02 Sep Customer Case Study – Stirling Potatoes
About
Angus-based company, Stirling Potatoes, like Gray & Adams, is a family-run business. The Upper Dysart Farm has been home to the Stirling family for four generations, as they have farmed there for over 30 years. Managing Director, Andrew Stirling runs the operation alongside his wife Anita, and their children Jessica, Hannah and James.
At Upper Dysart Farm, the family farms potatoes, vegetables and cereals, as well as processing and packing this produce, before it is supplied to retail. Andrew bought over the business in 2008 and it has been on a constant upward curve since then. The company began supplying to schools, hospitals, care homes and in majority public sector in its early days and has now expanded into supplying and packing Aldi’s potatoes in Scotland. Stirling Potatoes learned how to cook and supply ready-meal companies on a large scale, providing a 30+ day shelf life, unlike any other product. This innovative product has allowed the company to create high-quality, honest, home-style products, sealing in the good nutrients of the farm fresh produce without unnecessary additives.
Managing Director, Andrew, first saw innovative technology being used during visits to processing facilities in Sweden and Germany. Realising it could provide the family with produce to sell via a vending machine at their own farm shop, as well as offer retailers a way to cut waste, he invested in the packing technology, as well as an on-farm production line that can pack 500 packs every hour. Unlike any other products in the market, Stirling Potatoes has an advantage with massive food waste saving and packing waste saving for retailers, drastically cutting the amount of food sent to landfill.
Customer Requirement
Stirling Potatoes had been aware of the Gray & Adams name and reputation in the industry. When the time came to replace his truck, the company that was supplying the chassis also recommended Gray & Adams. Andrew, knowing the reputation of Gray & Adams bodywork as being of the highest quality, decided to choose Gray & Adams to work with.
The company opted for a 26-tonne truck specification, the aim being to replace their two previous trucks with one. Stirling Potatoes wanted to streamline the use of the vehicle and combat the challenge of load size and drivers. To allow for one larger vehicle reduces staff requirements and also allows for larger loads to be transported to multiple retailers.
Gray & Adams Added Value
Stirling Potatoes Managing Director, Andrew tells us, “Gray & Adams provided excellent customer service. They were very approachable and understanding. I knew what I wanted from them, and they made the process very easy. They were great to work with”.
Customer Impact
Stirling Potatoes has been going from strength to strength over the last number of years, introducing innovations in product and technology. When asked about the future plans of Stirling Potatoes and Upper Dysart Farm, Andrew tells us,
“Following on from our successes, I am eager to grasp every opportunity I can and run with it. I am invested in finding innovative solutions in my own industry to better our business and appreciate the shared value of innovative excellence in Gray & Adams. I am grateful for the relationship we have built and the further understanding of the trailer industry they have provided me. I look forward to seeing where I can take my business and wouldn’t hesitate to use Gray & Adams again in the future”.