Haulage and distribution firm with presence at Thurso in Caithness hails bumper year for growth across Scotland
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A DISTRIBUTION and haulage firm with sites in Caithness and Sutherland is celebrating a boom in growth after it created more than 100 new jobs and launched eight new depots across Scotland in the past year.
M&H Carriers’ expansion of its Highlands and Islands operation, and its move into Argyll, provided the biggest opportunities in a year which also saw its Aberdeen and Dundee depots thrive.
Its existing satellite depots include Helmsdale in Sutherland and Thurso in Caithness. It also operates two satellite sites in Ross-shire at Muir of Ord and Kyle of Lochalsh, and a Highland hub in Inverness.
Managing director Fraser MacLean said: “Coming into 2021, there was a lot of uncertainty. However, we’ve experienced a year of incredible growth – thanks to the dedication of our team, and our customers who have stuck by us.
“In 2021 we doubled our staff – in turn, almost doubling our turnover. As well as recruiting new drivers and warehouse operatives, we’ve expanded our management team with a new general manager in our Inverness depot, a customer services manager, and a continuous improvement manager to ensure we’re always focusing on the future of the business.
“Throughout the pandemic, the haulage and distribution industry as a whole proved how vital it is to the running of the country. During lockdown, when online ordering increased to unprecedented levels, it became a vital frontline resource for the country. I’d like to personally thank all our drivers who worked tirelessly to ensure our customers’ deliveries reached their destinations during such an unpredictable time.”
One of M&H Carriers’ biggest investments came with the opening of a new depot in Glasgow, serving Argyll with further satellite depots in Oban and Tarbert – as well as the opening of five satellite depots across the Highlands and Islands, allowing greater levels of service for those living in harder-to-reach areas.
This growth has been supported by the signing of a number of long-term partnerships with major national carriers – allowing the firm to increase its fleet by over 50 vehicles, including 10 electric vans used for last-mile deliveries in Inverness.
Mr MacLean added: “When we committed to becoming the first delivery firm in the Highlands to introduce electric vehicles to its fleet, many thought it was just a pipe dream. But operationally, it’s been a huge success and it’s been a real hit with our customers. We’re already looking at how we can introduce more EVs to our fleet."
