Gaskells Waste Services has embarked on an ambitious £3.2 million investment programme aimed at further modernising operations and improving service capabilities.

The award-winning Liverpool based company, led by managing director Jonathan Gaskell, has added 12 new vehicles to its fleet, taking its total to 45. This is along with undertaking a comprehensive workshop upgrade, which means all maintenance work can be carried out in-house at the company’s main depot in Bootle.

“This will mean an even more reliable service for all Gaskells’ thousands of customers across Merseyside, the North West and UK regions,” said Jonathan.

The additions to the Gaskells fleet include three Mercedes Econic  trucks and nine new Scania L280 models. The Scania L280 is specially designed for safe urban operations and is highly fuel efficient, which minimises the impact to the environment. The L280 cab is low level entry, with excellent access, wide boarding steps, and a generous door opening angle, which is of huge benefit to the drivers and crew who are frequently in and out of the truck on the waste collection routes. Safety is paramount for Gaskells, and the L280 has a low-level door window that gives the driver a better view of nearby pedestrians and cyclists. As with the rest of Gaskells’ fleet, the Scania trucks are equipped with VWS Software Solutions technology and the Cyclear cyclist sensor system.

The upgraded Gaskells workshop in Bootle features a 20-metre pit lane, with pit jacks, brake tester, shaker plates and headlight aim adjuster, plus a 12-metre pit, complete with with a 2-poster column lift and 8 mobile column lifts.

“Being able to carry out maintenance on-site allows a quicker response times to mechanical issues, which in turn means vehicle downtime is reduced, ensuring that waste collection schedules remain uninterrupted,” added Jonathan. He continued. “Gaskells’ on-site technicians can conduct regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs more efficiently, which helps extend the lifespan of the fleet and reduce costly breakdowns.”

In addition, Gaskells has introduced a fully digital workshop operation in partnership with supplier, Freeway Fleet Systems, as part of the expansion.

Freeway Fleet Systems is a digital platform designed to streamline the maintenance and management of vehicle fleets. It provides real-time data on vehicle condition, service schedules, compliance, and repair history, allowing Gaskells to monitor and manage its fleet more efficiently. Replacing traditional paper-based systems also aligns with Gaskells sustainability goals and commitment to the environment. Jonathan emphasised the strategic importance of the Freeway system within this wider investment: “Our £3.2 million investment demonstrates our commitment to building a future-ready operation, innovation, environmental responsibility, and to continue delivering the highest standards of service to our customers. The Freeway system is more than just another piece of software, it’s the digital backbone that connects and optimises our entire fleet maintenance operation. By bringing together all aspects of fleet engineering, from inspections and defect management to stores, purchasing, and reporting, Gaskells now has a clearer picture of performance across the board. It’s giving us the tools to make even smarter decisions, further optimise resources, and strengthen our business for the long term.”

Matt Reeve, who led the Freeway implementation on behalf of Genie Insights, had high praise for the team at Gaskells: “The Fleet Manager at Gaskells, Ray Burns, has a familiarity with Freeway which gives a huge advantage, along with the whole team’s enthusiasm and engagement, in rolling out the paperless maintenance solution across its fleet of refuse trucks. In addition, Gaskells’ decision to invest in a connected, digital fleet management system speaks volumes about their commitment to doing things the right way. By embracing technology, backing trusted relationships, and empowering their people to lead change, they’re setting the pace for what great fleet management should look like – not just in their sector, but across the whole industry.” 

Issued on behalf of Gaskells Waste Services by the Ubiquity Collective – Further information is available via: joel@ubiquitycollective.co.uk