Scunthorpe-based specialist transport provider Clugston Distribution saw turnover increase and profitability return in the period during which the wider group collapsed.
Revenues increased by £2.5 million to £19.9 million in an elongated accounting period for the bulk, tanker and flatbed operating fleet, which boasts a significant maintenance division and Renault Truck franchise.
It was bought by a consortium led by third generation family member Alistair Clugston in the wake of the construction giant’s collapse in late 2019. Next year will see the centenary of the Clugston name on the road, with huge growth plans now kicking in.
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Mr Clugston said: "During this current financial year the company has delivered profit month on month for the first time in possibly 20 years. We've expanded the fleet by nearly a third in the last 18 months, and have placed an order for 55 new Renault trucks for next year. There is lots of new business available to us now, we just need the trucks!"
The period to March 2020 saw a £562,000 loss turned into a £2.3 million profit at the Brigg Road base.
Mr Clugston, who previously traded in tractor units and tankers abroad, said: ““The business is now an established operator in the market and through its commitment and high levels of service should continue to go from strength to strength.
“The bulk food fleet continues to exceed expectations with continued growth due to selling additional services to existing customers as well as widening the customer base. The business considers this to be a key market and continues to invest heavily in the fleet and its people.”
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In the immediate months beyond the financial period, Mr Clugston said food had been the only sector not adversely affected by the pandemic, with “increased demand for the products we distribute”.
Staff numbers dropped from 170 to 151 in the 14 months from January 2019.
On the remaining operations, he said: “The commercial vehicle maintenance business has continued to grow on the back of external customer demand and from within our own fleet.
“The business has also maintained its high level of investment in the apprenticeship scheme through an alliance with a major global truck manufacturer and this continued to produce high levels of skilled factory-trained vehicle technicians and fitters.
“The high level accredited dealership status with this global truck retailer continues to be successful and this, along with a wide range of other commercial vehicle services, puts the business in a very strong position.”
Since the financial period’s close, Clugston has also bought out Hull-based Trans 2 Logistics Ltd in an undisclosed deal with administrators.
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