A Midlands logistics expert is on track for a record year after creating a 'remote fleet' to help its clients move goods around the country.
Nuneaton-based Lesters Logistics - which provides transport, logistics and warehousing solutions - has seen demand for its services rise significantly following the easing of lockdown.
It comes as more and more companies look to counteract the national HGV driver shortage by outsourcing part of their delivery requirements, or increase warehousing space to store products.
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Lesters, which used to be known as SL Packaging & Transport, is also in the midst of a £150,000 investment drive which will include a new MRP system, new racking for its 22,000 sq ft warehouse on Weddington Terrace and the acquisition of further vehicles for its rapidly growing fleet.
The company says it expects to see a 40 per cent increase in annual sales - and a record £1 million turnover for 2021.
Reiss Newport, finance director at Lesters Logistics, said: "We were really busy during the pandemic, taking on a lot of emergency jobs for the NHS and ensuring we continued to support our manufacturing clients that remained operational.
"Things have been even more manic in recent months, with the HGV driver shortage highlighting the fragility of the supply chain.
"Our logistical knowledge, expansive warehousing space and access to a 10-strong fleet of vehicles is proving invaluable and we fully expect to be up 40 per cent on the same time last year."
He added: "It's about giving clients a 'remote fleet' operation to move their goods around the UK and even Europe. And we're not resting on our laurels, instead pushing the button on our biggest ever investment in new technology, vehicles and a 20 per cent increase in our workforce."
Lesters Logistics was purchased by Burntwood-based Lesters two years ago and is part of a group that can now offer a full packaging supply solution, from creation and production of corrugated boxes and bespoke packaging to storage and distribution of goods.
It works with more than 150 different clients every year and now has the capability to manage both 'stock and serve' and 'pick and pack' operations on behalf of customers looking to free up their space and manage requirements remotely.
Operations manager Brian Dale, who runs the business with Reiss, added: "The new branding reflects our position as part of a strong independent group and is already starting to help us attract new clients.
"Lesters Logistics was the first step in the creation of the Lesters eco-system and, over the next few years, there are plans to make further acquisitions up the supply chain. It's all about fulfilling our brand promise of 'we deliver more'."
