Streamlining fridge door seal supply for a national franchise management company
The Seal Company was approached by a large franchise management company responsible for servicing and maintaining refrigeration units across hundreds of outlets nationwide. The client required a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective solution for sourcing replacement fridge and freezer door seals across their entire estate.
This case study outlines the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the long-term results achieved through our tailored supply program.
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The challenge: Achieving fast, accurate & cost-effective fridge seal replacements
The client faced several operational hurdles in managing fridge door seal replacements across multiple outlets:
Decentralised ordering
While the management company wanted to maintain overall control of procurement, they needed individual outlets to identify and request the correct seals independently.
Consistent pricing
Standardised rates across all outlets regardless of fridge model.
Budget predictability
Competitive, fixed pricing that head office could budget around reliably.
Durability and quality
Door seals in these environments are subject to heavy daily use by multiple operatives, meaning they needed a product that could withstand frequent wear and tear without compromising performance.
Fast turnaround
Internal health and safety checks, along with environmental health audits, often required immediate replacement of faulty seals to stay compliant and operational.
Streamlined administration
The ordering process needed to be simple and efficient, with clear accounting and minimal administrative burden for both head office and individual outlets.
Our tailored supply solution
After a detailed review of the client’s needs, The Seal Company designed a customised supply solution tailored specifically for their operation:
Enhanced product durability
We developed and supplied fridge door seals using a slightly more flexible yet highly durable plastic compound, designed to handle high-frequency door usage and reduce the likelihood of early wear or tearing.
Centralised data collection & stock management
We worked closely with the management team to catalogue every fridge and freezer model used across all outlets. Using this data, we pre-manufactured and stocked a full range of their required seals, allowing us to hold inventory in anticipation of both current and future orders. This approach enables rapid order fulfilment without delays caused by ad-hoc manufacturing.
Cost-effective bulk production
By producing seals in large quantities, we were able to offer consistent and competitive pricing across all outlets, regardless of the make or model required. This bulk approach also ensures the client benefits from economies of scale.
Simplified ordering process
We created a dedicated order form distributed by the Management company to each outlet. The form includes:
- A list of all approved models and part numbers
- Direct links to guides and images to help outlet staff identify the correct seal quickly and accurately
This eliminated errors, reduced back-and-forth communication, and allowed orders to be placed with minimal training or technical knowledge.
Fast dispatch and account management
Orders received before the daily collection cut-off are dispatched the same day, providing a 24-hour turnaround service in most cases. We also set up a dedicated account for the Management company, ensuring:
- Priority order handling
- Clear invoicing and account management
- A support team familiar with the client’s specific requirements
This alignment between admin, production, and dispatch teams ensures we consistently meet urgent demands.
The results: Faster replacements, lower costs
This tailored supply program has now been running successfully for several years, delivering measurable benefits:
- Reduced downtime due to rapid seal replacement
- Reliable stock availability across hundreds of locations
- Lower long-term costs thanks to bulk pricing and durable seals
- Improved compliance with health and safety and environmental regulations
- Streamlined operations, reducing the administrative burden on both the client’s head office and individual outlets
The solution has become a proven and repeatable model, which the management company continues to rely on for ongoing refrigeration maintenance.
Conclusion
By understanding the client’s unique challenges and delivering a flexible, scalable, and reliable supply system, The Seal Company has provided a solution that goes far beyond the initial remit.
This approach now forms the basis of a specialised service package we offer to other large B2B customers, demonstrating how efficient supply chain management and high-quality products can make a tangible difference in multi-site operations.
Thinking about streamlining your fridge seal supply?
Speak to our B2B team today to discuss how we can create a tailored solution for your network.