UD the difference for WA retail empire

Western Australian retail business Spudshed will readily admit that harvesting and then delivering fresh, locally grown produce throughout a chain of 17 Perth-based supermarkets is no small task, but it’s made that bit easier by its capable and reliable fleet of UD trucks.

Spudshed owner, Tony Galati, says it’s been a journey of passion and dedication for him and his family that spans over 40 years – a journey that began with Tony and his brothers, Vince and Sam, growing up helping their Sicilian parents run a two-hectare market garden in Spearwood in the 1960s.

In the intervening year, the family’s untiring efforts have seen the business grow into the multi-million-dollar enterprise it is today, encompassing a comprehensive array of produce spanning meat, dairy and groceries.

Spudshed now draws on farms from Manjimup to Kununurra and has over 1100 employees to keep the wheels turning – including those of its fleet of 17 UD trucks.

Volvo Group Australia PR and Media Relations Manager, Matt Wood, recently caught up with Tony at Spudshed’s Canning Vale depot during UD’s Lap of the Map promotional tour, to hear more about Spudshed’s trajectory and the role UD plays in its day-to-day operations.

“This operation out here in Canning Vale, we move about 400 to 500 pallets every day,” says Tony. “You’ve got to be really quick when produce comes in and we load these trucks every morning. You don’t realise how much is involved in getting produce to a retail store or to the markets and if you don’t have the reliability of your trucks, you’re in trouble.”

Reliability was a major factor in guiding the Galati family towards UD trucks, with the vehicles typically travelling between 600 and 700km a day, and up to 1000 to 1200km a day during busier periods.

“We bought one truck and then another one and now we’ve got 17 UDs at this stage, and we’re looking at buying a few more,” Tony says. “They ’re great on fuel efficiency and for the horsepower they’ve got and for the tonnage we cart, they’re really good. Probably the best in the market that I’ve seen.”

Tony says his drivers are equally impressed.

“The air-conditioning, the driving, the way they steer, the way they handle the road – they’re really happy with the trucks,” he says. “I can tell they’re really happy with the trucks. I tell some of my drivers they should be paying me for driving these trucks,” he says with a laugh.

When it comes to running a successful family business, Tony reveals a few essential ingredients.

“For us, success in the business is what you put into it,” he says. “You’ve got to nurture your business, you’ve got to live in it. I’ve been in the game since I was a young kid and I grew up in it. And my kids did the same thing. They grew up in it, they were born into it. It’s a family business and we do it to the best of our ability.”

When asked about the UD Trucks Lap of the Map, Galati says it’s a positive move.

“I reckon it’s a good idea,” he says. “A lot of people don’t see the UDs unless they drive them. So, it’s good for people to see the product and to promote it out there.

“You’ve got a good product and you’ve got to show the guys in transport what you’ve got. I’m pretty fussy with my trucks and because I’m an owner/operator I look at the efficiency, and with UD it’s swung me around.”

The Vice President of UD Trucks Australia, Lauren Pulitano, says UD was proud to have its trucks contributing to Spudshed’s transport operations.

“Scaling Spudshed to what it is today is an immense achievement and it is so inspiring to see an independent family-owned business build a retail empire that allows the everyday people of Perth to source quality, healthy and fresh produce at affordable prices,” she says.

“The Galati family have owned and experienced their fair share of trucks in the 40-plus years they’ve been in business, so it is extremely humbling to hear how reliable, efficient, powerful, and comfortable UD Trucks have been for Tony and his drivers.

“Going the Extra Mile is our brand promise and to see our trucks consistently performing for customers like Spudshed, that is our goal. It was so wonderful hearing Spudshed’s story during the UD Trucks Lap of the Map and we thank Tony, the Galati family, and the Spudshed team for continuing to put their trust in UD Trucks.”