Cold chain logistics firm Hall’s Group is expanding its operations with the acquisition of Kiwi-owned Brausch Transport along with a major fleet renewal programme.
Brausch, based in Auckland and Palmerston North, operates in the same chilled and frozen freight sector as Hall’s and will start trading as part of the group from June 1.
Hall’s chief executive Tonille Crombie says the team is “excited” to be bringing Brausch Transport into the group.
“Along with our focus on Hall’s fleet renewal, this acquisition builds on our capability to service our customers reliably, and strengthens our national network servicing frozen and chilled freight.
“This acquisition will no doubt be noticed around the industry as a clear direction on where we’re headed as a business and we look forward to the opportunities this new chapter creates,” Crombie says.
In announcing the acquisition, Hall’s says it supports the company’s “vision of becoming NZ’s leading cold chain logistics provider, enabling us to expand our network capability and strengthen our service offering”.
It says the fleet upgrade of more than 100 trucks is also “progressing well” with a third of its new units on the road already.
“Our long-awaited order of 55 units (DAF and Scania) have started to arrive in the country as part of our 2023 Phase 1 rollout.
“We expect approximately 50 more units to arrive at the end of this year and early next year as part of our 2023/2024 Phase 2 rollout plan.
“These units are geared for maximum driver comfort, feature industry-leading safety technology and are kinder to the environment,” the company says.
With the first stage rollout happening progressively throughout its network, Hall’s says it has already seen “significant reductions” in CO2 emissions.
It has also seen close to 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide by switching to Euro 6 engines.
“We are proud of the advancements we’re making to better care for our environment and will continue this journey across our business,” it says.
“Coupled with our new fleet being rolled out, it’s an exciting time for the business.
“We look forward to the opportunities this new chapter creates for both the Brausch and Hall’s people, and customers,” the company says.
Brausch was founded in 2003 by Glen “Brasha” Brausch, who realised the need for efficient and reliable service in the chilled transport industry.
He started with one six-wheeler refrigerated truck and grew the business to around 25 trucks and 35 drivers. In mid 2020, new owners were bought on board with the vision to take the business to next stage while remaining 100% Kiwi-owned and operated.
In 2021, Hall’s was sold to Talley’s Group from previous owners the Madill family.
