A transport and logistics firm has embarked on its next stage of expansion after taking 110,000 sq ft of new office and warehouse space.
Warrington-based Mark Thompson Transport, which is part of the Kinaxia Logistics group of companies, is creating 20 warehouse jobs as a result of its move to new headquarters.
The business, founded in 1989, is based at the Stretton Distribution Centre in Appleton. It currently has 200 staff. Kinaxia acquired the company in 2017.
Mark Thompson Transport’s previous offices were close by at the same distribution centre. The investment marks its first foray into warehousing.
In addition to its headquarters, Mark Thompson Transport has 22 operating centres around the country, including bases in Bootle, Bury, Doncaster, Glasgow, Preston, Shrewsbury and Tamworth.
It provides through-the-night and parcel trunking services for delivery companies and has seen strong growth this year due to the upsurge in online shopping during the pandemic.
The company also provides haulage services for clients include supermarkets and other retail chains, drinks companies and builders’ merchants.
Its new premises are on the site of a former Royal Naval Air Station and were latterly a manufacturing and research base for Myprotein, which is part of The Hut Group.
Mark Thompson said: “This investment will enable us to meet increased demand from an expanding client base and represents a step change for the business.
“The new warehousing space creates opportunities for significant further growth by enabling us to develop our services to customers.
“At the same time, the move to new offices creates a more modern and efficient working environment for our loyal head office team.
“Our success has been built on a high level of customer focus and a reliable and cost-effective service using the latest technology. We now have the platform from which to move on to the next level.
“We are also thrilled to be bring new job opportunities to the area.
“The investment underlines Kinaxia’s commitment to continuously strengthen, support and enhance the businesses within the group.”
Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group comprising 13 businesses with over 1,600 staff and more than 800 vehicles.
The group has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire. It has two million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management and storage services.
It has seen significant and continued growth over recent years, with annual revenues now approaching £200m.
Kinaxia was recently recognised as one of Britain’s leading mid-market private companies with its inclusion in the 16th annual Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table, based on sales.