A multimillion-pound investment programme at a North East family firm has stepped up a gear with the purchase of a fleet of new vehicles.
Newton Aycliffe family business Stiller Warehousing and Distribution has grown significantly over the last five years, with investments including new staff, trailers and a new freight distribution centre.
Earlier this year, the firm, which provides warehousing and distribution services to businesses across the region as well as commercial property lettings, converted its former logistics centre into a 50,000 sq ft warehouse able accommodate up to 6,000 pallets.
The move followed the opening of a £2m freight distribution centre and office block at its 22-acre premises on Aycliffe Business Park last year.
Now the logistics specialist has invested £382,000 in 11 new vehicles as the family-run business continues its impressive investment programme, taking the firm’s total investment in property, facilities and people to £12m in the last five years.
Stiller has paid more than £315,000 on 10 vehicles from S Cartwright & Sons near Manchester, in an order which includes four 15.6m-long trailers – two metres longer than standard trailers.
It will take the total number of Stiller’s longer semi-trailers up to 16 as the firm replaces hired-in assets to cope with a rising demand for its palletised distribution services.
Stiller has also acquired an 18-tonne, Iveco gross vehicle weight urban area delivery vehicle from North East Truck and Van in Billingham costing £66,000.
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Managing director Matthew Stiller said: “Investing in our vehicles and making sure we have the latest kit means we’re operating a safe and efficient operation.
“We’re continuing to enjoy sustained growth due to demand in our warehousing and distribution services, so while this investment is necessary for us to service that growth it’s also vitally important for us to maintain our fleet of vehicles and keep us ahead of the game.”
The significant spend comes after the firm published accounts for 2018, showing a £1m lift in turnover from £14.7m to £15.7m.
Employee numbers also rose,from 153 in 2017 to 169 in 2018.
The accounts report also hints at further expansion at the site, concluding: “The potential development of existing and new buildings on the company’s premises in Newton Aycliffe is being evaluated by the board of directors. This is in response to continuing demand for warehousing services in the area.”