Panther leaps forward with Yorkshire acquisition
YORKSHIRE’S Hi-Way Express has been acquired by two-man delivery specialists Panther Warehousing.
The move will see Pacifica Group’s Castleford-based two-man delivery business become the new subsidiary of logistics group Panther.
Northamptonshire headquartered Panther said the move will not only take the company to become a £25m turnover business within the next 12 months, but will also increase its critical mass whilst further reinforcing its market leading position within the white glove dedicated two-man delivery market.
Hi-Way Express occupies a 200,000 sq ft warehouse where it has 57 employees. Unlike Panther, the business works solely on a sub-contractor model so has no vehicles or drivers. However, the business will progressively operate under the Panther brand.
Panther Warehousing chairman, Wilson Barrett, said: “The acquisition of Hi-Way Express marks a new era for Panther and is one of the most exciting developments in Panther’s history since we changed our business model in 2010.
“We have been looking for an M62 corridor depot for a number of months and this acquisition has given us a prime opportunity to increase our critical mass as well as provide us with the right depot location.
“By merging the two companies we are now the leading dedicated next-day two-man white glove delivery specialist in the UK which places is in an incredibly strong position on which to continue to build.”
Panther changed its business model in December 2010 which took it from being a general transport company to focusing on the niche next-day two-man delivery market.
It was a move which has paid substantial dividends and one which has not only resulted in Panther more than trebling its turnover but has created a robust business laying strong foundations on which to continue to build. It has two new depots in Peterlee and Taunton.
Earlier this year, Panther developed an app forming part of a wider £350,000 investment in its IT infrastructure.
Kevin Brown, group managing director of Pacifica Group, added: “Both Pacifica Group and Panther Warehousing were founded on the principle of providing high quality customer service, the ethos and management team within Panther will not only ensure a smooth transfer but also offer an increased range of customer services to the existing client base.
“The Pacifica Group board would like to place on record their gratitude to all HEHD staff for their hard work and commitment throughout their time with us and we wish them and Panther Warehousing every success in the future.”
