Iconic haulage brands, including Eddie Stobart, Great Bear and Fowler Welch, are set to disappear as parent company Culina Group brings its logistics businesses together under a single banner.
The move is part of a new phase of its growth strategy, aimed at unifying operations. It will bring the Culina Group and its subsidiaries together under one name, covering Culina Logistics, IPS, Stobart, Great Bear, Fowler Welch, Warrens, CML, Stobart Europe, IRF and iForce.
The group said the change would simplify access to its services for customers and strengthen collaboration across its warehousing, transport, e-fulfilment, contract packing and international logistics operations.
Culina will operate through five specialist divisions: Chilled & Fresh Logistics, Contract Logistics, Transport Logistics, Integrated Packing Services and International Logistics. The divisions will retain their specialist capabilities while benefiting from closer integration across the wider business.
The company said the move reflected its growth through acquisitions and organic expansion, creating a more integrated supply chain operation with a single customer-facing identity.
Liam McElroy, Culina chief executive, said: “This is a landmark moment for Culina and a defining milestone in our journey as a business.
“Over many years we have built one of the most comprehensive logistics and supply chain networks in Europe, bringing together exceptional businesses, expertise, and capabilities.
“Today, we unite those strengths under a single identity that better reflects who we are and what we can deliver.”
McElroy said the unified brand would give customers access to the group’s end-to-end capabilities through one partner, while providing greater clarity for employees, prospective recruits and business partners.
The group employs 15,000 people, whom McElroy described as central to the transformation. He said the move would provide a platform for further investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
Culina said it would continue to invest in infrastructure, technology and customer partnerships as a privately owned business, with the aim of strengthening its position as a leading independent logistics and supply chain provider.
Three specialist operations – The Pallet Network, Stobart EU Automotive and Eventor – will retain their existing identities.
The transition will take place progressively, with the Culina name becoming more prominent across sites, vehicles, digital platforms and company communications.
The group said the change was intended to create a more connected organisation while retaining the specialist expertise and customer relationships developed across its businesses.
