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Birch Group rails ahead
Page 16
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IN A haulage network which uses rail for its trunking work is to expand as a result of the Birch Group's take-over of Stockton Haulage.
Stoke on Trent-based Birch Group was launched two years ago following a management buyout of the storage and transport business of Thomson T-Line. It has warehouses in the South East and Midlands, while Stockton Haulage has rail-linked warehouses in Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough, Stranraer and Holyhead, as well as depots in Larne and Dublin.
Stockton Haulage managing director David Bell says that most of its work is carrying steel, food and drinks, using rail for long hauls and serving depots with a fleet of 35 tractors and 240 trialers. Loads cross to Ireland on Stockton's trailers and are distributed there using its own 12 Irishbased tractor units or contracted-in hauliers.
Birch Group had not previously worked with rail this way but plans to expand Stockton's system. Stockton's turnover was last year; it will retain its name.