Longton moves in
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• Longton Storage and Transport, the Stoke-based haulage, distribution and warehousing group, has taken over R L Graham Transport of Avonmouth in Bristol. In a separate deal, it has also acquired an 18,580m2 warehouse at West Thurrock in Essex.
According to Longton's managing director Brian Riley, the two purchases form part of the firm's continuing strategy to grow by acquisition. Longton is expanding its activities at present and is looking to buy new bases in regions where its coverage has been weak.
R L Graham Transport was bought for an undisclosed sum, with Longton attracted by its carpet distribution business, and its wines and spirits and paper transportation contracts. Riley plans to integrate the Graham operations into Longton's existing south western base at Tetbury in Glauces tershire.
The West Thurrock warehouse is a key purchase for Longton, as it will form the company's main depot and operating base for the lucrative London and South-East England market. Longton plans to turn the large warehouse, situated close to the M25 and the Dartford Tunnel, into an integrated warehousing, distribution and storage centre.
It has taken several months to complete the warehouse purchase because the former owners, WBS, had got into financial difficulties, says Riley. Longton now hopes to move its operations into the warehouse next month.
'To maintain its growth plans Longton will continue to look for suitable acquisitions. Takeovers in Scotland and the north-east of England are likely future targets for the company.