RJ Jones Haulage given lifeline via pre-pack deal

Holywell, Flintshire haulier RJ Jones Haulage has been rescued from administration in a pre-pack deal that has safeguarded 145 jobs.

The company said an accumulation of a significant bad debt write off, the loss of a major contract and a delay in new contracts starting meant that its directors felt they had no option but to instruct PricewaterhouseCoopers to investigate.

It subsequently went into administration on 5 March before the business and assets were snapped up by RJ Jones Group.

A spokesman for the company said other parties expressed an interest but that the only viable offer was from the haulier’s directors.

"All significant customers from the previous company have shown commitment going forward to RJ Jones Group," said a spokesman. "Fuel suppliers to RJ Jones Haulage have also agreed to sign supply contracts with RJ Jones Group.

"RJ Jones Group Ltd has also put in place a detailed business plan to encourage future growth within a range of sectors, designed to diversify its client base."

The spokesman added that the company had obtained interim authority to operate up to 100 vehicles nationally from the Wales and North East traffic areas, and internationally from the Eastern traffic area.

Last year Northamptonshire-based DRS (EU), bought by RJ Jones Group in 2008, went into administration and then liquidated following a £200,000 bad debt