Derbyshire haulier Lockwood Group is continuing on the acquisition trail with the purchase of Ilkeston-based William West & Sons and William West Distribution for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 1899, William West is a family-led firm which specialises in transport services across the UK, as well as warehousing and trailer rental. It operates a fleet of 90 trucks and employs around 180 staff.
This latest acquisition comes two-and-a-half years after Lockwood Group purchased a 75% share in Essex-based family-run haulier, S&R Smith & Son, in October 2023.
Family-owned Lockwood Group has its headquarters in Ambergate, Derbyshire. The company operates depots in Sutton in Ashfield, South Kirkby, Caldicot, Denby, and its most recent addition is a depot in Grays, Essex, which was added when the company acquired S&R Smith & Son.
Lockwood Haulage has an operating licence for 40 trucks and 55 trailers and specialises in general haulage, contract packaging and warehousing.
Its subsidiary S&R Smith and Son has an operating licence for 59 trucks and 105 trailers.
Announcing the transaction on Linkedin, the company said: “We’re proud to announce that Lockwood Group has successfully acquired William West & Sons and William West Distribution, based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
“This marks a significant step forward in our continued growth across the haulage, warehousing, and logistics sector. The West business is built on strong family foundations, with a proud heritage and a commitment to service excellence, closely aligning with Lockwood Group’s values and making this a natural fit.
“By bringing these companies together, we are strengthening our capabilities, expanding our network, and creating new opportunities to deliver even greater value to our customers.
“We would like to thank Martin and Diane, the previous owners, for the opportunity and for the strong business they have built. We are proud to continue their hard work and success.
“We’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead and would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone from the West businesses joining the Lockwood Group.”
