Gregory Distribution, which last year snapped up Interoute Transport Services, has purchased Devon-based refrigerated haulage business M&D Transport.

Angela Butler, Gregory Distribution finance director said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing working relationship with M&D and the purchase of the business will complement our existing refrigerated transport operations and create new opportunities for us.”

She added that M&D’s owners, plus 33 employees, will join Gregory Distribution when they transfer over on 1 August.

The acquisition, which also includes 18 tractor units and 27 trailers, came as Gregory Distribution MD Andy Walker told Motortransport.co.uk the company had taken on a temporary lease of a 35,000ft² depot in Avonmouth, to act as an “overspill warehouse” and ease pressure on its Patchway site just north of Bristol.

“It’s a short term arrangement to cover one of our major customer’s seasonal volume increase. Our Patchway depot is located at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Patchway is one of our main depots and will of course remain open,” said Walker.

The operator provides temperature controlled transport services to a range of customers in the South West, the south coast and the Midlands.

Gregory Distribution also acquired Sussex-based Philson Haulage last year.

MandD vehicle