Logistics firm drives ahead with expansion following five-site acquisition

LOGISTICS firm W H Bowker has announced plans to acquire the warehousing and transport operations at five sites belonging to Potter Logistics.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see Hull and Preston-based W H Bowker purchase Potter’s operations in Knowsley, Droitwich, Selby, Ripon and York.

The acquisition makes W H Bowker one of the largest players in the UK in the field of specialist chemicals logistics, healthcare and food warehousing and distribution.

As a result of the deal, W H Bowker will operate a road transport fleet of more than 200 trucks, in excess of 450 trailers, and over 1,000,000 sq ft of warehousing, employing more than 750 people within its group.

Potter Group (Holdings) said it is entering a “new era” as a property investment company focusing on the development of its extensive land assets.

W H Bowker director Bill Bowker said: “Potter Logistics is a highly successful family-owned business with a reputation for quality and excellence in service across a range of specialist road transport and warehousing sectors, evidenced by the numerous awards it has won in recent years.

“Derrick Potter, his management team and staff have built industry-wide respect for their logistics expertise and the company provides an excellent fit with our expansion strategy. Both businesses are committed to a long term working relationship supporting and growing customer operations, while ensuring a smooth transition for all customers to the new commercial arrangement.”

Potter Logistics chairman Derrick Potter said:  “As a well recognised, family logistics business of 51 years standing, a key priority in recent years has been to look to the future of our excellent staff, as well as that of our customers, not simply at the legacy that we have built.  We are confident that the Bowker family shares the same cultural ethos that will continue to deliver the same quality of care and to grow the business for the benefit of all concerned.  We look forward to a fruitful long term partnership with them.”

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