Suttons Tankers bought by Schenk Tanktransport

The move will see Suttons operate under the new name of Schenk UK and aims to strengthen its position in the market and unlock new growth opportunities.

The Sutton family has retained ownership of Suttons International to maintain what it called an undivided focus on its continued growth and expansion. The company will remain under the stewardship of the existing management team, led by chief executive John Sutton.

Headquartered in Widnes, Suttons employs approximately 875 people and has a turnover of €140m. It specialises in the transport of chemicals, gases, biofuels, powders and liquid waste, serving a diverse range of clients across the UK.

Schenk chief executive Marcel Claessen will oversee the combined business operations and brings a strong track record of driving growth in the logistics sector. His leadership is expected to help unlock further opportunities for Schenk UK, both in the UK and across Europe.

Sutton said: “After nearly a century in the road transport industry, originally founded by our grandfather Alf Sutton, we are immensely proud to see Suttons Tankers positioned to grow further under Schenk’s ownership. Schenk’s values and heritage align closely with ours, making them the right choice to lead the tankers business into its next phase. This sale also allows us to sharpen our focus on the future of Suttons International, a family-owned, globally recognised brand in ISO-tank logistics.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire tankers team for their dedication over the years. We are confident they will thrive within the Schenk family, while we concentrate our efforts on further expanding and strengthening Suttons International to better serve our global customers.”

Added Suttons MD Michael Cundy: “Over the last 10 years we have seen significant growth and development of the Suttons Tankers business, always with the leadership and support of the shareholders and non-executive team. We have a business that is strategically placed to deliver further long-term growth and exceptional customer service in our chosen product sectors.

“Our acquisition by Schenk will serve to support this long-term commitment to our markets and represents an exciting next chapter in the proud history of our business. The progress we have made and the opportunities we now have for the future would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of Suttons’ fantastic workforce and the support of our customers and suppliers.”

Schenk Tanktransport is a leading tank transport company in North-West Europe, specialising in the transportation of liquid food, chemicals, gas, and biofuels. It operates a fleet of over 900 tractor units, with operations across Europe, and has a strong focus on innovation and safety. The company has a turnover of €300m and employs 1,750 people.

Claessen said: “We are excited to welcome Suttons Tankers into the Schenk Group. This acquisition not only strengthens our market position, but also allows both companies to use each other’s strengths and knowledge, allowng us to offer enhanced services to our customers across Europe. We are confident that this partnership will drive growth and innovation.”