Whitby Morrison is a world-leading Ice Cream Van manufacturer, who have been buiding bespoke ice cream vehicles for over 55 years. Based in Crewe, Cheshire, they continue to expand and grow with more clients and more exciting projects globally.

We spoke with Ed Whitby, Operations Manager and third generation Whitby, who gave us an insight into the van makes and models used and how they make the ice cream vans we all know and love. 

What van types do you use most often to manufacture Whitby Morrison ice cream vans?

90% of Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Vans are built using a Mercedes Sprinter chassis as the base vehicle. We also have experience of building using other base vehicles including Ford Transit and VW Crafter. In addition, we convert and restore Heritage Ice Cream Vans using a wide variety including Bedford, Austin and Morris.

Why do you use these van types over other makes and models?

The Mercedes Sprinter offers exceptional value for money. The performance, reliability and engineering quality is second to none and compliments the Whitby Morrison standards perfectly. Coupled with an excellent back up, aftersales and support service, it would be a true challenge to identify a valid alternative.

In a nutshell, what is the process to go from a basic van to an ice cream van, and how long does this take?

The build process from start to finish can take between 4 and 6 weeks depending on the vehicle specification. The process begins with the chassis preparation where alterations are made to chassis to accommodate the new bodywork and interior fit. While this takes place, the GRP bodywork and interior components are manufactured and then the two processes brought together.

From this point, the refrigeration system is fabricated and then used by the Coachbuilding department to kit out the interior to the customer’s individual requirements. The soft ice cream machine, built for Whitby Morrison in Italy, is then fitted and commissioned.

The fully built ice cream van will then be taken through the paint process which involves bodywork preparation, primer coating and application of colours. On completion of this process, the painted ice cream van will be moved to the vehicle completion department. It is here that the signwriting and artwork are applied before the fitting of the remaining components; namely windows, lighting and vehicle electrics. 

The ice cream van will then be fully tested and audited to ensure conformity prior to be handed over to its new owner – before driving away to serve ice cream.

Other than ice cream vans, what else do you manufacture?

In addition to ice cream vans, we produce a wide variety of catering vehicles, trailers and kiosks – and even the traditional ice cream tricycle. The skills within Whitby Morrison ensure that pretty much any vehicle can be produced to the individual requirements of the customer.

What is the best or most unique van you’ve ever built? What van type was it made from?

It is fair to say that every van we build is the best; that’s what we strive for. Every job completed should be even better than the last. It is impossible to pinpoint the best van we’ve ever built, they’re all of equal importance to us. That said, there have been some quirky projects over the years. 

We recently completed a bespoke ice cream van for luxury brand Hotel Chocolat. At a similar time we produced a replica of the famous Cummins FG Rocket – arguably the most iconic of all ice cream vans ever. We’re proud to have built the ice cream van operating at the London Eye and the kiosk at the Tower of London. Internationally we have ice cream vans operating in more than 60 countries, including a fleet of 20 working in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Who has been your favourite client you have ever made a van for?

All customers are important to us, and each as important as one another, regardless of value. We like to look after people as best we can; building a working relationship and helping them to become successful whilst using our products.

What was the most challenging client or job you have completed as a business, and why?

All jobs have their challenges; our continuous improvement system ensures that each task presents its own challenges as we work to make things increasingly better. A specific job that could be mentioned here was the project we undertook for Cadbury for the 2012 London Olympics. Nigh on impossible deadlines, tight delivery schedules and last minute branding changes pushed the business to its extremes – and we succeeded!

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