Increase in off-trade business prompts Marston’s to invest in fleet upgrade
WOLVERHAMPTON-based pubco and brewer Marston’s has invested in an upgrade to its logistics fleet following an increase in its off-trade business.
The company has taken delivery of two the UK’s first Euro 6 Renault trucks, supplied by Allports Truck Centre. The trucks are additions to the brewer’s 23-strong primary fleet, which is based in Burton-on-Trent.
The company said it was making the investment because of a growth in its off-trade business.
The fleet operates on a 24/7 basis, transporting Marston’s full range of cask and bottled ales to its depots and to supermarkets across the UK. The new tractor units will be used to pull one of the company’s five bulk tankers, five double deck trailers or its 60 curtainside trailers.
As well as Marston’s own portfolio of beer brands, the Burton-on-Trent brewery also undertakes contract packaging and distribution for other breweries and the primary fleet carries out consolidated deliveries to supermarkets.
Chris Evans, Head of Group Logistics, Marston’s, said: “Historically we have run Scania and Volvo, but took the decision to purchase a couple of Renault Premiums in 2011, and they have proved a success compared to our other brands, not just in terms of mpg, but crucially, for our round the clock operation, they are reliable on the road with very little downtime.”
Allports, which has bases in Lichfield and Stoke-on-Trent said the deal represented an opportunity to develop the business across Staffordshire.
Mark Sanders, managing director, Allports Group, said: “We have recently purchased the freehold at our Stoke site in Fenton and are currently making a significant investment in redeveloping the site and facilities to meet growing demand.”
