European expansion
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• Yorkshire haulier Abraham Transport is developing an overseas operation after 67 years of UK haulage following its acquisition of JEC Transport of Hartlepool, an owner-driver operation with car component contracts in France and Spain.
Abraham is initially running four vehicles on the weekly runs, moving parts from Ford's Dagenham, Halewood and Bridgend plants.
JEC Transport was founded 39 years ago by Joe Croker. At its peak in the mid-sixties it ran 14 trucks, but for most of the time it has been a one-man operation, with Croker behind the wheel on its regular 5,000km Continental trips.
Abraham was approached by Croker, who at 65 has decided to "take it easy". He will operate as a consultant for the Askrigg-based firm, routeing vehicles, advising new drivers and making a couple of trips a month himself. "I'm not the type for sitting in an office," says Croker.
The decision to buy JEC was taken by Mike Bailey, Abraham's general manager, who joined the firm in October 1990 with a brief to expand the business.
"Our financial base is extremely strong despite the economic gloom," says Bailey.