Grampian Continental has fast become a major player in the north-east road transport sector, despite being founded during a recession and at a time when fuel costs are continually on the rise.
Launched in 2009, the business is already moving up through the gears to be recognised as one of the UK and Europe’s growing road haulage firms.
Named Scottish Road Haulier of the Year 2012, it has been a successful first three years for Grampian Continental, headquartered at Kinellar, Blackburn, Aberdeenshire.
The firm, which also has a further two premises in Great Yarmouth and Holland, is set to launch a fourth base in Italy in October to strengthen its trade links for customers across Europe.
Currently managing exports and imports across the UK, Europe and North Africa for more than 500 customers, the oil and gas sector represents around 85% of business for the firm, which supports exploration projects providing guidance and solutions for logistical requirements.
With a modern fleet of 40 trucks and 80 trailers, the firm has the ability to transport a diverse range of loads, from 1kg up to more complex loads, such as 80tonne offshore structures.
Managed by directors Gavin Murray, Neil Bremner and Michael Lacey, Grampian Continental employs around 50 members of experienced staff across all its bases, providing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the road transport industry.
Operations director Michael Lacey said: “We have an expert team and we are continuing to grow the business in the north-east of Scotland and reinvest in our assets and our workforce.
“It is great to be able to create job opportunities for local people and add even more experience to our team.
“Our turnover this financial year has exceeded our expectations and it’s placed us five years ahead of the business plan. Our customers have also been a great support to the business and we remain focused on customer service.
“Grampian Continental has had an amazing year so far and we are all very excited about the future of the company.”
The management team at Grampian Continental is driven to continually improve the business and this year saw a £1.5million investment on nine new trucks and a 4,800sq ft expansion at the Aberdeenshire premises.
The new office planned for Italy will allow the company to focus on opening up trade opportunities to and from Italy to other destinations including Romania and Turkey, as well as offering onsite storage and consolidation of groupage consignments.
With customer satisfaction fuelling the firm’s rapid growth in the haulage industry and future plans to expand into Poland and north England, the winning team at Grampian Continental is in top gear to accelerate its road to success.