Palletways haulier IEFS Logistics is finally rebranding as Ketra (Linked Logistics) after being delayed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Barking-based firm is rebranding five years after being acquired by fellow Palletways member Ketra (Linked Logistics).

Martyn Young, Ketra managing director, bought the business in 2017 when IEFS’s owner retired after 20 years, securing over 50 job with each company providing logistics services in London from opposite sides of the River Thames.

Young said: "As neighbouring members of the Palletways network we of course worked together. There was natural operational synergy between us and working with Palletways presented a great opportunity to expand our coverage within London. Since the acquisition we’ve invested over £1m into the IEFS business, including the recent delivery of two new customer-branded double deck trailers.

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“At the start both companies operated independently but we quickly started to realise the benefits of combining our resources and knowledge. We intended to rebrand earlier than 2022 but were delayed by COVID-19 and the numerous other industry challenges the last couple of years have brought.

"The teams however have worked increasingly closer together to achieve aligned objectives. The same values and management philosophy have been instilled across both sites.

“So now feels the right time to further develop these values, engrain them across the entire business and better communicate our offering. This creates brand clarity and allows our employees to belong to one inclusive company.”

Warwick Trimble, network director for Palletways UK, added: “The ongoing growth and development of both businesses since Ketra’s acquisition is a fantastic achievement. Customers across South and East London will continue to receive the excellent service they have come to expect, the only difference being is that they’ll be represented by one consistent brand and company.”