Suttons toasts 60 years with higher profits

CHESHIRE-based international logistics group Suttons has reported a surge in profits during its 60th year in business.

The family-owned company, headquartered in Runcorn, said efficiency measures had helped it boost operating profits 28.2% to £10.7m. Reflecting modest growth in Europe and the US revenue in the year to April 30 crept up 1.5% to £157m.

During the year Suttons invested £19.4m on new assets, including new ISO tank containers and alos in taking a majority shareholding in Hanchi Logistics in Shanghai, giving it trucks in China for the first time.

The UK division, incorporating road tankers, warehousing and drumming operations, also saw growth from new and existing customers in a very competitive market place. During the year the Group replaced a significant number of its vehicles and road tanks representing a considerable investment in the future development of the tankers division.

Suttons entered the new financial year in confident mode, announcing two significant acquisitions. ItsInternational division acquired a controlling interest in Singapore-based I.S. Logistics, gaining drumming, transport and warehousing capability in South Asia and at the end of August the UK tankers business acquired Imperial Tankers Limited for £27m.

Suttons Group chief executive John Sutton said: “It’s been a successful year for the Group which has enabled us to invest significantly in both our UK road tanker and International ISO tank container fleets, together with significant IT system improvements across the business.

“Investment is essential to ensure we continue to provide the highest standards of quality in the markets we operate in and expand the number of services we can provide to our customers.”

Mr Sutton’s grandfather Alf founded the business in 1964. The company focused on delivering products and services to the chemicals, gases, fuels and food sectors. It has bases in New Jersey, Houston, Widnes, Antwerp, Ludwigshafen, Le Havre, Kuantan, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Khobar.

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