Logistics firm CM Downton is continuing its winning streak in the food industry sector clinching a series of contracts worth around £2m a year.
The spate of wins follows CM Downton’s major investment over the past 12 months in its fleet and warehousing facilities.
The company, which operates 600 tractor units and 1,800 trailers, has inked a new deal with organic produce company Pukka Herbs, after working for the company indirectly since 2013 as part of the wider supply chain.
Under the new contract, Downton will now be working directly with Pukka, moving 15 to 20 loads a week from Pukka’s packaging operation in Brockworth. The products will be stored at a dedicated warehouse at Downton’s Gloucester headquarters before being transported to retailers across the country.
Downton has also secured a new contract with salt manufacturer Ineos Enterprises Group, which has a manufacturing base close to Downton’s flagship northern depot in Runcorn.
The deal involves Downton handling the majority of the Ineos Salt Business’ part and full load transportation, moving up to 50 loads a week from its plant to customers nationwide.
The third contract, with crisp and snack manufacturer Kolak Snack Foods, sees Downton handle the distribution of Kolak’s products to supermarket chain Aldi, transporting up to 50 loads a week from Kolak’s manufacturing plant in Park Royal to Aldi’s distribution centres in Chelmsford and Swindon.
Andy Downton, MD of Downton, said: “2015 has been a very successful year for us. We’ve retained a number of contracts with major customers and added some very promising new accounts to our portfolio. With significant investment also going into our fleet and depot network, we’re in a very strong place going into the Christmas period and on into 2016.”
Recent investments include the purchase of new warehousing and office facilities to expand the firm’s Gloucestershire operation, a £13m investment in a new fleet of trucks and trailers and a £2m spend on trailer tracking and traffic management systems.