Galipo Foods is one of South Australia’s best-known family-owned food-service distributors.
Founded in 1983, the company has grown into a major state-wide operation employing 245+ staff, supplying 3,500+ customers, and running a 60-vehicle refrigerated fleet across metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA.
Over the past decade, Galipo has become one of Australia’s most awarded distributors, including:
- 12 consecutive SA Best Distributor awards (2014–2025)
- Six-time FSAA National Distributor of the Year
- Multiple ASCA Best School Distributor recognitions
This success relies heavily on fleet reliability, food safety, uptime, and consistent presentation on the road.
The Challenge
Like many distributors, Galipo once ran a mixed fleet of older, second-hand refrigerated bodies. These units required frequent repairs, inconsistent layouts and limited driver efficiency.
Heavy-duty work, tight delivery windows and varied product sizes meant the trucks needed:
- More functional shelving
- Better internal layouts
- Safer load handling
- Multi-door access for quicker deliveries
- Improved temperature performance
Robby, who spent 18 years as a driver before becoming Fleet Manager, knew exactly what the drivers needed, but needed a manufacturer who could build to that level of detail.
Working with Aldom
Robby first connected with Aldom decades ago, long before the company grew into the modern team it is today. He worked directly with founders Albert and Dominic, who personally drafted early refrigerated body designs.
Aldom understood the practical realities of food delivery and worked closely with Robby on:
- Correct shelving heights
- Heavy-item storage low and safe
- Multi-door access (left, right, and rear)
- Angled shelves with lips to prevent stock movement
- Pallet-friendly configurations
- Reliable temperature control and stronger materials
The collaboration was hands-on, iterative, and grounded in how drivers actually worked.
The Solution
Working together, Aldom and Galipo transitioned from second-hand bodies to fully new, custom-built refrigerated units – purpose-designed for the distribution environment. Key build features included:
- Left, right and rear access doors
- Integrated shelving systems optimised for product size and weight
- Adjustable, angled shelves to prevent product movement
- Pallet-ready internal spacing for reduced manual handling
- Improved insulation and cooling performance
- Higher quality materials and clean, modern finishes
Results & Expected Impact
Driver feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – especially around practicality and reduced physical strain. Robby, drawing on his experience as a former driver, explains:
Being an ex-driver, I always check with the drivers on what works. The trucks with multiple door access and pallet room save time, reduce lifting, and are just easier to use.
One standout example is the Kangaroo Island truck, designed with full pallet access, multi-side entry and an optimised shelving layout. It’s become so popular with drivers and depot staff that Galipo has ordered another.
Compared to earlier builds, Robby says the difference is “night and day”:
- Better materials and construction
- Stronger, more attractive finished look
- More advanced refrigeration performance
- Improved temperature stability
- Significantly higher reliability
Through-Life Fleet Support
For a high-volume distributor, downtime is the enemy. Galipo relies heavily on Aldom’s repair and service division, especially the ability to:
- Bring trucks in without advance bookings
- Get immediate attention from the repairs team
- Receive constant communication and updates
- Minimise downtime and protect service levels
Continued Partnership
Galipo continues to invest in its fleet with Aldom:
- Two new refrigerated bodies currently in production
- A new body being installed on an existing cab
- Another new build scheduled for early next year
Robby says he would have done them sooner if he could have – a reflection of strong fleet demand and confidence in the builds.
You wouldn’t make a mistake. They make life easier for you. They’ve got the right team, and I can’t fault them – it’s 10 out of 10.
Robby, Fleet Manager, Galipo Foods