Wincanton has written to Eddie Stobart Logistics’ (ESL) employees on the Aggregate Industries’ Concrete Products Division contract ahead of the switch in contractor, Motortransport.co.uk can exclusively reveal.
The letter, seen by Motortransport.co.uk, confirms the “recent decision by Aggregate Industries to award Wincanton the logistics contract for their concrete products division”.
It adds that the move means those employed by ESL and dedicated to the Aggregate Industries contract will transfer to Wincanton under TUPE, as previously reported on this website.
“It is anticipated that the transfer of the operations will take place on 4 March 2019”, the letter states.
It also explained that until the transfer of operations ESL will continue its business as usual and adds that “we are working collaboratively with them to enable a smooth and successful transfer”.
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According to the letter Wincanton representatives have been present this week at the Hulland Ward, Derbyshire; Carnforth, Lancashire; and Grovebury Quarry in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire quarries.
It states that the operator plans to run similar sessions at additional sites through the week starting 18 February, as well as writing to affected colleagues.
Motortansport.co.uk understands that the above sites are quarries where the finished product is also manufactured for onward distribution.
While drivers on the contract are affected, support staff at Hulland Ward and the Torr Works in Shepton Mallet – not mentioned in the letter – could be included.
The contract
The five-year contract went live in October 2016, with ESL replacing XPO Logistics.
ESL had been moving finished products from the Bradstone, Charcon and Masterblock product ranges for Aggregate Industries from 14 UK sites since that date.
The operator also staffed a new traffic office specifically for the contract and, in a move deemed innovative for the sector, used a significant number of curtainsiders rather than simply flat-bed trailers to move the product.
There are thought to be planners and managers connected to the Aggregate Industries deal at ESL’s head office in Appleton, Warrington in Cheshire, that could be subject to TUPE but this has not been confirmed.
Wincanton declined to comment.
ESL and Aggregate Industries were both approached for comment but had not responded as this article was published.
