Palmerston North-based logistics firm Booth’s Group is expanding into the South Island with the acquisition of Summerland Express Freight.
Summerland is a Cromwell-based firm that has been family owned and operated for close to 30 years to become one of the South Island’s major freight operations. Its founders Ross and Barbara Millard are stepping down following the sale.
Booth’s, also family owned and operated, have purchased Summerland in conjunction with Brendan Prendergast who is the founder and former owner of MOVE Logistics.
The deal adds to Booth’s group of companies comprising of Booth’s Transport, Tomoana Warehousing and The Produce Connection.
Summerland includes a fleet of 100 trucks and employs 150 staff across 10 locations. Booth’s says the deal will round out its geographic spread and provide customers with a “more seamless network nationwide”.
Collectively the businesses will provide services including linehaul transport, metro delivery, produce cartage, container handling, hiab delivery and a range of warehousing, storage and pick and pack services.
Booth’s chief executive Dallas Vince says the company’s growth trajectory has been the result of customer demand for Booth’s to have an increased presence nationally.
“Our customers want us to simplify their supply chain with one point of contact for all their transport, logistics and warehousing needs,” he says.
“All Summerland stakeholders will benefit hugely from increased resources including new fleet vehicles that are on the way, additional technology platforms, access to a broader network geographically and a wider range of service offerings.
“All of the Summerland team will be offered new employment contracts and we expect the shared family values and business synergies between Booth’s Group and Summerland to make for an easy transition for all our team, suppliers and customers,” Vince says.
Alongside expanding the geographic reach, a key focus for Booth’s Group over recent years has been to operate a modern, safe and fuel-efficient fleet.
“The Booth’s business model is based on a modern fleet with a current average fleet age of 38 months,” Vince adds.
“We are proud to have one of the lowest average fleet ages in New Zealand, and it’s our intention to apply this same model to the Summerland business in the short to medium term.”
Vince also paid tribute to the successful business built by the Millard family.
“On behalf of the Booth’s Group family, we would like to acknowledge and thank Ross and Barbara for their commitment, dedication and service to the logistics industry.
“We wish them all the best in their retirement and trust they will enjoy some well-earnt down time,” he says.
