Northern Ireland logistics firm Derry Refrigerated Transport has acquired Brennan Refrigerated Transport in Waterford, Ireland.
The acquisition is part of expansion plans that include a £9m investment in a new 10 acre hub in Portadown in Co Armagh, with the creation of 50 new jobs.
Derry Refrigerated Transport, which has 200 employees, supplies to Ireland and the UK. MD Patrick Derry said that whilst the acquisition was not driven by Brexit, it would “futureproof” the company ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU.
He told the Belfast Telegraph: “This investment is what is needed in our industry in the 21st century. However it will, of course, future-proof the company going forward regardless of the decision being made about a hard or soft border.
"At this stage, it is hard to gauge the exact detail of how Brexit will affect our business.
"There is still so much uncertainty on a way forward. However, this new facility will ensure my customer base will have tailor-made solutions to fit their plans going forward."
Referring to the new hub, Derry added: “This investment will allow us to build on the platform we have established during our 20 years in the industry and will enable us to provide wider and more tailored services to our clients.
“We are delighted to be able to create employment for the local area once our new hub is complete and we are looking forward to expanding further into the Irish market.”
Derry added: “Our customers have been extremely loyal to us since starting out 20 years ago with only one lorry and we want to continue to enhance our relationship by offering them something extra.
"We are hopeful that this recent investment will establish Derry as the go-to refrigerated transport company in Ireland.”
