STOBART IN THE 80s
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A decade of change and growth
1980: Edward Stobart and Sylvia Turner are married in Carlisle • Eddie Stobart builds and opens its first warehouse of 64,000ft2on Kingstown Industrial Estate in Carlisle. This proves to be the last major involvement of Eddie Stobart (senior) in the business as he passes full control to his son Edward. Subsequently, warehousing at Kingstown is gradually expanded to around six times the original capacity.
1985: Road fleet is 26 vehicles and 32 trailers and now based at premises alongside warehouse at Kingstown. Turnover £1.2m.
• First mobile phone is bought (at a cost of 21,200) for William Stobart's truck and within six months all the company vehicles have them fitted.
1986: Key changes are implemented to the Stobart management team, which means Edward Stobart can concentrate on future planning and growth.
1987: Stobart open its first satellite depot at Burnaston, just south of Derby.
• Stobart fleet now stands at 50 vehicles. Turnover is £4.5m.
• Major exclusive contract is signed with Metal Box to carry its empty cans. Stobart develops its own brand of specially-built, curtainsided drawbar outfits for this bulky traffic.
• Drivers are issued with green jackets displaying the company name.