Wincanton turnround
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• After a "disappointing" first six months, the Unigateowned Wincanton Group has increased its 1985/86 turnover by 30% to 2246 million, and raised its operating profit by 27% to 210.5 million.
One of the top performers in the group was Wincanton Transport, which has now recovered from the reduction in its bulk tanker business following the imposition of milk quotas.
During the 85/86 financial year it won major transport contracts from Amoco, Austin Rover and Belling which have helped to reduce its dependence on milk transport, and brought its Darlaston depot — a long-time "underperformer" — into profit. The Sully depot, however, has been closed as part of a rationalisation scheme.
Wincanton's chilled distribution business also made "excellent progress — principally through increased third-party business and more efficient loadings". Storage space at the company's Uttoxeter, Staffordshire warehouse has also been increased and a nev depot has been established at Milton Keynes.
The Wincanton Vehicle Rental's commercial vehicle contract fleet remained at lasi year's level. The company blames a highly competitive market with competitor pricin often appearing unrealistic after finance and maintenance charges are taken into account.
However, the company say that the end of the transition period for the phasing out of first-year capital allowances should result in a more sensible approach to pricing in all areas of contract hire.
Its light van hire operation of Auto-Rentals managed a 15% growth in its fleet size.
The imposition of milk quo. tas also hit Wincanton Engineering's tank building business, although it has bee] turned back into profitability following new building contracts.