Culina Group entered the UK logistics marketplace back in 1994 and has since continued to grow by consistently offering tailored, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions to clients.

Through a combination of strategic acquisition, joint venture, and continued investment Culina Group looks forward to the next 25 years and beyond. Let’s take a look at the company’s exciting journey so far…

Founded in 1994, the same year that the Channel Tunnel opened Culina Group began as a single site operation serving just one client. By building a strong reputation and solid foundations Culina Group opened its Central Operation and fully automated chilled warehouse at Market Drayton in 1998.

Steady growth continued over the next few years. In 2001 a depot in Milton Keynes was established as a UK distribution platform for FMCG manufacturers based in the UK and Europe. In 2006 Culina Group opened a depot in Stafford further improving client distribution support.

As the “noughties” drew to a close, the momentum for Culina Group was really building. In 2008 Culina merged with Bayliss Transport to create a new 3PL business under the Culina banner. In the same year Culina Group opened a 200,000 sq. ft. site at Haverhill further expanding the network.

The following year saw major developments as Wincanton merged its chilled consolidation activities in the UK with Culina Group, and the company also entered into a Joint Venture with contract packing business IPS, a move that significantly added value to client operations. With 2010 approaching a new decade dawned as Culina Group entered in to a Joint Venture with SHS Group, which saw a new 3PL solution established across Ireland.

In 2012, the year of the London Olympics, Culina Group continued on the acquisition trail with an agreement to take over the supply chain activities of Cert Octavian, and the following year further enhanced its nationwide network with the introduction of an impressive 210,000 sq. ft. state of the art chilled distribution centre in Bristol.

IPS was fully acquired in 2014, before major expansion was announced in 2016 with the deal to acquire the highly reputable Great Bear Distribution business and the establishment of a Joint Venture with CML, the 3PL specialist to the discount retailers. The same year saw Culina open Port Salford the UK’s first “Tri-modal” (Road, Rail, and Sea) facility.

Further expansion in 2017 saw CML fully acquired by Culina Group, and the Joint Venture agreement with market leading Irish haulage business Morgan Mclernon. Again major infrastructure foundations were laid with the introduction of the massive Great Bear Distribution operation at Markham Vale adding another 1,000,000 sq. ft. to the network.

This year the Culina Group growth momentum has shown absolutely no signs of slowing as the announcement of a Joint Venture with market leading baked goods logistics business Warrens Group was followed closely by the acquisition of fresh produce logistics specialist – Robsons of Spalding.

It’s been a spectacular twenty-five years for Culina Group, a milestone which the company is going to be celebrating throughout 2019. With no signs of slowing down the next 25 years will be very exiting for this forward thinking food and drink logistics specialist. Culina Group is “In it for the long haul” – as it has been since 1994!

CULINA GROUP

01630 695000

www.culina.co.uk

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