Nella Cutlery Services, the UK’s leading knife sharpening specialist, has invested in an integrated Webfleet telematics, driver safety and camera solution to improve driver safety and reduce vehicle downtime across its van fleet.
The family-owned business, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, supplies and sharpens professional knives for chefs, butchers and food manufacturers across the UK.
“Our vehicles are central to the service we provide, so keeping them on the road and our drivers safe is critical,” said Francesco Bondonno,Director of Operations at Nella.
“Webfleet gives us much better visibility across the fleet. We’re using it to understand driver performance, keep a closer eye on vehicle conditions and get a better picture of what’s happened when incidents occur.”
Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 in-cab driver feedback is helping Nella encourage safer and more efficient driving, with the business monitoring behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking and driver distraction. Clear reporting also makes it easier to identify drivers who may benefit from additional guidance or coaching.
In addition, vehicle data is helping the fleet team identify potential mechanical problems earlier. Alerts relating to issues such as gearbox or clutch wear allow Nella to take action before faults develop into more serious problems, supporting a more proactive approach to maintenance and helping to keep vans on the road.
Forward- and driver-facing cameras are helping to streamline insurance claims. Video footage and crash data can be accessed instantly through the Webfleet interface, giving the business a clearer understanding of incidents and providing evidence to support both the claims process and drivers who may have been unjustly accused of dangerous driving.
Webfleet’s CO2 reporting meanwhile provides greater visibility of emissions. The fleet team can identify driving behaviours that may be increasing fuel consumption and emissions and use these insights to support more sustainable driving.
Sustainability is in Nella’s corporate DNA. Alongside its knives, the business supplies chopping boards to professional kitchens, which it resurfaces and refurbishes so they can go back into use rather than being thrown away.
“We may have grown rapidly in recent years, but we are still fundamentally a family business and we care deeply about the welfare of each and every employee,” said Bondonno.
“The fit with Webfleet was obvious, with both businesses placing a high value on people, service and long-term relationships. The team really took the time to understand our needs and has shown a genuine ongoing commitment to supporting us.”
Alex Crane-Robinson, Regional Director UK & Ireland at Webfleet, added: “Connected fleet technology gives operators the information they need to coach drivers, investigate incidents quickly and spot potential vehicle issues earlier, rather than waiting until they result in an accident or a van being taken off the road.”
