Suttons flies the flag for 60 years in business
SUTTONS Group, the family-owned Cheshire logistics company which trades internationall, is flying the flag to celebrate its British roots in its 60th anniversary year.
The Runcorn-based group, has decorated four brand new DAF tractor units with the anniversary logo and Union Flag in recognition of its former livery.
In 1954 founder Alf Sutton set up the company with 18 vehicles and 58 staff following the de-nationalisation of the long-distance haulage sector. Sixty years on Suttons is a £150m annual turnover busiiness with operations across five continents and employing more than 800 people.
Chief executive John Sutton, the grandson of founder Alf, took over running the business 12 months ago, and attributes the group’s longevity to its ability to find new and innovative ways to improve and grow.
One example of Alf Sutton’s entrepreneurial spirit was adapting his six wheeler fleet to be able to carry four tonnes more payload by adding a trailer in a system which became known as wagon and drag.
This gave Suttons a legal payload of 22 tonnes which was substantially more than the competition.
John Sutton said: “There is no doubt that this resourceful and innovative approach to operations laid the foundations for the modern day transport and logistics sector. Without pushing the boundaries of what was possible it would never have developed into the multi-faceted, fast, and reliable service it is today.”
In 1978, Alf Sutton’s son Michael became managing director and took the company forward into new markets.
Looking ahead John Sutton said: “I’ve worked for Suttons since leaving university and held a number of positions within the Group, I am proud to be leading the company in its next phase. The team we have will enable Suttons to grow and capitalise on our core strengths but also to offer a broader range of services in logistics and supply chain management.
“Suttons has enjoyed many successes in the last 60 years and looks well placed to capitalise on the opportunities it has identified across the world. We are proud of our past and excited about our future.”
