8/16/10

Plateau Takes It To A Higher Level


Established in 1979, Australian-owned Plateau Food Distributors is one company that is not standing still. As a food service company Plateau supplies products to commercial clients including restaurants, cafes and caterers. Servicing clients in Sydney and the NSW Central Coast, Plateau Food Distributors deals with some big names, such as Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, Hog’s Breath Cafe and Gema Catering.

Plateau Food Distributors opened in a butcher shop at Collaroy Plateau on Sydney’s northern beaches and has operated for 18 years, processing meats and shredding cheese for the pizza and bakery trade.

In 1997 the business was purchased by current owners John Smith and Chris Montgomery, who expanded to supply market-leading brands including Devondale, McCains and Patties. Plateau Food Distributors today operates a 'cash and carry' outlet and employs 33 staff.

With their clients' reputations to uphold, as well as their own, it is imperative that Plateau Food Distributors' products are extremely fresh and of a high quality, before and after delivery.

A loyal Isuzu customer for 25 years, the company runs a modern fleet of Isuzu trucks, with 13 NQR 450 models and one FSD 850. The trucks are always on the go, delivering frozen, chilled and dry products.

According to Plateau Food Distributors’ Managing Director, John Smith, the Isuzu trucks’ insulated van bodies make the vehicles ideal for transporting perishable goods.

"Our delivery trucks are modified and fitted with freezer bodies and refrigeration units to allow for transportation of chilled and frozen products," Mr Smith said.

Plateau Food Distributors has 15 drivers of their Isuzu fleet, so it is important that the trucks are easy to handle and reliable for long delivery runs.

"All of our drivers are very pleased with the performance of the Isuzu trucks," Mr Smith said.

"Our fleet vehicles each cover 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres per year, operating in busy city conditions and in regional areas – they cover a lot of ground."

Mr Smith said that although it's a small vehicle, the Isuzu NQR 450's four cylinder, sixteen valve SiTEC Series II 185 engine makes light work of deliveries.

"The six-speed synchromesh manual trucks are ideal for our fleet’s diverse driving conditions," he said.

As the larger truck in the fleet, the FSD 850 features a six cylinder, 24 valve SiTEC Series II 255 engine. The Isuzu four-bag electronically controlled air suspension system helps to meet the needs of heavier deliveries often allocated to this truck. The FSD also features cruise control for highway driving.

Both Isuzu models have advanced safety features including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Anti Skid Regulator (ASR) and driver and passenger airbags.

The Isuzu NQR 450 and FSD 850 both meet the latest government emissions regulations with their Euro IV rating. This also helps to fulfil the environmental standards and expectations of Plateau Food Distributors' clients.

"We always choose Isuzu trucks due to their power, economy, reliability and excellent resale value – Isuzu trucks are really second to none," Mr Smith said.

As a devoted Isuzu customer, Plateau Food Distributors ensures its trucks are given the appropriate care required to uphold a successful fleet.

"We take the Sydney trucks to an Isuzu dealership for their first service, and all of the Central Coast trucks are serviced at Gilbert and Roach Isuzu," Mr Smith said.

In addition, all trucks in the company's fleet are protected by a three year Isuzu warranty.

"We purchase Isuzu Trucks to not only expand the fleet, but also to replace retiring vehicles. The trucks generally have a lifespan of five years before they are resold and replaced with new Isuzu models," Mr Smith said.

In the past 12 months, Plateau Food Distributors has added eight new units to its fleet, with plans to add another three units by the end of 2010, and continue expanding in the foreseeable future.

See much more at www.isuzu.com.au.

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