Bolton-based Warburtons has acquired its first range of Renault trucks to deliver baked goods.

The three Range T430 4x2 tractor units will join the firm’s primary fleet of 130 vehicles. They will operate out of its Enfield bakery, delivering freshly baked goods across the south east.

The Renault trucks include a sleeper cab and contain 11-litre straight-six DTi engines, producing 424hp, with an Optidriver 12-speed automated gearbox. They also feature air-suspended driver and passenger seats.

“We trialled a Range T demonstrator supplied by local dealer JDS Trucks & Van at our Bolton bakery,” said Steven Gray, national transport manager at Warburtons.

“Feedback from our drivers was very positive; they reported being pleasantly surprised with the quality, comfort and performance of the Range T, and this encouraged us to consider Renault Trucks as part of our next selection tender.”

The Range Ts will cover around 175,000 kilometres a year, hauling Warburtons’ Gray & Adams insulated trailed fleet, half of which are double-deck, and keep baked goods at 22 degrees to maintain maximum freshness.

“As part of this process we ran our own TCO evaluation models, and the Range T was very competitive economically. Our vehicle selection criteria covers more than cost; image is important for the Warburtons brand and our company ethos is built around quality, which needs to be conveyed through the equipment we use,” Gray added.