and every child received a free book and selection box.
BACUP organises free events throughout the year at Bentley Park, supports community groups with equipment secured through funding bids, and is run by a small but dedicated committee. With over 10,000 residents attending events annually, Gray & Adams’ generosity has made a positive difference to the community during 2025.”
By investing in community led projects and working in partnership with organisations on the ground, the business aims to help sustain the events, spaces, and experiences that bring Bentley residents together.
Alick Neish
Gray & Adams said goodbye to long-serving employee Alick Neish. Working as a welder fabricator in Fraserburgh, Alick has worked for Gray & Adams for the last 24 years. We caught up with Alick just after his retirement to find out more about what he will miss about working for Gray & Adams and what he is looking forward to as he enters this new chapter.
What was your role at Gray & Adams and what were your day-to-day responsibilities?
I was a welder fabricator.
What did you do before you came to Gray & Adams and why did you want to work for the company?
I worked for Fraserburgh engineering and was contracted to Gray & Adams for around 9 10 months of the year, before I moved to work there full time. There was job security at Gray & Adams too which I valued.
What was your biggest achievement while working for Gray & Adams?
No standout achievement but I really enjoyed my 24 years, it was nice company to work for.
What did you enjoy most about working for Gray & Adams? My colleagues. It was a great workforce and my managers were nice, notably my manager Dale.
What are your plans for retirement?
Making furniture, I’ve always been handy with my hands so it’s been keeping me busy.
James and Peter Gray would like to thank Alick for his commitment to the company and wish him all the best in his retirement going forward.
