Super Group Convenience (SGC) has chosen Serco as its preferred supplier for an ongoing vehicle fleet replacement project. As at the end of 2019 Serco had delivered 40 of the refrigerated units with more to be finalised during 2020.

SGC, a division of the Super Group, is the largest national distributor in the convenience distribution marketing sector in South Africa, supplying more than 23 000 outlets throughout the country. The company offers a service specialising in centralised warehousing for FMCG goods and their transport.

SGC transports goods in all three defined temperatures i.e. frozen, chilled and ambient.

Technical Sales Representative at Serco’s office in Johannesburg Coriné Opperman said half of the vehicles delivered were Protec Steel manufactured units and the remainder were GRP fibreglass.

National Supply Chain Executive for SGC Etienne Bezuidenhout said his company decided on extensive replacements for its 177-strong fleet early in 2017.

“Our goal was to get refrigerated vehicles which maximise volume, minimise tare weight and have three temperature controlled areas,” said Bezuidenhout.  “We met with a variety of truck and trailer manufacturers in South Africa and after carefully considering options available to us we chose Serco.

“Deciding factors for the choice were in-depth product knowledge, awareness of our requirements, quality products and a price within our budget.  And to be honest, Coriné Opperman’s enthusiasm for the product and dedication to providing us with timely and efficient solutions made our decision so easy.

“Serco have become trusted and valued partners since negotiations began in 2017 and we look forward to a happy and long-lasting relationship with them,” added Bezuidenhout.

“Good thermal performance of refrigerated vehicles is vital in the transport of perishable products as any break in the chain can lead to a loss in quality and possible rejection by customers and end-users”.

“Serco are proud to be the preferred supplier for SG Convenience and are well placed to support the vehicles which are operating at various depots around the country”, said Clinton Holcroft, CEO of Serco.